Austin O'Connor calls second wrestling national title 'more special' than first for North Carolina

Posted Mar 20, 2023
Austin O’Connor retooled in 2022-23 to go after his second national title for UNC Wrestling. It worked. O’Connor defeated Penn State’s Levi Haines in the 157-pound final 6-2 to cap off an undefeated senior season. He established himself as one of the greatest wrestlers in Tar Heels history. O’Connor finished his career 116-10 over five seasons. (On3.com)

Related: Wrestling

Newsletter: Hubert Davis Out?, UNC Women's Basketball to Sweet 16, Caleb Wilson to the Rafters
Has Hubert Davis coached his final game at North Carolina? We’ll likely find out very soon. UNC Women’s Basketball advanced to the Sweet 16, Caleb...
Mon Mar 23, 2026

Bryce Hepner Becomes First UNC 165-Pound All-America Since 2015
North Carolina 165-pounder Bryce Hepner earned All-America honors, Saturday on day two of the NCAA Wrestling Championships. Hepner, in his first season with the Tar...
Sat Mar 21, 2026

Newsletter: March Madness Begins, UNC Baseball Sweeps Cal, Veesaar's Career Night, NFL Moves
March Madness is upon us, UNC Baseball sweeps Cal, three Tar Heels are named All-ACC in Men’s Basketball, and there are six new UNC Track...
Mon Mar 16, 2026

Bryce Hepner Wins UNC’s First 165-Title Since 2009, Wrestling Finishes Fourth At ACCs
Bryce Hepner was victorious for the North Carolina wrestling team at 165-pounds, Sunday at the 2026 ACC Wrestling Championships, hosted at Virginia Tech. The graduate...
Mon Mar 9, 2026