Jan. 26, 2005

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Alex Tirapelle, Illinois
JR, 157, Clovis, Calif./Clovis

Tirapelle, the nation's second-ranked wrestler at 157 pounds, was the only Illini grappler to go a perfect 4-0 on the weekend at the 2005 Cliff Keen/NWCA National Duals. He defeated 10th-ranked Matt Lebe of West Virginia, and 19th-ranked Kevin Ward of Oklahoma State among his four wins. The wins are especially impressive as Tirapelle was coming off a slight knee injury that kept him out of the last two weeks of competition. With the four wins, Tirapelle improved to 18-1 on the season.

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.