Russell Tabbed Big Ten Co-Wrestler of the Week
12/5/2007 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
PARK RIDGE, Ill. -- Freshman Kellen Russell(High Bridge, N.J./Blair Academy), of the University of Michigan wrestling team was named Big Ten Conference co-Wrestler of the Week on Wednesday (Dec. 5) in recognition of his weekend performance at the Cliff Keen Invitational. The honor is the first for Russell in his collegiate career and the first for the Wolverines this season. He shares the weekly distinction with Illinois' Mike Poeta.
In his first tournament competition since joining the U-M starting lineup, Russell registered a perfect 5-0 mark at the Cliff Keen Invitational (Nov. 30-Dec. 1) en route to capturing the 141-pound title and helping Michigan claim its third team title in four years.
Squaring off against Ohio State's No. 5-ranked J Jaggers in the final, Russell built up an early lead after scrambling for a reversal in the closing moments of the second and adding a quick tilt for two in the third. Jaggers reversed him with 30 seconds remaining in regulation and got a point for riding time, but Russell held on to boast the 4-3 decision. The Wolverine also defeated Hofstra's third-ranked Charles Griffin 6-3 in the semifinals -- on takedowns in the second and third periods -- and used a dominant first period to cruise past Pittsburgh's ninth-ranked Drew Headlee by a 9-4 margin in the second round.
Adding his flawless performances at the EMU Open (Nov. 3) and Northeast Collegiate Duals (Nov. 24), Russell boasts a perfect 11-0 record in his young collegiate career. After entering the weekend tournament unranked, he debuted at the No. 4 spot in the most recent InterMat/NWCA 141-pound rankings.
Russell also earned TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week honors from USA Wrestling, awarded weekly to the top national performer from any level of wrestling, from youth to senior level. He is the second Wolverine to earn the distinction in as many weeks, joining former U-M standout -- and current director of wrestling operations -- Andy Hrovat, who captured the 84 kg/185-pound gold medal at the Henri Deglane International (Nov. 24) in Nice, France.
The Wolverines will kick off the home portion of their 2007-08 slate this weekend when they host Kent State on Friday (Dec. 7) for a 7 p.m. non-conference dual at Cliff Keen Arena.
Contact: Leah Howard (734) 763-4423
