GORHAM, Maine –  Senior Jake Peavey (South China, Maine/Erskine Academy) of the University of Southern Maine Huskies wrestling team was recently named the James Aquiar College Wrestler of the Year by the Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance during its annual Hall of Fame induction weekend.
 
Dedicated to the development and advancement of all forms of amateur wrestling the Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance is dedicated to Attaining recognition and fostering support for all of Maine's wrestling community. MAWA's College Wrestler of the Year award is named after Maine wrestling legend James Aquiar – a two-time state champion wrestler at Biddeford High School and long-time collegiate wrestling coach at Division III Plymouth State University from 1974-1985.
 
Peavey joins several Husky wrestlers to earn distinction from the Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance including former Jim Aquiar College Wrestler of the Year honorees Daniel Del Gallo (2017) and Peter Del Gallo (2019). Current Husky head coach Mike Morin '10 was inducted into the MAWA Hall of Fame in 2019. 
 
A standout on the mat and in the classroom for Southern Maine, Peavey is a four-time National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Scholar All-American, and a three-time William B. Wise Scholar Athlete as a Business Management major.  A two-time NCAA Division III All-Region wrestler (285 lbs), Peavey is a two-time All-New England Wrestling Association pick.  During the 2021-2022 season, Peavey finished with an outstanding record of 26-5, including 15 wins by fall. Placing second overall at the 2022 NCAA Division III Northeast Regional Championship, Peavey earned a berth to the 2022 NCAA Division III National Championship for the first time in his career. A two-year captain, Peavey is expected to return for his final season of eligibility in the 2022-23 season for the Huskies.