Iris Smith named TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week for Oct. 23-29

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Craig Sesker (USA Wrestling)
10/31/2007


Iris Smith (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Army) has been named TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week for Oct. 23-29.

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.

Smith knocked off Russia's top two wrestlers at 72 kg/158.5 lbs. en route to winning the women's freestyle title at the Sunkist Kids International Open on Oct. 27 in Chandler, Ariz.

Smith beat 2004 Olympic silver medalist and 2007 World bronze medalist Guzel Manyurova of Russia 3-0, 1-2, 1-1 in the semifinals. She followed by beating past two-time Junior World runner-up Daria Nazarova of Russia 2-0, 2-1 in the finals.

Smith, a 2005 World champion, placed third in the 2007 U.S. World Team Trials.

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