Minnesota and Wisconsin Share Wrestler of the Week Honor

Gophers’ McKee and Badgers’ Hamiti split weekly plaudit after closing out the Big Ten dual meet season with ranked victories

Co-Wrestlers of the Week

Patrick McKee, Minnesota

125 pounds – Sr. – St. Michael, Minn. – St. Michael-Albertville

Pinned long-time rival and third-ranked Eric Barnett to kick off Minnesota's 28-12 win over Wisconsin on Feb. 16
Barnett had a 3-1 lead after the first period but McKee shot in late in the second period, got the takedown and secured the pin at the 4:47 mark
In addition to it being the fourth career pin for McKee over Barnett, it was also his team-best fifth of the season and the 26th of his career, tying Ryan Lewis for 19th in Minnesota history
Improved to a 12-5 record overall, including an 8-4 record in duals and 4-3 mark in the Big Ten, with five pins, three tech falls and one major decision
The Academic All-Big Ten honoree earns the second Wrestler of the Week Award of his career
Last Minnesota Wrestler of the Week: Michael Blockhus (Jan. 23, 2024)

Dean Hamiti, Wisconsin

165 pounds – Jr. – Joliet, Ill. – Joliet Catholic Academy

Remained unbeaten against Big Ten competition this season with two wins on the weekend for the Badgers
He earned a 20-3 tech fall in 5:00 over Minnesota's No. 32 Blaine Brenner on Feb. 16 in Minneapolis, including five takedowns and a four-point nearfall in the victory
Won a 14-11 decision over Iowa's Mike Caliendo at 165 pounds in a top-10 matchup, scoring three takedowns, two escapes and a reversal against seventh-ranked Caliendo
Fended off the Hawkeye's attacks and picked up riding time to earn his 23rd win of the season (23-1 overall) and remain undefeated with a 12-0 record in both duals and tournaments
The Academic All-Big Ten honoree earns the third Wrestler of the Week Award of his career
Last Wisconsin Wrestler of the Week: Dean Hamiti (Jan. 2, 2024)

2023-24 Big Ten Wrestler of the Week

Nov. 8: Rocco Welsh, Fr., OSU

Nov. 14: Shayne Van Ness, So., PSU/ Dean Hamiti, Jr., WIS

Nov. 22: Beau Bartlett, Sr., PSU/ Yaraslau Slavikouski, Gr., RU

Nov. 29: Gabe Arnold, Fr., IOWA

Dec. 6: Jesse Mendez, So., OSU

Dec. 12: John Poznanski, Jr., RU

Dec. 19: Peyton Robb, Sr., NEB

Jan. 2: Dean Hamiti, Jr., WIS

Jan. 11: Nick Feldman, Fr., OSU

Jan. 16: Michael North, Sr., MD/ Jackson Turley, Jr., RU

Jan. 23: Michael Blockhus, Gr., MINN

Jan. 30: Nick Feldman, Fr., OSU

Feb. 6: Sergio Lemley, Fr., MICH

Feb. 14: Beau Bartlett, Sr., PSU

Feb. 21: Patrick McKee, Sr., MINN/Dean Hamiti, Jr., WIS