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BLACKSBURG - Virginia Tech head wrestling coach Kevin Dresser, along with the Virginia Tech Sports Medicine Department, announced Monday that senior 184-pounder Tommy Spellman will be retired from the sport due to a season-ending neck injury.

“Based on the injuries, the sports medicine staff and a neck/cervical spine specialist thought it was in Tommy’s best interests to retire from the sport of wrestling,” head wrestling trainer Sean Collins said.

The native of Newton, N.J., was ranked all of this season at 184 pounds and ends his career with an 87-41 overall record, 46-20 in dual matches. He was a two-time NCAA qualifier.

“Obviously this isn’t good news for Tommy, however, Tommy has dedicated his life to Virginia Tech wrestling the past three and a half years and we appreciate that,” Dresser said. “Tommy will be very successful in life and he is a quality young man.”

Spellman, who hasn’t wrestled since the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals in early January, will be replaced in the starting lineup by sophomore John Dickson, who is currently 15-12 on the season.

For updates on Virginia Tech wrestling, follow the Hokies on Twitter (@VT_Wrestling).