IRVING, Texas - Missouri freshman Max Askren has been named Big 12 Wrestler of the Month for his performances in November, the conference announced. Askren receives this recognition for the first time in his career.  

Askren is one of only two Tiger starters to own a perfect record (10-0) this season, with three of his wins against top-five ranked opponents.  To date, the 197-pounder has claimed two tournament titles-- the Missouri Open (Nov. 19) and the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational (Dec. 2). 

Opening his season on Nov. 16 at Ohio State, No. 12 Askren knocked off All-American and No. 2 J.D. Bergman, 8-4, in St. John Arena. At the Missouri Open, Askren was a perfect 4-0 on the day, including an upset of No. 4 Joel Flaggert (Oklahoma) a two-time All-American by a one point decision, 2-1.

In his next outing of the campaign, Askren went 5-0 and finished first at the 25th annual Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational. Ranked No. 3 in the country, Askren held off No. 2 Jerry Rinaldi of Cornell 4-3 in the title match. He became Missouri's first redshirt freshman ever to claim the C.K.L.V. Invitational title in his first outing. 

The Big 12 will name the next Wrestler of the Month on Jan. 2. From that point on the conference will name a Wrestler of the Week starting Tuesday, Jan. 23.