B.J. Padden (Reno, Nev./Sunkist Kids) has been named TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week for Oct. 24-30.

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.

Padden, who was a two-time All-American at Nebraska, outlasted former Husker teammate Travis Pascoe 14-13 in the 185-pound finals to win the Real Pro Wrestling Western Regional Qualifier on Saturday in San Jose, Calif. It was the first-ever meeting between the two. Pascoe was an All-American at Nebraska in 2005.

Padden now advances to the Real Pro Wrestling Super Regional on Jan. 7 in San Jose. If he wins there, he will be placed on one of the teams when RPW begins its Season Two of dual-meet competition next spring.

Padden placed third at the NCAA Championships at 197 pounds this past March.

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