Vering Named Big 12 Wrestler of the Week

Lincoln - Husker sophomore Brad Vering became the third Nebraska wrestler this season to earn Big 12 Wrestler of the Week honors Monday.

Vering (20-6, 14-4), one of Nebraska's frontrunners for conference and national accolades, defeated previously unbeaten and first-ranked Brandon Eggum in sudden-death overtime during Nebraska's 22-9 home loss to No. 2 Minnesota on Sunday. Vering, ranked seventh and eighth nationally, handed Eggum his first loss in 24 matches this season. With the match tied 1-1, Vering won the dual's final contest by riding Eggum for the entire 30-second sudden-death period.

With the win, Vering extended his winning streak to five and became the fifth Husker this season to have recorded at least 20 victories. Of Vering's 20 wins this season, seven have involved a major decision (3), pin (2) or technical fall (2, a team-leading mark). Four of Vering's six losses this season were to wrestlers ranked in the top six. Vering lost those matches by a combined eight points, including two tiebreakers.

A native of Howells, Neb., Vering was named the Amateur Wrestling News Freshman of the Year last season after earning a Big 12 Championship and qualifying for the NCAA Championships at 177 pounds. With 33 victories last season, Vering became just the fifth Husker in school history to win at least 30 matches during a freshman campaign. Vering was also named to the Academic All-Big 12 first team and earned second-team NWCA Academic All-America honors last season.