Ambrocio named CUW Co-Male Athlete of the Year
MEQUON, Wis. – Sean Ambrocio returned to the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championship for the third time in his career in March 2014 with one goal in mind. After two previous trips, Ambrocio wanted to become an All-American, needing a top-eighth finish in the 125-pound bracket to earn that honor.
Ambrocio (San Antonio, Texas) wrestled his way to an eighth-place finish, earning All-American honors for the Concordia University Wisconsin Wrestling team. For his efforts and strong performances throughout the 2013-14 season, he was named Co-Male Athlete of the Year by the CUW Athletic Department.
The CUW Athletic Department has been announcing its postseason awards in the recent weeks, with the Ambrocio honor capping off the awards season. Yesterday, junior quarterback Austin Damaschke was selected as the other Co-Male Athlete of the Year. In addition, CUW announced a Female Athlete of the Year, a Male and Female Career Achievement Award winner and Scholar Athlete Award winners.
For Ambrocio, 2013-14 did not start out as well as it finished, with him battling injuries for much of the beginning of the season. When he was able to return to the mat, Ambrocio posted a 19-7 record, winning five of those matches by fall.
He hit his stride when the postseason started, beginning with a dominant performance at the Northern Wrestling Association Tournament. Ambrocio, who was named the NWA Most Outstanding Wrestler, won his first match by fall in eight seconds and his second match by technical fall, 22-5. His victory in eight seconds was one second shy of tying the program record.
Ambrocio then went on to place second at the NCAA Division III Midwest Regionals, earning a berth in the NCAA Championship for the third straight season. At the regionals, he won his first two matches via fall, before dropping a title match by major decision.
At the NCAA Championship, Ambrocio dropped his opening match before responding with two wins later on during the opening day of competition. His 3-1 victory over Jimmy Kaishian of Ithaca College earned the Falcons 125-pound grappler the All-American honor he had been waiting for.
In addition to his strengths on the mat, Ambrocio also showcased excellence in the classroom last season. He was named an NWCA Scholar All-American after posting a 3.22 grade point average, working towards a degree in occupational therapy.
Ambrocio will enter his senior season looking to earn his fourth-consecutive berth to the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championship, attempting to post another All-American season.
2013-14 CUW Athletic Department Award Recipients
Male Career Achievement
Award (announced May 23): Russell Johnson, Men's Tennis
and Men's Hockey
Female Career Achievement Award (announced May
23): Katie Luethe, Women's Basketball
Female Athlete of the Year (announced June 3):
Sammi Reiter, Women's Lacrosse and Women's Hockey
Co-Male Athlete of the Year (announced June 4):
Austin Damaschke, Football
Co-Male Athlete of the Year (announced June 5):
Sean Ambrocio, Wrestling
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