Northwestern University Athletics
Ryan Lang Named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week
11/8/2006 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Nov. 8, 2006
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Junior Ryan Lang (North Royalton, Ohio/St. Edward) has been named this week's Big Ten Wrestler of the Week. This is the second honor of Lang's career and the first for the Wildcats this season.
Lang, ranked No. 1 in the nation at 141 lbs., not only posted a 5-0 record at last weekend's Eastern Michigan Open, but did not have a point scored on him in his five matches. Lang defeated Deone Williams of Brockport University and Cody Burdett of Utah State by major decision, 12-0 and 10-0, respectively. He cruised past Eastern Michigan's Zach Donofrio 9-0 and advanced to the final by topping Ohio State's Reece Humphrey by a 1-0 decision. He pinned Navy's Brad Canterbury 1:36 into the match to take the title.
"It is outstanding to not have a point scored on you in a tournament," head coach Tim Cysewski said. "It's tough to go into matches where every opponent you face knows who you are and wants to take down the No. 1 guy. Opponents will either wrestle you hard or play games to keep it close. Ryan has shown a lot of maturity with that No. 1 ranking."
The Wildcats enjoyed a successful start to the 2006-07 campaign at the Eastern Michigan Open, taking championships at four weights. Lang, along with Dustin Fox (Galion, Ohio/Galion), Jake Herbert (Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny) and Mike Tamillow (Oak Park, Ill./Fenwick), all captured titles.
Lang is the 'Cats' first Big Ten Wrestler of the Week since Herbert received the honor on Jan. 25, 2006. Lang last won the honor on Nov. 16, 2005.
The 'Cats return to action Sunday when they will host the seven-team Northwestern Duals at Welsh-Ryan Arena. The 11-dual event begins at 9 a.m.
