Iowa State’s 197-pound wrestler Jake Varner was named Big 12 Wrestler of the Week for the week of Dec. 14-21. This is the third time that the senior has earned this honor.

    Varner, the nation’s reigning champion at 197 pounds, recorded a major decision against Northern Iowa’s Dustin Bauman, 13-4, at last Saturday’s dual meet against the Panthers in Cedar Falls. The Bakersfield, Calif., native accumulated over four minutes of riding time in the major decision over Bauman, improving his record to 8-0 overall and 3-0 in dual action on the season. Of his eight matches, he has earned bonus points in each match, all while compiling four pins and four major decisions.

    Varner will be heading to the Midlands Championships in Evanston, Ill., next Tuesday, sitting just two wins away from the 100-win mark for his collegiate career. He will become just the 33rd Cyclone wrestler to reach the 100-win club in the program’s prestigious history.