Yianni Diakomihalis named Rookie of the Year by AWN!https://t.co/dhsseltsnW
— Cornell Wrestling (@BigRedWrestling) May 1, 2018
In announcing its choice for top first-year college wrestler for the just-concluded season, AWN began by pointing out the prep accomplishments of its honoree: "Our 2018 Rookie of the Year Yianni Diakomihalis was in high school just ten months ago. The Cornell true freshman was one of just seven wrestlers ever to win four New York high school state titles ..." adding that the wrestler they selected compiled a 243-3 record in high school.
For AWN, Diakomihalis' selection isn't just about impressive high school accomplishments. The iconic magazine labels the 141-pound champ's weight class as "one of the toughest at the NCAAs" -- citing Diakomihalis defeat of a pair of Cowboys -- two-time defending champ Dean Heil of Oklahoma State in the quarterfinals, and topping of two-time NCAA runner-up Bryce Meredith of Wyoming in the title match. Amateur Wrestling News also cites the Big Red rookie's 34-1 college record as reason why the oldest national wrestling publication selected Diakomihalis as 2018 Rookie Wrestler of the Year instead of Iowa's Spencer Lee, who just last month received the magazine's Hammer Award "presented to that wrestler who wins what our selection panel feels was the deepest, most competitive weight class at the NCAA tournament."