MAC Announces Wrestler of the Week
MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE ANNOUNCES WRESTLER OF THE WEEK
MAC Wrestler of the Week
James Benjamin, Buffalo—Senior, Vestal, N.Y. (Vestal High School)
Buffalo senior James Benjamin scored one of the biggest upsets at the Grapple at the Garden when he took down No. 4-ranked Brett Harner of Princeton in the 197 finals. After falling behind early, Benjamin battled back to take the match to overtime. In OT, the senior turned Harner’s first and only leg attack of the period into the winning takedown to get the 7-5 upset. Benjamin was also named the FloWrestler of the Week for his win.
Additional Nominees:
Casey Sparkman, Kent State—Sophomore, Massillon, Ohio (Massillon Perry High School)
Kent State sophomore Casey Sparkman went 2-0 during the Thanksgiving Throwdown Nov. 22, at the M.A.C. Center. Sparkman defeated No. 13 Jake Ryan of Ohio State 6-4 with a pair of third period takedowns. Later that night, he helped the Golden Flashes to a 40-3 victory over Cleveland State with a 21-6 technical fall over Grant Turnmire. Sparkman needed just 14 second into the second period to secure his 15-poin lead. Sparkman is 10-2 on the season with four bonus-point victories.
Drew Foster, Northern Iowa—Sophomore, Burlington, Iowa (Mediapolis High School)
Northern Iowa sophomore Drew Foster knocked off No. 9 Jack Dechow, a three-time NCAA qualifier and All-American from Old Dominion to help the Panthers beat the Monarchs 29-9 Sunday. Dechow is ranked second in the MAC. Foster came out firing, grabbing two takedowns and earning an escape and riding time in the 6-1 decision. He racked up two minutes, 55 seconds in riding time. Foster remains undefeated, improving to 6-0 overall and 3-0 in duals. He is 1-0 in MAC duals. Foster has won duals at two weights so far this season, with a win at 197 pounds in the Panthers’ dual opener Nov. 11.
Kevin Beazley, Old Dominion—Junior, Howell, Mich. (Detroit Catholic Central High School)
Old Dominion junior Kevin Beazley was the only Monarch to pick up a win in the dual against Northern Iowa, defeating Jared Bartel, 6-0. Then last night he topped No. 10 Shawn Scott in a battle of top-10 ranked wrestlers, 3-2, to improve to 8-1 on the season.
