OREM, Utah — North Dakota State sophomore Steven Monk has been named the Western Wrestling Conference Wrestler of the Week after an outstanding performance at the Midlands Championships last week. Monk, a native of Wausau, Wis., led NDSU by finishing fourth at 157 pounds at the 49th annual Midlands Championships in Evanston, Ill.
After a second round loss, Monk racked up five straight wins en route to the third place bout. His run included a first period pin of No. 12 Kyle John of Maryland and a decisive 7-2 win over No. 11 Matt Lester of Oklahoma in the consolation semifinals. In the third place bout, he wrestled No. 8 James Fleming of Clarion. Fleming scored a last second reversal to claim a 7-5 win.
In the meet, Monk went 6-2 and tallied three pins and a technical fall. He is now 19-6 this season.
The conference award is Monk’s second of the season and second of his career.