Anthony Ashnault selected as USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week

Anthony Ashnault (South Plainfield, N.J./Rutgers) has been selected as TheMat.com Athlete of the Week on Feb. 5, 2019.

Three-time All-American Ashnault, ranked No. 2 in the nation at 149 pounds, took on 2018 All-American and top-ranked Matt Kolodzik, a sophomore for Princeton, in a dual on Sunday at the Rutgers Athletic Center in front of more than 5,000 fans.

The two undefeated wrestlers put up a scoreless first period, but Ashnault took advantage in the second period, starting on top. The Scarlet Knight picked up two nearfall points before Kolodzik notched an escape. Shortly after, Ashnault scored two more on a takedown to head into the final frame with a 5-2 lead.

In the third, Ashnault began with an escape and followed it up with a takedown late in the period and two more back points. Riding time was tacked on at the end for a 10-2 major decision for Ashnault over Kolodzik.

Ashnault took over the No. 1 spot at 149 pounds and is 19-0 on the season with a 14-0 mark in dual action.

Each week USA Wrestling will select an Athlete of the Week based upon performance within wrestling for that week. The selection committee will consider any level of wrestling from youth programs through the senior level. Twitter fan votes also play a part in decision.

To nominate a wrestler for this honor please send the athlete's name, wrestling program, weekly accomplishments and career accolades to USA Wrestling Communications Coordinator Taylor Miller at tmiller@usawrestling.org.