Nov. 26, 2003

University of Illinois wrestler Mark Jayne was named the Big Ten Wrestler of the Week for his performance at the Missouri Open in which he upset the two-time defending national champion Johnny Thompson of Oklahoma State, 6-4, to win the 133-pound title.

Jayne, who won the Missouri Open in 2002 as well, went undefeated with five wins on the day, including a second over a ranked opponent in No. 9 Paul Collum of Missouri, 5-4, in the semifinals. He won three matches by decision after opening up the tournament with a dominant 19-4 tech fall over L.C. Davis of Missouri Valley.

Jayne is currently ranked the No. 4 wrestler at 133, while the Illini team received its first-ever No. 1 ranking yesterday by Intermat. The Elyria, Ohio native is beginning his second season as a starter after posting a 23-8 record in 2003. Jayne is also one of the team's tri-captains.