CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Fighting Illini redshirt-freshman Isaiah Martinez has been named to the Amateur Wrestling News All-Rookie team, it was announced today. Martinez also reeled in the national wrestling publication's top honor for a freshman, being named Rookie of the Year.
Martinez compiled a perfect 35-0 record on his way to winning the 157-pound title at the 2015 NCAA Wrestling National Championships, becoming the first freshman to win a national championship while remaining undefeated since Iowa State's Cael Sanderson in 1999. Of his 35 wins, 24 came by major decision or better, including an NCAA-leading 11 technical falls. He is just the third Illinois wrestler to post a flawless season, joining Eric Siebert and Matt Lackey.
A native of Lemoore, California, Martinez adds the AWN Rookie of the Year honor to his awards as the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and InterMat Freshman of the Year.
The 2015 AWN All-Rookie first-team includes Nathan Thomasello (125, Ohio State), Matthew Grossman (133, Wilkes), Dean Heil (141, Oklahoma State), Brandon Sorensen (149, Iowa), Martinez (157, Illinois), Bo Jordan (165, Ohio State), Zach Epperly (174, Virginia Tech), Willie Miklus (184, Missouri), Kyle Snyder (197, Ohio State), and Nate Butler (285, Stanford).
Fellow Illini redshirt-freshman Brooks Black was also named to the AWN All-Rookie Team, garnering second-team recognition at heavyweight.
