Craig Brester (Howells, Neb./University of Nebraska) has been named TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week for Feb. 12-18.

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.

Brester knocked off a pair of ranked wrestlers this past weekend as the second-ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers won at Rider (27-12) and No. 16 Hofstra (25-10). He also was honored as Big 12 Wrestler of the Week for his performance this past weekend.

Brester, ranked sixth nationally at 197 pounds, scored a 9-1 major decision over No. 12 T.J. Morrison of Rider on Feb. 16. He followed with a 10-3 win over No. 10 Joe Rovelli of Hofstra on Feb. 17.

Brester, a sophomore, improved to 20-3 this season. He has scored bonus points in 13 of his 20 wins this season. He has six pins, three technical falls and four major decisions this season.

Brester compiled a 19-7 record as a freshman. He placed second at the 2007 Big 12 Championships. He went 2-2 at the 2007 NCAA Championships in Auburn Hills, Mich., reaching the quarterfinals before finishing one win shy of All-American honors.

Brester was a two-time state champion and four-time state medalist for Howells (Neb.) High School, compiling a 141-4 record. Brester led his team to a state title. Brester also was an all-state football player and was a key member of a pair of state championship teams.

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