Kellen Russell (High Bridge, N.J./University of Michigan) has been named TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week for Nov. 27-Dec. 3.

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.

The unranked Russell, a true freshman for the Wolverines, knocked off the No. 3, No. 5 and No. 9 ranked wrestlers in the country en route to claiming the 141-pound title at the Cliff Keen Invitational on Dec. 1 in Las Vegas. Russell was the No. 13 seed at 141.

The 18-year-old Russell, a past Blair Academy standout, knocked off No. 1 seed and third-ranked Charles Griffin of Hofstra 6-3 in the semifinals. He followed by edging No. 2 seed and fifth-ranked J Jaggers of Ohio State 4-3 in the finals. The Wolverines won the team title in the event that included 50 teams.

Russell, 11-0 this season, also beat No. 4 seed and ninth-ranked Drew Headlee of Pittsburgh 9-4 in the second round. He beat No. 5 seed Troy Tirapelle of Illinois 6-5 in the quarterfinals.

Russell came to Michigan with outstanding credentials. He was a member of the Wrestling USA Dream Team and captured the 130-pound title at the 2007 Senior Nationals. He was a Junior Nationals champion in freestyle in 2006 and a Cadet Nationals champion in freestyle in 2005.

He was a three-time National Prep champion and had a 147-7 record in high school. He won titles at the Beast of the East and Walsh Ironman events.

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