Jan. 7, 2002

Missouri sophomore Scott Barker has earned the first Big 12 Wrestler of the Week honor announced by the conference office Monday.

The St. Louis, Mo. native, has a 9-0 overall record and is 5-0 in dual victories this season. Of his nine victories, six have come by pinning his opponent.

The sophomore won the 197-pound division at the Reno Tournament of Champions on Dec. 20 and was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Wrestler. He was 4-0 at Reno with all four victories coming by the way of pins. The longest it took Barker to pin his opponent was 1:34.

He has recorded major decision victories over No. 8 Ty Matthews of Indiana and No. 7 Justin Ruiz of Nebraska, and he has pinned No. 12 Erik Gladish of Arizona State and No. 19 Jon Bush of Purdue in his undefeated season.

Others nominated were Cael Sanderson, Iowa State, Jared Frayer, Oklahoma, Bryan Snyder, Nebraska.

Barker is currently ranked fifth in the 197-pound weight class by Intermat, Amateur Wrestling News, and The Wrestling Mall.