Feb. 21, 2006

Columbia, Mo. - Giving the No. 8 Missouri wrestling team its second consecutive Big 12 Wrestler of the Week, sophomore Tyler McCormick (Leawood, Kan.) has received the honor for the week of Feb. 14-Feb. 20.

McCormick, ranked No. 16 at 133 pounds, came back from a 2-1 first-period deficit to beat No. 7 Matt Keller of Chattanooga in Missouri's 37-6 win Feb. 18. McCormick tied the score in the second frame with an escape, then turned Keller to his back for a two-point nearfall with less than 10 seconds on the clock to get the upset, 4-2. Wrestling in the Tigers' second dual of the day, McCormick defeated UNC-Greensboro's Chris Bencivenga by decision, 8-4.

A starter at 133 pounds for the second straight season, McCormick possesses a 25-6 record on the year, including a second-place finish at the Missouri Open Nov. 20 and a third-place showing at the Southern Scuffle Dec. 29-30.

McCormick is the third Tiger to receive the Big 12 Wrestler of the Month/Week this season. Junior Ben Askren (Hartland, Wis.) was named the Big 12 Wrestler for the month of December for his performance at 174 pounds, and 165-pound starter Matt Pell (junior, Luxemburg, Wis.) received the honor one week ago.