BLACKSBURG, Va. (WFXR) — Mekhi Lewis is off to a winning start to his final year in a Hokies singlet. The fifth-year redshirt senior was one of four Virginia Tech wrestlers to sweep their matches in the opening weekend of the dual season.
Lewis defeated Ohio State’s Carson Kharchala with a takedown and an escape while allowing zero takedowns himself to win by a 4-2 decision on Friday night. Then on Sunday, he dominated American University’s Lucas White with a 20-3 tech fall.
Lewis, ranked no. 3 in the country at the 174-pound weight division, has had his share of ups and downs during his time in Blacksburg. From winning a national title in his freshman year to deal with injuries, the reigning ACC champion has grown both on and off the mat. And now he’s in position to become the first four-time All-American in school history.
“For Mekhi, perspective is important. I think sometimes, especially when he was young has a tendency to put a lot of pressure on himself. He can make it too much about winning and losing and he’s a very competitive guy,” head coach Tony Robie said. “Hopefully he’s just enjoying it and having fun and going out there and competing hard. Because he’s obviously very good. And if he’s wrestling his best, he can beat anybody.”
The Hokies continue the dual season on the road against Rutgers on Friday night.
