Thomas Straughn of Notre Dame (Ohio) has been named the NAIA National Wrestler of the Week, the national office announced Wednesday. Straughn was selected based on his performances from Jan. 17 - 23.

Straughn earned the 157-pound title at the Simonson Open hosted by Ashland University (Ohio) on Jan. 22. The reigning 157-pound national champion went 5-0 at the event, winning two bouts via major decision. He posted a 17-6 major decision over NCAA Division I Michigan State’s Nick Humes, who was wrestling unattached, in the quarterfinals. In the championship bout, Straughn edged Josh Demas of Ohio State, who was wrestling unattached, 5-4.

The senior hailing from Massillon, Ohio, owns the No. 1 ranking at 157 pounds and has won 13 straight bouts dating back to Nov. 7, 2010. He is 15-2 on the mat this season and has six major decisions to his credit.

The next Wrestler of the Week announcement will be on Feb. 2.

Nominees: Blake Augustyn, Concordia (Neb.); Cameron Schrempp, Dickinson State (N.D.); Ross Mosher, Great Falls (Mont.); Rashad Riley, McKendree (Ill.); David Clemens, Campbellsville (Ky.); Bradley Rogers, Cumberland (Tenn.).

2011 Composite Award Winners (Schedule)
Week 1: Tommie Hooper, Southern Oregon
Week 2: Kidd Gomez, Oklahoma City
Week 3: Thomas Straughn, Notre Dame (Ohio)