Ben Askren (Columbia, Mo./Sunkist Kids) has been named TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week for Oct. 30-Nov. 5.

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.

Askren won a loaded freestyle class at 74 kg/163 lbs. in capturing the title at the Hargobind International Wrestling Championships on Nov. 3 in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. He was named Outstanding Wrestler.

Askren downed U.S. National Team member Ramico Blackmon in the semifinals before avenging a loss from the week before by defeating past NCAA All-American Travis Paulson in the finals. Askren also beat past NCAA champion and Canadian World Team member Matt Gentry in the second round.

The 74 kilos weight class also included U.S. World Team Trials runner-up Casey Cunningham, who lost to Paulson in the semifinals before coming back to place third.

Askren lost to Paulson in the semifinals of the Sunkist Kids International Open on Oct. 28 in Chandler, Ariz.

Askren is focusing full-time on international wrestling now after just completing a standout collegiate career at Missouri. Askren was a two-time NCAA champion and two-time Hodge Trophy winner for the Tigers. He was a four-time NCAA finalist in college.

Askren is now serving as the volunteer assistant coach at Missouri.