Tirapelle Named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week
University of Illinois All-American Alex Tirapelle, the nation’s second-ranked wrestler at 157 pounds, earned Big Ten Wrestler of the Week honors, following a perfect 4-0 record on the weekend at the 2005 Cliff Keen/NWCA National Duals. He was the only Illini to finish the weekend unbeaten, while defeating 10th-ranked Matt Lebe of West Virginia, and 19th-ranked Kevin Ward of Oklahoma State. With the four wins, Tirapelle improved to 18-1 on the season. The team finished second at the national tournament, making the finals in their first trip to the event. After beating No. 22 West Virginia, No. 10 Oklahoma and No. 8 Minnesota, the team fell to No. 1 Oklahoma State.
This is Tirapelle’s third career Wrestler of the Week selection and his first since January 2, 2004. He is the second Illinois wrestler in as many weeks to be honored by the Conference, as Tyrone Byrd earned the League award last week.
Tirapelle and the second-ranked Illinois wrestling team will be hosting No. 9 Iowa this Friday at Huff Hall as the team returns to Big Ten Conference action. Match time is set for 6:30 p.m
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