Eckman named MIAA Wrestler of the Week

HUDSONVILLE, Mich. – Junior Boe Eckman from The University of Olivet has been named the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Wrestler of the Week. He is being honored for the second time this season.

Eckman, a graduate of Constantine High School, posted a 5-0 record to capture the 285-pound title at the Mid-States Invitational, hosted by Trine (Ind.) University. Of the five wins, four were first-period pins and they totaled five minutes and 35 seconds to record most falls in the least time award at the tournament.

Eckman began the day with a 55-second pin over Hunter Probasco, and then pinned Kyle Affer from Trine in 2:19. He defeated teammate Landen Roe, 4-1, in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, Eckman pinned Demetrius Hernandez from Heidelberg (Ohio) University in 2:02. He pinned top seed Doug Byrne from Baldwin Wallace (Ohio) University 19 seconds into the championship match. Byrne is a returning NCAA All-American and ranked No. 5 in the most recent NWCA Individual poll.

"I am so proud of Boe for his performance at the Mid-States Invitational," said Olivet head coach Brandon Brissette. "He has done a great job at stepping in when Donovan (King) has not been able to wrestle. Before Saturday, we told Boe to go out and give us a strong performance and he did it. This performance will give him even more confidence going into his senior season."

The Comets are back in action Friday and Saturday, March 1-2, at the 2024 NCAA Division III Central Regional. Ohio Northern University is the host school.