CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - University of Northern Iowa senior wrestler Nick Baima has been named the Western Wrestling Conference Wrestler of the Week as announced by league officials on Tuesday.

Baima (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West HS) won the 165-pound Elite Division championship at the Kaufman-Brand Open in Omaha, Neb. Baima rolled to a 20-5 technical fall over North Dakota State's Andy Quittschreiber before tallying an 11-3 major decision over Lindenwood's Randy VanderVeen in the quarterfinals. Baima, ranked as high as No. 4 nationally, scored a quadruple overtime win over Northern Illinois' Johnny Galloway in the semifinals to advance to the championship match.
 
Galloway was ranked No. 10 in the NWCA/Intermat preseason poll. Baima then won the crown with a forfeit win over defending national champion Johny Hendricks (Oklahoma State).

The Western Wrestling Conference is comprised of seven schools including the Air Force Academy, North Dakota State, Northern Colorado, Northern Iowa, South Dakota State, Utah Valley State and Wyoming.

Other nominees: Air Force: Tyler French, 174, Fr., Malta, Mont. Northern Colorado: Kenny Hashimoto, 141, So., Thornton, Colo. North Dakota State: Eric Hoffman, 125, Jr., Davenport, Iowa. South Dakota State: Ryan Meyer, 165, R-Fr., Parkston, S.D. Wyoming: Carter Downing, 149, Jr., Woodruff, Utah.