Jan. 18, 2005

DALLAS - Ben Askren (Missouri) has been named Big 12 Wrestler of the Week for his performance during meets in from Jan. 11-17, 2005. He is Wrestler of the Week for the first time in his career.

Ben Askren, Jr., 174 pounds, Missouri (Hartland, Wis.)
The Tigers' sophomore co-captain had five consecutive pins in last week's Virginia Duals at Hampton, Va., to raise his 2004-05 overall record to 25-0. Ranked Nos. 1/2 nationally at 174, he set a school record with his 25th consecutive victory of the season over John Carrasco of Bakersfield at the 2:10 mark and broke a 22-year-old MU school standard in the process. Askren won six matches at the Virginia Duals with the five pins and one major decision and was named Most Outstanding Wrestler for the multi-team meet. His fastest pin was a one-minute verdict over Rider's Sean Jenkins as he helped the Tigers' team tie for third in the Virginia Duals.


2004-05 BIG 12 CONFERENCE WRESTLERS OF THE MONTH/WEEK
November--Chris Pendleton, Oklahoma State (174)
December--Nate Gallick, Iowa State (141)
Jan. 11--Travis Paulson, Iowa State (165)
Jan. 18--Ben Askren, Missouri (174)