2001-02 College News - Lewis named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week

February 20, 2002

Lewis named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week

University of Minnesota junior wrestler Ryan Lewis has been named the Big Ten Wrestler of the Week, following his outstanding performances last week in Big Ten dual meets versus No. 16 Wisconsin and No. 13 Illinois. It is the third conference honor this season for the Golden Gopher grappler from Vernal, Utah.

Lewis, the nation's top-ranked wrestler at 133 pounds, dominated his Big Ten competition last week as the Golden Gophers moved two steps closer to a perfect dual-meet record for the season. On Friday, Lewis pinned Wisconsin's fourth-ranked Kevin Black in just 2:04 to record his seventh fall of the season. In Saturday's tilt, Lewis posted a 15-4 major decision over 15th-ranked Chad Hay of Illinois. Lewis stands at 24-0 on the season overall and 13-0 in dual meet competition. His 24-match win streak is the sixth-longest in Gopher history.

A transfer from Division II power North Dakota State where he was a D-II All-American, Lewis proved to be Minnesota's big-time backup during the 2000-01 season. Wrestling behind senior All-American Brett Lawrence, Lewis had an outstanding year, posting a 19-10 record, including a 4-3 mark in duals.