Trent Paulson (Council Bluffs, Iowa/Cyclone WC) has been named TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week for the week of April 25-May 1.

Each week, TheMat.com will select an Athlete of the Week, based upon performance within wrestling for that week. The selection committee will consider any level of wrestling, from youth programs through the Senior level. The announcement will be made each week on Wednesday.

Paulson, a two-time All-American for Iowa State, captured the tough 163-pound freestyle class at the University Nationals on April 30 in Evanston, Ill.

Paulson knocked off 2004 NCAA champion Matt Gentry 0-1, 2-0, 2-2 in the semifinals before he outlasted former Missouri All-American Tyron Woodley 1-1, 0-1, 1-1 in a close match in the final round.

Paulson knocked off Woodley in the finals after Woodley had beaten Trent's twin, Travis, 0-3, 1-0, 1-0 in the semifinal round. Travis Paulson placed fourth.

Trent Paulson came back strong in freestyle after being unable to defend his title in Greco-Roman. He placed third in Greco-Roman at University Nationals.

Paulson, a junior, is one of three All-Americans returning for Iowa State next year. Travis Paulson and Kurt Backes are the other two. With a talented group of freshmen ready to join the lineup, the Cyclones could be primed for a big 2006-07 season under new coach Cael Sanderson.

Note: To nominate a wrestler for TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week, send the athlete's name, accomplishments for the week and career accomplishments to Craig Sesker at csesker@usawrestling.org