Justin Ruiz (Orem, Utah/New York AC) has been named TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week for May 15-21.

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.

Ruiz pinned Soso Jabidze of Georgia in the third period of their match at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. at the Curby Cup, held in LaGrange, Ill.

Ruiz won the first period, dropped the second period, then scored the third period fall, with the result 1-0, 0-2, 1:19.

Ruiz unlaced his shoes and left them in the center of the mat moments after pinning Jabidze, symbolizing his retirement from the sport.

He was one of three U.S. winners in the dual meet against Georgia, which was won by the visiting Georgians, 4-3.

Ruiz was third in the 2005 World Championships, and competed on six U.S. World 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