Chris Fleeger named TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week for Oct. 10-16

Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
10/18/2006

Chris Fleeger (Trout Run, Pa./New York AC) has been named TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week for Oct. 10-16.

Each week, TheMat.com will select an Athlete of the Week, based upon performance within wrestling for that week. The selection committee will consider any level of wrestling, from youth programs through the Senior level. The announcement will be made each week on Wednesday.

Fleeger, who just finished his career as a three-time All-American at Purdue, made a big splash at his first big freestyle meet after college. Fleeger won the 60 kg/132 pound freestyle title at the Sunkist Kids/ASU International Open on Saturday, Oct. 14 at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Ariz.

Fleeger’s two biggest wins came over a pair of past NCAA champions from Iowa State. Fleeger knocked off 2005 U.S. World Team Trials runner-up Nate Gallick 0-3, 4-0, 3-2 in the second round before beating 2006 U.S. Nationals champion Zach Roberson 6-0, 0-1, 3-0 in the finals.

Fleeger, a two-time NCAA runner-up while at Purdue, went 5-0 in the event. He opened the tournament with a 7-0, 8-0 technical fall over Babak Mohammadi. After beating Gallick, Fleeger swept Cory Vombaur 2-0, 6-0 in the quarterfinals. He then downed past NCAA All-American Shawn Bunch 3-1, 3-1 in the semifinals.

Fleeger has excelled in freestyle in the past. He placed third at the 2002 World University Championships and third in the 2001 Pan American Championships. He also was a Junior and Cadet National champion and was a member of the Cadet World Team.

Note: To nominate a wrestler for TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week, send the athlete´s name, accomplishments for the week and career accomplishments to Craig Sesker at csesker@usawrestling.org