Joe Betterman (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) has been named TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week for Jan. 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.

Betterman, a 2007 U.S. World Team member, won a silver medal at 60 kg/132 lbs. at the Ivan Podubbny Grand Prix on Jan. 17 in Tumen, Russia.

This annual competition is considered one of the toughest Greco-Roman events in the world each year, as it includes numerous entries from Russia, as well as many other former Soviet Republics and top wrestling nations.

Betterman became the second U.S. silver medalist at the event this year, joining Dremiel Byers (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Army) who won a silver medal at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. on the first day. The United States placed third in the team standings, behind champion Russia and runner-up Kazakhstan. It is believed to be the highest team finish for the USA at this respected event.

Betterman won his first three bouts of the day to qualify for the gold-medal finals, defeating opponents from Uzbekistan, Russia and Kazakhstan in order.

In the championship match, Betterman was defeated by Almat Kebespaev of Kazakhstan, by injury default in the second period.

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