SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio -- Notre Dame's #Thomas Straughn# has been named the NAIA National Wrestler of the Week, the national office announced Wednesday.

Straughn, a senior from Massillon, Ohio, was tabbed for the honor based on his performances from Jan. 17 - 23. The reigning national champion at 157 pounds earned the 157-pound title at the Simonson Open hosted by Ashland University on Jan. 22. Straughn went 5-0 at the event, earning two majors and four wins over NCAA Division I foes. In the championship bout, he edged Josh Demas of Ohio State, who was wrestling unattached, 5-4.

“Thomas was outstanding at the Simonson,” said NDC Head Coach #Frank Romano#, who earned the NAIA Coach of the Year award in 2010 when he guided the Wrestling Falcons to Notre Dame's first national title in any sport. “He took down some tough opponents in that 157 bracket and was fundamentally sound in that title bout against Demas.”

The two-time NAIA All-American owns the current No. 1 NAIA ranking at 157 pounds (NAIA Coaches' Poll) and has won 13 straight bouts dating back to Nov. 7. He is 15-2 on the mat this season and has six major decisions to his credit.

“Straughn is a great kid and he's a lot of fun to coach,” said Romano. “We're glad to have him here at Notre Dame.”