Iowa State’s Paniro Johnson was voted as Big 12 Wrestler of the Week by league coaches after going 2-0 in the Battle in the River City last weekend.
Competing in the 149-pound weight class, the freshman kicked off his career with a 3-2 win over Little Rock via a takedown with just over a minute to go. The win by Johnson helped No. 14 Iowa State defeat Little Rock 33-7.
In his second match of the day, the 24th-ranked Johnson defeated the 2022 Big Ten Champion and second-ranked Austin Gomez behind two third-period takedowns. The Erie, Pennsylvania native’s performance spearheaded a dominant 26-6 victory over No. 12 Wisconsin.
Johnson moves up to No. 12 in the 197-pound rankings according to InterMat, which leads all Big 12 athletes in the 149-pound weight class.
2022-23 Big 12 Wrestlers of the Week
Nov. 8 – Paniro Johnson, Iowa State, Fr., (149 pounds)