Northwestern University Athletics
Jason Welch Named Big Ten Co-Wrestler of the Week
1/2/2013 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Jan. 2, 2013
EVANSTON, Ill. – After winning back-to-back Midlands titles, Northwestern senior Jason Welch was named Big Ten Co-Wrestler of the Week the conference announced today.
The Walnut Creek, Calif., native went a perfect 5-0 at the 50th Ken Kraft Midlands Championships to capture the 157 lbs. title. As the top-seeded wrestler in the weight class, Welch shut out three opponents, including a 4-0 victory over No. 3 seed and fourth-ranked Joey Napoli of Lehigh in the finals.
Welch joined elite company as just the third Northwestern wrestler to capture two Midlands titles during their NU careers. Jake Herbert (three) and Brandon Precin (two) also won multiple Midlands titles.
The two-time All-American shares this week's award with Nebraska's Robert Kokesh, who won the 174 lbs. title at the 50th Ken Kraft Midlands Championships, hosted by Northwestern last weekend. This is the first Big Ten weekly award for Welch as he becomes the first Wildcat to take home a wrestler of the week award since Aaron Jones on Feb. 8, 2011.
Welch and the 15th-ranked Wildcats return to the mat this weekend, hosting No. 4 Ohio State at Welsh-Ryan Arena on Sunday, Jan. 6. Match time is set for 2 p.m. CT.
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