NDSU’s Steven Monk Named WWC Wrestler of the Week

OREM, Utah -- North Dakota State University 165-pound junior Steven Monk (Wausau, Wis./Wausau West HS) has been named the Western Wrestling Conference Wrestler of the Week after placing second at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational on Nov. 30-Dec. 1. The conference honor was announced Tuesday by the league.

Monk claimed a runner-up finish after posting a 4-1 record at the prestigious CKLV Invitational. The NDSU junior opened the tournament with a 12-0 major decision over Jake Mason of North Idaho, pinned Ian Roy of Harvard in the second period (3:39), and pinned Joseph Brewster of South Dakota State (3:49) in the quarterfinals.

In the semis, Monk posted a 1-0 decision over No. 7 Nick Sulzer of Virginia. Monk’s only loss was a 6-0 decision to three-time NCAA Champion and No. 1 Kyle Dake of Cornell in the finals.

Monk is now 13-1 on the season and 30-4 in his last 34 matches. His victory over Sulzer was his second over a Top-10 opponent this season. Monk is ranked No. 7 in both major polls this week.

The conference award is Monk’s first of the season and third of his career. NDSU’s Trent Sprenkle was the WWC Wrestler of the Week on Nov. 27.