Wrestling’s Kristoff Thomas Named UNCP Student-Athlete Of The Week

PEMBROKE – After posting seven wins last week, including an incredulous third place run through the 149-pound tournament at the Davidson Open on Saturday, freshman Kristoff Thomas has been named this week's UNCP Student-Athlete of the Week, athletic department officials announced Monday.

Thomas, a Fayetteville native and Douglas Byrd High School product, picked up his first career dual meet victory with a convincing 7-1 decision over Belmont Abbey's Nick Sgroi on Wednesday in the English E. Jones Center, but then booked six more wins at Davidson on Saturday, five of which came by virtue of pin. His only loss last week came on the heels of a decision to Duke's Marcus Cain. He won four-straight matches in the consolation tournament, including three by first-period pins, and needed just 45 seconds to pin Davidson's Kevin Birmingham in the third place match.

Thomas registered a 31-5 record as a senior at Douglas Byrd High School last year en route to capturing both the regional and state titles. He has already posted 11 victories for the Braves this season.