University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Greeley Native Andrew Alirez Named Big 12 Wrestler of the Year
3/23/2023 10:07:00 AM | Wrestling
IRVING, Texas – Northern Colorado's Andrew Alirez was voted the 2023 Big 12 Wrestler of the Year by league coaches after completing a 28-0 season that was highlighted by a Big 12 title as well as an individual national title.
Alirez became the first wrestler in program history to win both the Conference's yearly award and a national championship since Northern Colorado became a Division I program in 2006. The Greeley, Colorado native also earned his first All-American honor en route to his 141-pound title after defeating Iowa's top-seeded Real Woods via 6-4 decision. The loss was the three-time All-American's first of the season (20-1).
Alirez's season included a litany of awards as he collected his first Big 12 Wrestler of the Week award on November 29 as well as the NCAA Wrestler of the Week. He bonused 64.29 percent of his matches and secured a .697 RPI ranking as he finished atop the InterMat rankings in the 141-pound weight class.
The Big 12 title was the second of his career as he defeated WVU's Jordan Titus, OSU's Carter Young and Missouri's Alan Hart to defend his crown. Alirez was the first in program history to become a two-time Big 12 champion.
Alirez became the first wrestler in program history to win both the Conference's yearly award and a national championship since Northern Colorado became a Division I program in 2006. The Greeley, Colorado native also earned his first All-American honor en route to his 141-pound title after defeating Iowa's top-seeded Real Woods via 6-4 decision. The loss was the three-time All-American's first of the season (20-1).
Alirez's season included a litany of awards as he collected his first Big 12 Wrestler of the Week award on November 29 as well as the NCAA Wrestler of the Week. He bonused 64.29 percent of his matches and secured a .697 RPI ranking as he finished atop the InterMat rankings in the 141-pound weight class.
The Big 12 title was the second of his career as he defeated WVU's Jordan Titus, OSU's Carter Young and Missouri's Alan Hart to defend his crown. Alirez was the first in program history to become a two-time Big 12 champion.
Players Mentioned
/ Wrestling
HC Nickerson, Vinny Zerban, and AJ Heeg Post Dual Press Conference vs Cal Baptist 01/24/2025
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Andrew Alirez Press Conference
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Postmatch Press Conference - HC Troy Nickerson
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Head Coach Troy Nickerson and Andrew Alirez Post Match Press Conference
Monday, February 24
