Tiger Wrestling National Champion Claims Heisman Equivalent
Columbia, Mo. – Missouri two-time defending National Champion Ben Askren (Hartland, Wis.) was awarded his second consecutive Dan Hodge Trophy, wrestling’s equivalent to the Heisman, as announced today by the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute & Museum and W.I.N. Magazine. With the honor, Askren becomes just the second grappler since the creation of the award in 1995 to earn the Hodge Trophy on more than one occasion. Iowa State standout Cael Sanderson received the honor on three occasions (2000-01-02).
“It’s a great honor, especially (finishing ahead) of guys like Cole (Konrad) who is amazing, “Askren said. “To be in the same company with Cael winning the top honor, it can’t get any better than that. I’m very excited.”
Askren capped his five-year Tiger career with an 8-2 win by decision over second-ranked Keith Gavin of Pittsburgh in the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship finals held at the Palace of Auburn Hills March 17. The win extended Askren’s streak to 87 consecutive victories, dating back to the start of his junior campaign in 2006. Askren closed his collegiate wrestling career with a 153-8 mark which places him firmly at the top of the Missouri career wins record book. Former Tiger grappler Wes Roper held the previous record at 131 wins for 15 years.
Of the 42 matches in his senior campaign, 29 went down by way of fall, and 23 of the 29 ended in the first period of action. Prior to his final meeting on the mat with Gavin at the NCAA Championships, Askren had pinned the Pittsburgh wrestler twice earlier in the season. Askren’s final pin of his collegiate career was recorded against Matthew Palmoer of Columbia on March 16. It set the new Missouri career pins record at 91.
“It’s not a surprise to me that Ben would win the Dan Hodge Trophy again, “Head Coach Brian Smith said. “Ben’s dominating style carried over from last year and he improved on certain areas so that he wouldn’t just win, he’d win big. I couldn’t be happier for Ben to win the Hodge. He truly deserves it. Anyone one that watches Ben wrestle knows how much he enjoys the sport.”
Askren will officially receive the Hodge Trophy at the Missouri wrestling banquet tentatively set for Sunday, April 15.
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