Dec. 13, 2006
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Junior Nick Hayes (Council Bluffs, Iowa/Lewis Central) has been named BigElevenWrestling.net Big Ten Wrestler of the Week following No. 9 Northwestern's wins over Northern Illinois and Eastern Illinois. With an 8-0 record, the 'Cats are off to their best start since the 1985-86 season.
Hayes earned two dual meet victories over the weekend to improve to 6-1. On Friday night, Hayes notched an overtime win over Northern Illinois' Danny Burk. He tied the score a 4-4 with a two-point takedown in the second period after trailing 4-2. The junior scored an escape in the third period to tie the score at 6-6 and send the match into overtime. Hayes scored a takedown in the extra period to take the 8-6 decision.
The junior completed the week with a 6-4 win over 12th-ranked Kenny Robertson of Eastern Illinois. Hayes scored an early escape to tie the match at 3-3 in the third and notched a takedown in the final minute to go up 5-3. Hayes held on for the 6-4 decision.
After redshirting last season, Hayes has shifted up in weight to 174 lbs. after two years competing at 165.
"It is obvious that Nick used his redshirt year in a positive way," head coach Tim Cysewski said. "His wins over Burk and Robertson show us that Nick is on the right path and is poised to be an All-American this season."
The Wildcats, who moved up to No. 9 in this week's USA Today/InterMat/NWCA Wrestling Coaches Poll, return to action Dec. 20 at the Reno Tournament of Champions before heading home to Evanston for the 44th annual Midlands Championships held at Welsh-Ryan Arena on Dec. 29-30.
For information on the Midlands visit The 2006 Midlands Homepage.