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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

Baker nabs MAC West Wrestler of the Week

By Northern Star Sports Staff
February 19, 2025
Categories:
Totus Tuus Keely
NIU wrestling redshirt sophomore Markel Baker holds Purdue University Boilermaker redshirt junior Dustin Norris from behind in the 133-pound match amid the Huskies 29-8 loss against Purdue on Jan. 12. Baker earned Mid-American Conference West Wrestler of the Week honors after upsetting the No. 2 ranked 133-pound wrestler in the NCAA on Friday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

NIU wrestling redshirt sophomore Markel Baker earned Mid-American Conference West Wrestler of the Week after upsetting the second-ranked 133-pound wrestler in the NCAA. 

Now the No. 33 ranked 133-pound wrestler, Baker defeated then No. 2 ranked 133-pound California Polytechnic State University redshirt sophomore Zeth Romney in a come from behind victory on Saturday. Baker ultimately conquered Romney in a 7-6 decision, earning his first ranked win of the season. 

Behind Baker, the Huskies took down Cal Poly, the No. 22 ranked team in the country, for their fourth-straight dual win.

Baker and the Huskies close their regular season at 6 p.m. Saturday against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in Edwardsville, Illinois. Streaming for the game will be available on ESPN+ and live stats will be provided by TrackWrestling.

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