---

Gophers’ Thorn Named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week

November 25, 2008

After improving his season record to a perfect 9-0 with an individual title at 141 pounds at the Kaufman-Brand Open over the weekend, Minnesota sophomore Mike Thorn was named Wrestler of the Week by the Big Ten conference office today.

Thorn, a St. Michael, Minn. native, earned his second individual title in as many weeks with an impressive 5-3 upset decision over Tennessee-Chattanooga’s fourth-ranked Cody Cleveland in the championship bout. His path to the championship included two pins and a 4-1 decision victory over North Dakota State’s Gabe Mooney in the semifinals.

In his third season with the program, Thorn is expected to be a key contributor for the Gophers, who return just four starters this season. Just two years removed from an NCAA title, Minnesota will welcome Thorn as be one of the key newcomers to the starting lineup this season.

Thorn and the Gophers return to action this weekend at the Northern Quad, where they will face Northern Colorado, North Dakota State and Portland State in a dual meet format at the UCR Regional Sports Center in Rochester, Minn. Minnesota first dual with Portland State begins at 10:00 a.m.