SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Appalachian State University wrestling led all conference schools with four all-conference selections, as the Southern Conference postseason awards were announced by the league office on Tuesday. ASU's selections were highlighted by SoCon Wrestler of the Year Kyle Blevins.

Blevins, a senior wrestling at 165 pounds, was voted Wrestler of the Year after compiling a 33-5 overall mark and a perfect 6-0 record in conference dual matches. The Sapulpa, Okla., native has ascended to 15th nationally in the latest InterMat Wrestling national rankings and has recorded four victories by fall this season.

After winning its first regular season championship since 2003, Appalachian State placed a league-high four wrestlers on the all-conference team. Blevins was the coaches' choice at 165 pounds, and he was joined by fellow seniors Mike Kessler (141 pounds), Savva Kostis (149) and Austin Trotman (184).

Kessler's final season is highlighted by a 6-0 league record and a 30-11 overall mark. He leads the team with 21 wins by decision and has picked up four pins. Kessler finished the regular season with the 15th-best RPI Rank in the country and was slotted No. 26 in the NCAA coaches' rank.

Kostis went 11-4 in dual action, including 4-1 against SoCon foes. He leads the Apps with 10 major decisions on the season, and his 81 career wins are 12th-most in ASU history.

Trotman, ranked No. 12 in the latest InterMat rankings, was slotted No. 11 by the nation's coaches and scored his class's No. 7 RPI rank at the end of the regular season. The two-time defending SoCon chamion is 31-4 on the year, including 15-1 in duals while 6-0 in the SoCon. Trotman's all-conference selection is the third of his career.

Defending tournament champion Chattanooga and this year's third-place finisher, The Citadel, completed the remainder of the all-conference team with three wrestlers each.

The league's head coaches also selected a 10-wrestler all-freshman team. Mountaineer Paul Weiss was selected to the squad after posting a 5-1 record in SoCon action with a 16-13 overall record, including 10-6 in all duals.

SoCon wrestling newcomer Campbell earned half of the spots on the squad as five Fighting Camels earned distinction.

Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own wrestlers.

The 2012 Southern Conference Wrestling Championships, the 75th annual gathering of the league's wrestling teams, will take place on Saturday, March 3 at Chattanooga's McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Tenn. First round matches will begin at 10 a.m., with the finals slated to start at 6:30 p.m.

2012 SoCon Wrestling All-Conference Team
125: Manuel Ramirez*, Sr., Chattanooga
133: Nick Soto, Fr., Chattanooga
141: Mike Kessler, Sr., Appalachian State
149: Savva Kostis*, Sr., Appalachian State
157: Dan Waddell*, Sr., Chattanooga
165: Kyle Blevins, Sr., Appalachian State
174: Turtogtokh Luvsandorj*, Jr., The Citadel
184: Austin Trotman#, Sr., Appalachian State
197: Kelby Smith, Sr., The Citadel
285: Odie Delaney*, Jr., The Citadel

* - Two-time All-Conference
# - Three-time All-Conference

Wrestler of the Year
Kyle Blevins, 165, Sr., Appalachian State

2012 SoCon Wrestling All-Freshman Team
Paul Weiss, Appalachian State
James Cook, Campbell
Mark Hartenstine, Campbell
Ryan Krecker, Campbell
Joe Nolan, Campbell
Joey Rizzolino, Campbell
Kevin Malone, Chattanooga
Nick Soto, Chattanooga
Kyle Casaletto, The Citadel
Anthony Elias, Davidson

Freshman of the Year
Nick Soto, 133, Chattanooga