HENSON EARNS BIG 12 WRESTLER OF THE WEEK HONORS

Lincoln - Nebraska redshirt freshman Joe Henson was named the Big 12 Wrestler of the Week Monday for aiding the seventh-ranked Huskers to a come-from-behind victory over No. 4 Iowa State in Lincoln on Jan. 31.

Henson, who is 16-5 overall and 9-3 in dual meets this season at the 149-pound weight class, entered the meet ranked 14th (InterMat ranking) and 15th (Amateur Wrestling News ranking) against the Cyclones' fifth-ranked Cole Sanderson. Trailing Iowa State, 18-13, entering the meet's second-to-last match, Nebraska needed a win to stay in the contest. Henson didn't disappoint, as he earned his 16th win of the year with a 8-5 upset of Sanderson. Henson's victory allowed NU to pull within two points of the Cyclones before freshman Bryan Snyder pulled out a 3-2 win over eighth-ranked David Maldonado in the 157-pound match to give the Huskers a 19-18 win.

Henson's three dual losses this season have come against opponents ranked in the top five (Oregon State's first-ranked Oscar Wood, Northern Iowa's fourth-ranked Tony Davis and Oklahoma State's seventh-ranked Reggie Wright). Henson has also earned wins against three wrestlers who were ranked among the top 17 at the time of competition, including the recent win over ISU's Sanderson.

Henson has outscored opponents 33-12 this season in dual matches, has recorded two major decisions and is currently third on the team in total falls with four (three pins and one technical fall).

A native of Easton, Pa., Henson joined fellow Husker Bryan Snyder as the second freshman from the state of Pennsylvania to be named Big 12 Wrestler of the Week this season. Snyder claimed the honor for the week of Jan. 4-Jan. 10.