KANSAS CITY, Mo. -Andrew Sanchez of McKendree (Ill.) has been named the NAIA National Wrestler of the Week, the national office announced Wednesday. Sanchez was selected based on his performances from Jan. 31 – Feb. 6.

Sanchez posted a 3-0 record on his way to the 197 pound championship at the Greyhound Open hosted by NCAA Division II University of Indianapolis on Feb. 6. Prior to the title bout, the two-time All-American posted a 22-7 (6:55) technical fall of unattached wrestler Stephen Newman and an 11-3 major decision over NCAA Division I Michigan State’s Nick McDiarmid. He collided with previously top-ranked Derek Foore of Notre Dame (Ohio) in the title bout and emerged victorious with a 6-1 decision.

A native of Shiloh, Ill., Sanchez took over the top-spot at 197 pounds in Tuesday’s NAIA Wrestling Coaches’ Poll for the first time since being listed No. 1 on Dec. 22, 2009. He is 29-1 in his senior campaign is one of four nationally-ranked grapplers with just one loss this season. His one loss was a 5-2 decision to NCAA Division I Illinois’ Mario Gonzalez at Lindenwood (Mo.) Open on Oct. 30, 2010.

He has seven technical falls to his credit, which is third most among all NAIA wrestlers, and his 29 wins ranks ninth. Sanchez also has registered four major decisions and pinned three opponents.

The next Wrestler of the Week announcement will be on Feb. 16.

Nominees: Derrick Weller, Lindenwood (Mo.); Tyler Thompson, Morningside (Iowa); Jon Bittenger, Notre Dame (Ohio); Steven Urquizo, Dickinson State (N.D.); Kidd Gomez, Oklahoma City; Harrison Courtney, Lindsey Wilson (Ky.).

2011 Composite Award Winners (Schedule)
Week 1: Tommie Hooper, Southern Oregon
Week 2: Kidd Gomez, Oklahoma City
Week 3: Thomas Straughn, Notre Dame (Ohio)
Week 4: Joe Sievert, Morningside (Iowa)
Week 6: Andrew Sanchez, McKendree (Ill.)