Mendez Named B1G Ten Wrestler of the Week

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Jesse Mendez took the 2023 Cliff Keen Invitational Title in the 141-pound bracket last weekend to earn the Big Ten Wrestler of the Week Award, the league office announced Wednesday. This is the third Big Ten Player of the Week Award for the All-America sophomore,

With the help of a 5-0 individual record, Mendez helped the Buckeyes to a third-place finish overall at the 41st annual Las Vegas event.

Mendez earned the title with three-consecutive wins over Top 15 wrestlers in his weight class, including a major decision over Big Ten opponent Brock Hardy of Nebraska, who entered the event ranked No. 4 nationally.

The title was earned against No. 7 Ryan Jack of North Carolina State. Mendez tied the match at 1-all with an escape in the third period before getting the only takedown of the bout for a 5-2 win by decision.

Mendez at the 2023 Cliff Keen Invitational, Dec. 1-2, 2023

141-No. 5 Jesse Mendez (5-0/1st)

Rnd 32:141-Jesse Mendez (OSU) TF Isaac Byers (Appalachian State), 19-4 3:42

Rnd 16: 141-Jesse Mendez (OSU) F Jaden Pepe (Harvard), 1:32

QF: 141-Jesse Mendez (OSU) TF No. 14 Vince Cornella (Cornell), 18-1

SF: 141-Jesse Mendez (OSU) MD No. 4 Brock Hardy (Nebraska), 11-3

F: 141-Jesse Mendez (OSU) DEC No. 7 Ryan Jack (NCST), 5-2