Feb. 14, 2007
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Patrick Bond, Illinois
So., 197, Chesapeake, Va./Great Bridge
Illinois sophomore Patrick Bond earns his first career weekly award after posting back-to-back upset wins over ranked wrestlers last week. On Friday, the 20th-ranked Bond upset No. 13 Nathan Moore of Purdue, 9-5, to help the Illini to a 29-7 victory in West Lafayette. Bond then upset 12th-ranked Dallas Herbst of Wisconsin with a 7-3 decision on Sunday. The win proved crucial for the Illini, as it kept their Big Ten title hopes alive. Entering the 197-pound match, Illinois led only by an 18-16 score. For Bond, who is now ranked 12th nationally, his victory sealed the win for the Illini as they finished their road schedule undefeated for the first time since the 2005. Last
ILL WOW: Troy Tirapelle (1/24/07)
Manuel Rivera, Minnesota
Jr., 141, El Monte, Calif./Rosemead High School
Rivera defeated a pair of top-10 opponents last week in convincing wins over Michigan State and Nebraska to keep his perfect record intact at 33-0 on the year. The second-ranked wrestler captured a 7-2 decision over No. 4 Andy Simmons of Michigan State on Friday, recording two takedowns in the third period in the match. On Sunday, Rivera scored a takedown midway through the third period to secure a 5-2 victory over No. 7 Dominick Moyer of Nebraska. After qualifying for his first NCAA Tournament last season, Rivera has been one of the Gophers' most consistent performers this year. His 33 consecutive wins rank as the sixth-longest winning streak in school history and is the fifth-longest active streak in the nation. Rivera, who is now 12-0 against ranked opponents on the season, earns his first career weekly award.
Last MINN WOW: Jayson Ness (12/12/06)
