Wrestler of the Week - No. 1

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kody Kersten of Midland (Neb.) has been named the first NAIA National Wrestler of the Week, the national office announced Wednesday. Kersten was selected based on his performances from Jan. 2 - 8.

Kersten, a senior from Logan, Iowa, helped lead the Warriors to an eighth-place finish at the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) / Cliff Keen National Duals in Springfield, Ill, from Jan. 7 - 8. In the 184-pound weight class, Kersten went 5-0 as he posted four pins in five matches. In the team's seven-place match on Jan. 8, Kersten pinned No. 7-ranked Josh Manu of Missouri Valley. Kersten improved to 11-6 on the season and a perfect 6-0 against NAIA competition.

The next Wrestler of the Week announced will be made on Jan. 18.

Nominees: Brian Block, Morningside (Iowa); Courtney Freeman, Cumberlands (Ky.); Andrew Johnson-Carter, Missouri Baptist; Allen Scruggs, Campbellsville (Ky.); Pat Nord, Jamestown (N.D.); Adam Joseph, Concordia (Neb.); Richard Rios, Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.); Mitchell Lofstedt, Southern Oregon.

2012 Composite Award Winners
Week 1: Kody Kersten, Midland (Neb.)