Augustana College wrestler
Dusty Wilking has been named the North Central Conference Co-Wrestler of the Week for the week ending February 19. He shared the award with Patrick Allibone of Nebraska-Omaha.
Wilking picked up a big win last week as the No. 4 Vikings edged No. 1 Nebraska-Omaha 20-19. Ranked No. 5 in the nation at 174 pounds, Wilking pinned UNO's Steve Conlin in 4:08. Wilking's pin was the only pin of the dual and it came at a key moment. Augustana trailed 14-6 at the time and narrowed the deficit to 14-12.
Wilking, who has missed most of the season with injuries, improved to 5-1 on the season with the victory.
Wilking is the sixth wreslter to be named NCC Wrestler of the Week, joining
Andrew Sorenson,
Cody Henriksen,
Tom Meester (2 times),
Aaron Graumann and
Tim Boldt.
It is the seventh time this season and sixth time in seven weeks that a Viking grappler has been recognized by the NCC.
Augustana's next action comes this week at the North Central Regional qualifying tournament. The top four placers at the regional tournament advance to the NCAA Division II National Championships March 11-12 in Omaha. The regional tournament will also serve as the North Central Conference Championships.
