Burroughs Selected as USOC Male Athlete of the Month

Former Husker wrestler and World Champion Jordan Burroughs was named the U.S. Olympic Committee's Male Athlete of the Month for the month of September after capturing the 74 kilogram/163 pound world championship. Burroughs became the first American World champion since 2006 when he defeated Sadegh Goudararzi of Iran in the finals on Sept. 18.

After winning his second national championship at Nebraska, Burroughs began his international career by winning the US Open title and the World Team Trials title to earn a spot on the U.S. National Team and compete in Istanbul, Turkey. Burroughs went 5-0 at the World Championships, which included a second round victory over two-time world champion Denis Tsargush of Russia. The Sicklerville, N.J., native became the first wrestler since Stephen Neal in 1999 to win an NCAA Championship and World Championship in the same year.

Burroughs helped the U.S. to a third place finish at the World Championships finishing with a total of 38 points.

Finishing in second behind Burroughs for the honor was triathlon athlete Lucas Verzbicas, while track and field athlete Galen Rupp finished in third. Track and field athlete Lashinda Demus was the female recipient of the award.