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Ayala Named B1G Co-Wrestler of the WeekAyala Named B1G Co-Wrestler of the Week
Men's Wrestling

Ayala Named B1G Co-Wrestler of the Week

University of Iowa junior Drake Ayala has been named Big Ten Co-Wrestler of the Week, it was announced Thursday by the league office. Ayala shared the accolade with Nebraska’s Ridge Lovett.

IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa junior Drake Ayala has been named Big Ten Co-Wrestler of the Week, it was announced Thursday by the league office. Ayala shared the accolade with Nebraska’s Ridge Lovett.

The Fort Dodge, Iowa, native earned the distinction after defeating second-ranked Lucas Byrd, 4-2, on Jan. 17 inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena.  Ayala notched a takedown with 40 seconds remaining and with the scored tied at one.  The Hawkeyes won the dual over the ninth-ranked Fighting Illini, 28-6.

It was the third time in his career that Ayala has defeated an opponent ranked in the top three, and the 11th time he has defeated a top 10 opponent.  He is 29-14 against ranked competition in his career.

Ayala improved to 11-1 on the season and 4-1 against ranked opponents.

Ayala is the second Hawkeye to earn Big Ten Wrestler of the Week honors this season as Kyle Parco earned the distinction Jan. 9.

No. 2 Iowa returns to action on Saturday at 1 p.m. (CT), hosting No. 4 Ohio State. The dual will be televised on BTN.