Nickerson named TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week
Gary Abbott/USA Wrestling
Note: To nominate a wrestler for TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week, send the athlete’s name, accomplishments for the week and career accomplishments to John Fuller at [email protected]
Troy Nickerson (Chenango Forks, N.Y.) has been named TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week for the week of May 31-June 6.
Each week, TheMat.com will select an Athlete of the Week, based upon performance within wrestling for that week. The selection committee will consider any level of wrestling, from youth programs through the Senior level. The announcement will be made each week on Wednesday.
Nickerson received two major national wrestling honors this week, based upon his record-setting and impressive high school wrestling career, his success in major USA Wrestling competitions and his academic and community service achievements.
Nickerson received the 2005 Dave Schultz High School Excellence National Award, which was presented by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum during its Honors Banquet in Stillwater, Okla. on June 4.
This award is presented by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame annually to a high school senior. The award program is based equally on outstanding wrestling success, scholastic achievement and citizenship or community service. This marks the 10th year that this respected award has been awarded to a deserving high school star.
“I met Dave Schultz at the World Championships in Atlanta, Ga. in 1995. I met him in an elevator. He was always an idol of mine. I accept this award in his name with pride and happiness,” said Nickerson.
Nickerson was also one of the elite high school stars who were named to the 14-member First Team of the 20th annual Asics All-America Wrestling Team, which was announced on June 6. The ASICS team is considered the highest honor in high school wrestling. He was the only five-time high school state champion among the impressive First Team members. Nickerson was the top selection at 125 pounds.
Nickerson was the first five-time state champion in New York history with a career record of 213-6. Nickerson has a 3.7 GPA. He will attend Cornell Univ. in the fall.
Nickerson was a double champion at the 2004 ASICS Junior National Championships, and was Outstanding Wrestler in both styles. He was a National High School Champion this year. He won two Cadet National Greco-Roman titles, and was 2003 Cadet National freestyle champion.