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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

Baker earns 2nd consecutive MAC West Wrestler of the Week

Totus Tuus Keely
NIU wrestling redshirt junior Markel Baker, top, battles with redshirt freshman Calvin Werden during the Red-Black Dual on Oct. 30. Baker was named the MAC West Wrestler of the Week for the second consecutive week on Nov. 18 after going undefeated at the Boilermaker Duals on Saturday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
By Eric Avila, Sports Reporter
Nov 19, 2025

Coming off of winning the 133-pound title at the Michigan State Open, redshirt junior wrestler Markel Baker continued his winning streak going 2-0 at the Boilermaker Duels on Saturday, earning him a second consecutive MAC West Wrestler of the Week honor, the conference announced on Tuesday.

Baker went undefeated at the Boilermaker Duels, defeating two ranked opponents from Purdue University and American University.

Baker opened the day against American University No. 22 ranked senior Raymond Lopez defeating him in an 11-4 decision, followed by a defeat of Purdue No. 21 redshirt senior Blake Boarman.

This is Baker’s second MAC honor of his career, after being named the MAC West Wrestler of the Week on Nov. 13.

Wrestling continues its season against Bellarmine University at 5 p.m. Friday in Louisville, Kentucky. The match will be streamed on ESPN+ and live stats will be updated on Track Wrestling.

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About the Contributors
Eric Avila
Eric Avila, Sports Reporter
Totus Tuus Keely
Totus Tuus Keely, Editor in Chief

Totus Tuus Keely is a junior from Ottawa, Illinois, majoring in mechatronics engineering. He began as a photographer in the spring 2024 semester. Outside of his busy class schedule, Totus enjoys photographing sports and capturing the emotions of fans and players. He also enjoys performing in the World Music Program and the NIU Pep Band, as well as constantly expanding his musical taste.

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