University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Gaethje Honored By WWC
12/15/2009 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - University of Northern Colorado junior 157-pounder Justin Gaethje has been named the Western Wrestling Conference's Wrestler of the Week as announced by league officials. This is the second weekly award this season for Northern Colorado as Kenny Hashimoto (141 pounds) has also won the weekly honor.
Gaethje won both bouts this week in duals against Ohio and fifth-ranked Minnesota. Against Ohio Gaethje won a thrilling 5-4 decision. Tied at 3-3 with 33 seconds remaining, Gaethje let Clay Tucker out with an optional escape, but was able to get a takedown with two ticks left for the win. Gaethje trailed 4-2 after the first period against Minnesota and closed the distance, lagging behind just 5-4 after the second period to Joe Grygelko. Just three seconds into the final stanza, he knotted the score with an escape then took the lead on a takedown at the 1:53 mark. Grygelko escaped with 20 seconds remaining, but Gaethje had 1:37 of riding time for the 8-6 decision. Gaethje has now won nine of his last 10 bouts and is 17-7 on the year, with his last four losses coming to nationally-ranked wrestlers.
The Western Wrestling Conference is comprised of seven schools including the Air Force Academy, North Dakota State, Northern Colorado, Northern Iowa, South Dakota State, Utah Valley and Wyoming.
