Chattanooga Mocs sophomore Sergio Desiante added to his hardware haul to start the New Year. The Southern Conference announced Desiante as Wrestler of the Week Wednesday after his standout performance at the Southern Scuffle presented by Compound Sportswear.
Desiante went 5-0 in earning the Mocs first-ever title in the marquee event. His path to the title included wins over three different NCAA qualifiers including two top 10 victims. It earned the Most Outstanding Wrestler award, also a first for a Moc.
"I think this weekend just gave Serge more and more confidence," Coach Kyle Ruschell reflected.
"And it's a great thing for him. We just need to make sure we stay grounded with all the awards and accolades.
“It's a daily process. These are just steps along the way. He does a good job with that, and he understands where he was a year ago, and where he was even at the beginning of this year.
"Now he's seeing the progress and what it takes. We just need to continue to take those steps."
He started with a 14-4 major decision over Gaetano Console of Duke before just missing another coming in at an 8-1 decision against Devin Wasley from North Dakota State. Clarion’s John Worthing was next in the quarterfinals.
Desiante dispatched the 2023 NCAA qualifier by 7-3 margin setting up a semifinal matchup with Virginia Tech’s Lennox Wolak. Wolak was the top seed in the Scuffle and ranked No. 4 heading into the bout. Desiante dominated the bout before holding on at the end with a 7-6 finish.
No. 10 Gaven Sax was the finals opponent. The Oklahoma Sooner fell to an early Mocs takedown. Desiante worked the gameplan entering the matchup perfectly from there in a 3-2 triumph.
Desiante recorded 11 takedowns while giving up nary a one. He allowed just 13 escapes and outscored his opposition 39-16. He did not trail in any match with 35 clean minutes of action.
The Mocs are back in action on Jan. 19 hosting Campbell at 2 p.m., in Maclellan Gym. The following week is a visit from VMI with the match taking place in Cleveland, Tenn. Tickets for the Campbell matchup are on sale on GoMocs.com.