Brooks earns USA Wrestling honor

The hot start for University of Iowa junior Sammy Brooks has garnered a national honor.

USA Wrestling announced Monday that Brooks was named the organization's Athlete of the Week.

Brooks scored a crucial technical fall over Jordan Rogers, propelling the fourth-ranked Hawkeyes over then-No. 1 Oklahoma State on Saturday during the Grapple on the Gridiron at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.

Brooks, an NCAA qualifier last season, scored four takedowns and used two tilts for eight nearfall points, posting a 17-2 victory at 184. He is currently ranked 12th by InterMat.

Here is the official news release from UI SID:

Sammy Brooks named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week

Brooks' bonus points spur Hawkeyes past Cowboys

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa junior Sammy Brooks has been named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week.

The Oak Park, Illinois, native used four takedowns and eight nearfall points to earn a 17-2 technical fall over Oklahoma State's Jordan Rogers at the 'Grapple on the Gridiron' on Nov. 14.

Brooks' bonus points at 184 pounds gave Iowa a 15-13 lead and proved to be the difference in the Hawkeyes' 18-16 win over the top-ranked Cowboys.

Each week USA Wrestling selects 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.

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