Missouri wrestler Ben Askren named the CSTV Student-Athlete of the Week

Joel A Erickson Univ of Missouri
01/11/2006

Columbia, Mo. - One week after receiving recognition as Big 12 Wrestler of the Month, junior Ben Askren (Hartland, Wis.) has been named the CSTV: College Sports Televison Student-Athlete of the Week, an honor that "recognizes the unique combination of academic and athletic accomplishment."

The Tigers´ starter at 174 pounds, Askren is 26-0 and in the midst of one of the most dominating seasons ever put together by a Missouri wrestler. Of his 26 victories, 20 have come by fall, a total that ties the season record he set a year ago. With his next win, Askren will break his own record for consecutive wins, another mark that he set last year. Competing Dec. 2 at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, Askren broke the Missouri barrier for career falls, recording his 48th pin over Nick Padazan of Pittsburgh.

Currently ranked No. 1 in the nation, Askren is a two-time NCAA runner-up, All-American and a Big 12 Champion in 2004. In addition to his exploits on the mat, the junior grappler is a two-time member of the Academic-All Big 12 First Team and a Student Athletic Advisory Committee Representative. Askren was also a member of the 2004 NWCA Academic First Team.

"Ben is the type of person who strives to succeed in everything he does, and his success in the classroom and on the mat is a reflection of that," Head Coach Brian Smith said.

CSTV will produce a live broadcast of the Tigers´ next dual, Jan. 22, against Oklahoma State. Wrestling begins in the Hearnes Center at 2 p.m. CST.