Tolbert Named Big 12 Wrestler of the Week

IRVING, Texas – Utah Valley's Chasen Tolbert (125 pounds) and Iowa State's Dante Rodriguez (141 pounds) have both earned a share of this week's Big 12 Wrestler of the Week honors. The accolade marks the first career weekly award for both Rodriguez and Tolbert, as well as the first in program history for UVU.

The Wolverine senior tallied a 14-0 major decision over Boise State's Rami Haddadin, while the Cyclone sophomore took a 6-2 decision over Logan Ryan of Iowa.

Tolbert improved his record to 6-0 on the season, tacking on a 125-pound bonus-point victory en route to a 22-12 win over Boise State last week. The eighth-ranked Wolverine jumped out to an early 8-0 lead after a first period takedown and back-to-back nearfalls. In the second, the senior from Delta, Utah added another takedown, capturing the 14-0 shutout with a reversal, penalty point and riding time point in the final stanza.

In a dual against the Hawkeyes, Rodriguez put the Cyclones on the board with a hard fought victory in the 141-pound bracket. After a scoreless first, the Kearney, Nebraska native posted points early with an early second period escape. He then stretched his lead to 3-0 with a takedown to close out the second. In the final stanza, the Hawkeye tallied a reversal, but Rodriguez shook free for an escape adding an additional takedown to record the 6-2 win.

Tolbert and the Wolverines will return to the mat this weekend at the 34th annual Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational in Las Vegas, Nevada. The two-day tournament will run Friday and Saturday at the Cashman Center.