Burroughs Receives Hodge Trophy from Wrestling Legend

Lincoln, Neb.- The Nebraska wrestling program welcomed wrestling legend Dan Hodge to its annual banquet Saturday night to present former Husker Jordan Burroughs with the prestigious Hodge Trophy. The Hodge Trophy is awarded to the nation's most outstanding wrestler.

Burroughs accepted the award after finishing the season with a perfect 36-0 record and claiming his second national championship. In becoming the school's first two-time national champion, the Sicklerville, N.J. native dominated the 165-pound weight class by recording 6 wins by pin and 14 technical falls. Burroughs is Nebraska's first recipient of the Hodge Trophy after being named the winner on March 25.

Hodge competed at the University of Oklahoma where he was a three-time national champion (1955-57) and didn't allow a takedown in his collegiate career. Hodge was one of the most dominant wrestlers in collegiate history, pinning 36 of his 46 opponents

The Husker coaching staff also handed out annual team awards at the banquet. Junior Tucker Lane (Lifter of the Year), sophomore Ridge Kiley (Most Improved), redshirt freshman Robert Kokesh (Redshirt of the Year), senior Andy Johnson (Spirit of Excellence), freshman Shawn Nagel (Granite award) and sophomore Ross Grande (Most Dedicated) were all honored.

Nebraska will begin preparations for next season when the Huskers move into the Big Ten Conference. The 2011-12 wrestling schedule should be finalized in the next month. Continue to check back to Huskers.com for more information on the Husker wrestling team.