Trent Paulson (Ames, Iowa/Sunkist Kids) has been named TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week for Feb. 16-22.

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.

Paulson knocked off 2008 U.S. Olympian Ben Askren to win the Cerro Pelado International freestyle title on Feb. 20 in Havana, Cuba.

Paulson beat Askren 4-0, 3-0 in the finals at 74 kg/163 lbs. It was a rematch of the finals of the Dave Schultz Memorial International two weeks ago, when Askren beat Paulson by pin in the second period.

Paulson won three bouts to reach the finals, beating Eduardo Valencia of Mexico, Edison Hurtado of Colombia and Ricardo Roberto of Venezuela.

Paulson, a 2009 U.S. World Team member at 66 kg/145.5 lbs., splits his time training between Iowa State University in Ames and the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

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