Ashnault Named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week

ROSEMONT, Ill. – No. 1 Anthony Ashnault (149) was named the Big Ten Conference Wrestler of the Week, it was announced Tuesday by the league office. Ashnault (19-0) went 2-0 last weekend, including a win over previous No. 1 Matthew Kolodzik by major decision, 10-2, on Sunday to help No. 18 Rutgers wrestling secure a 19-18 dual win versus No. 20 Princeton at the RAC.

This is the first Big Ten weekly honor of Ashnault's career and the first for the program since Anthony Perrotti earned the distinction on Feb. 16, 2016.

Ashnault did not disappoint in one of the sport's most anticipated individual matchups of the season, securing a 10-2 major decision over the previously undefeated Kolodzik in front of 5,260 fans. After a scoreless first period, Ashnault worked a two-point near fall from the top position in period two and added a takedown for a 4-2 lead with three minute remaining. Ashnault sealed the victory with a takedown, two-point tilt and the riding time point in the final minute for the 10-2 win.

The graduate student also picked up a 16-1 tech fall over Nebraska's Jordan Shearer in the Scarlet Knights' dual match against the Cornhuskers last Friday in Piscataway. Ashnault landed three consecutive four-point tilts in the first period for a commanding 14-0 lead on Shearer, and closed out the bout with a takedown early in period two.

With his win over Kolodzik, Ashnault is now 19-0 this season with 14 of those wins by bonus, including seven pins, four tech falls and three majors. Ashnault, who also leads the team in dual points with 68, has defeated six ranked individuals in 2018-19, including previous No. 1 Kolodzik, No. 3 Micah Jordan (Ohio State), No. 6 Kaden Gfeller (Oklahoma State), No. 7 Mitch Finesilver (Duke), No. 12 Pat Lugo (Iowa) and No. 20 Tommy Thorn (Minnesota).

Ashnault now owns 110 career wins, tied with Jon Forster for fifth all-time in program history. He needs eight wins to surpass Mike McHugh (1986-89) for the most wins in program history.

UP NEXT
Rutgers heads west for back-to-back road matches at Indiana on Friday, Feb. 8 (7 p.m.) and No. 19 Purdue on Sunday, Feb. 10 (1 p.m.). Both matches will stream live on BTNPlus.

Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (/RutgersAthletics) and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding Rutgers wrestling, follow the program on Twitter (@RUWrestling) and Instagram (@RUWrestling). Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on our social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com. For additional updates, please download the Gameday App.

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Anthony Ashnault

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