EAST LANSING, Mich. - For the fourth time in his illustrious career, senior Nick Simmons (Williamston, Mich.) has been named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week, the conference office announced Wednesday afternoon.

Simmons was named the Michigan State Open Most Outstanding Wrestler last Sunday after defeating previously-ranked No. 1 and defending NCAA champion Matt Valenti of Penn, 2-0, in the 133-pound finals. After his upset victory, Simmons vaulted to No. 1 in the Amateur Wrestling News' 133-pound rankings.

Simmons, who has made the transition from 125 to 133 in the first two open meets this season, remained perfect at his new weight class with a thrilling upset over Valenti. Simmons cruised to the finals, recording two technical falls and a pin in the first three rounds before defeating 18th-ranked T.J. Enright of Ohio State in the semifinals. 

In the title bout, Simmons and Valenti went scoreless after one period. In the second, Valenti could not escape from Simmons, and the match remained scoreless. In the third, Simmons pulled a reverse on Valenti with about 30 seconds remaining, and held him the remainder of the match for the 2-0 victory. Simmons, who won the Eastern Michigan Open Nov. 4, improved to 9-0 for the year.

Simmons previously earned Big Ten Wrestler of the Week honors on Nov. 11, 2004, Nov. 9, 2005 and March 3, 2006.

The 17th-ranked Michigan State Spartans open the dual-meet season Thursday, Nov. 16 at No. 2 Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Okla.