By Craig Sesker USA Wrestling 10/18/2010

Jake Varner (State College, Pa./Nittany Lion WC) has been named TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week for October 12-18.

Each week, TheMat.com 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.

Varner went 5-0 for the U.S. during the Intercontinental Cup on Oct. 14 in Khasavyurt, Russia. The U.S. placed sixth in the freestyle wrestling event with a 2-3 record.

Varner beat two wrestlers from Russia, one from Georgia, one from Korea and one from Belarus during his unbeaten run through the dual-meet event. Varner competes at 96 kg/211.5 lbs.

Varner reached the quarterfinal round of the 2009 World Championships in freestyle. He placed second at the 2010 U.S. World Team Trials.

He was a four-time NCAA finalist and two-time NCAA champion for the Iowa State Cyclones.

Note: To nominate a wrestler for TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week, send the athlete’s name, accomplishments for the week and career accomplishments to Craig Sesker at csesker@usawrestling.org