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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

Dawson nabs MAC West Wrestler of the Week

Totus Tuus Keely
NIU wrestling graduate student Devon Dawson shakes hands with head coach Ryan Ludwig after winning his bout against Central Michigan University redshirt senior Bryan Caves on Friday. Dawson was named the Mid-American Conference West Division Wrestler of the Week after sealing the win in NIU’s defeat of Central Michigan. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
By Eric Avila, Sports Reporter
Jan 22, 2026

Winning his bout against No. 31-ranked redshirt senior Bryan Caves to seal NIU’s victory over Central Michigan University on Friday, graduate student Devon Dawson was named the Mid-American Conference West Wrestler of the week. 

In the final dual of the night for the Huskies, Dawson took a 15-7 majority decision over Caves to put the NIU ahead of the Chippewas for a 19-14 victory. 

This is Dawson’s first MAC honor of his career, and NIU’s fifth of the season. 

UP NEXT

The Huskies return to action at 4 p.m. Friday against Kent State University before facing Ohio University at 6 p.m. at the Convocation Center’s Victor E. Court. 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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NIU wrestling graduate student Devon Dawson celebrates with teammates during the Huskies’ dual against Central Michigan University on Jan. 16. Dawson and redshirt junior Markel Baker competed at the NCAA Championships beginning on Friday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Wrestling ends season at NCAA Championships
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Wrestling wins MAC titles at 133, 285
NIU wrestling head coach Ryan Ludwig cheers on the Huskies during the Beauty and the Beast meet on Feb. 20 inside the Convocation Center. Sports Reporter Eric Avila shares his greatest takeaways from the wrestling season as the Huskies prepare for the Mid-American Conference championships. (Northern Star file photo)
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Puntaric claims MAC Player of the Week
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NIU wrestling graduate student Devon Dawson attempts to takedown Southern Illinois University redshirt junior Bryson Buhk during the Beauty and the Beast meet’s 285-pound match on Friday in the Convocation Center. NIU wrestling will join the Pac-12 conference next season. (Jayce Pendergrass | Northern Star)
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NIU wrestling redshirt senior Blake West takes on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville sophomore Drew Davis during the Beauty and the Beast meet on Friday inside the Convocation Center. West tied the NIU record for career wins on Friday, notching his 116th victory as the Huskies lost a 16-15 bout. (Eric McGill | Northern Star)
NIU wrestling falls to SIUE in regular season finale

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