Nov. 18, 2008

PARK RIDGE, Ill. - Illinois freshman Jordan Blanton was named the Big Ten Co-Wrestler of the Week Tuesday after dominating the field at 184 pounds at the ACC/Big Ten Clash last weekend, becoming the first true-freshman to win a weekly conference honor in Illini wrestling history. Blanton pinned his first two opponents, Hank Penree of North Carolina State and Joe DeGaravilla of No. 21 Virginia, then scored an injury default victory over North Carolina's Robert McCarthy to finish his first weekend of collegiate competition.

Blanton's nine bonus points were the most bonus points by any wrestler at the event, helping Illinois cruise to 40-7, 39-7 and 26-9 victories over N.C. State, Virginia and North Carolina, respectively. Blanton shared Wrestler of the Week honors with Wisconsin's Dallas Herbst, who is ranked No. 5 nationally at 197 pounds.

The Fighting Illini continue the early portion of their schedule Sunday when they travel to Columbia, Mo., for the Missouri Open. In addition, junior All-American Jimmy Kennedy will head to Columbus, Ohio, for the NWCA All-Star Classic on Monday, Nov. 24.