February 17, 2015 | Wrestling
ROSEMONT, Ill. - Redshirt-freshman Isaiah Martinez has been named the Big Ten Wrestler of the Week for the first time in his career, the conference announced Tuesday. Martinez earned the honor by helping the Illini blank Kent State, 38-0, in the regional round of the NWCA National Duals on Sunday, Feb. 15.
Martinez entered the weekend ranked second in the nation at 157 pounds, and was riding a 32-match win streak, including a 25-0 mark this season. Martinez faced off with sixth-ranked Ian Miller, a 2014 All-American, and pinned him in 6:35.
With the win, Martinez improved to 26-0 this season, with 19 of his wins coming by major decision or greater. He also improved to 6-0 against ranked opponents.
Martinez is the second Illinois grappler to be honored by the Big Ten this season. He joins Zac Brunson who won the award on Nov. 18, 2014 after finishing with a perfect 8-0, including a title at the Roadrunner Open, during Illinois' trip to California earlier this season.
By defeating the Golden Flashes, Illinois (13-4) advanced to the quarterfinals of the NWCA National Duals in Iowa City, Iowa on Saturday, Feb. 21. The Illini will take on Missouri (21-0) at 12 p.m. in Carver Hawkeye Arena.
