Ben Askren Named 2006 Recipient of Dan Hodge Trophy
3/27/2006 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
March 27, 2006
Columbia, Mo. - Junior Ben Askren (Hartland, Wis.), Missouri's first NCAA Division 1 Wrestling champion was named the 2006 recipient of the Dan Hodge Trophy Monday. Wrestling's version of the Heisman Trophy is awarded annually to the most dominant collegiate wrestler by the International Wrestling Institute & Museum and W.I.N. Magazine. Askren adds the sport's top prize to a list of accolades garnered since his victory, including Most Outstanding Wrestler at the NCAA Championships, Rev Wrestler of the Year by revwrestling.com, and Athlete of the Week from themat.com.
Wrestling at 174 pounds, Askren capped off an unblemished 45-0 season with a 14-2 major decision of previously unbeaten Jake Herbert of Northwestern in the finals, racking up the largest margin of victory among the finals matches. Askren and Herbert entered the bout with the nation's two longest winning streaks, as Herbert had won his previous 36 matches to set up what W.I.N Magazine called the "most anticipated finals match-up of the Division 1 Championships." In addition to his dominating victory in the finals, Askren marched through his quarterfinal and semifinal bouts with technical falls over Lehigh's Travis Frick (19-3) and Mike Patrovich of Hofstra (21-6).
Criteria for the award include record, number of pins, dominance, past credentials, quality of competition, sportsmanship/citizenship and heart. Among Askren's 45 victories the junior recorded 25 falls, nine technical falls, five major decisions, an injury default and a forfeit, scoring bonus points in all but four matches. A runner-up at the NCAA Championships each of the past two seasons, Askren carries a 3.2 GPA and regularly volunteers, reading to grade-school kids in Columbia.
"It's a great honor to win the award, because of Dan Hodge and all the other great wrestlers that have won it," Askren said. "It's been a goal of mine to not only be the best in my weight class, but the best in any weight class, period."
Throughout the course of the season Askren also set new Missouri records for career falls (62), season falls (25) and consecutive victories (20). Wrestling against No. 15 Wes Roberts of Oklahoma in Missouri's final home dual of the season, Askren became the first Tiger junior to reach the 100-win club with an 8-6 decision, and holds a 109-8 career mark.
"I've never been around anybody like him," Head Coach Brian Smith said. "I think he's going to be the new torch-holder for our sport. I knew that when I recruited him."
The award will officially be presented to Askren April 22nd at the team's annual wrestling banquet.
