Kurt Backes (21-4, 9-3 Big 12) was named Big 12 Wrestler of the Week after his performance this weekend with two wins over 17th-ranked T.J. Morrison of Rider and the undefeated, No.1-ranked Max Askren of Missouri.

For the ninth-ranked Backes, taking down the big guys has been a staple not only of this season, but of his Cyclone wrestling career.

On Dec. 9, 2005, Backes took down the eventual 2006 NCAA runner-up, Roger Kish, from Minnesota, with a 6-3 decision in Minneapolis.

On Feb. 5, 2006, Backes helped the Cyclones defeat ninth-ranked Penn State with an upset victory over top-ranked Eric Bradley. Backes didn’t just steal a close upset, he dominated Bradley in a 10-2 major decision.

Just last month Backes secured a victory over third-seeded Hofstra with a fall in 36 seconds over fourth-ranked Chris Weidman.

This latest victory for Backes comes at a time in his career when he might need it most. Backes, then ranked tenth, came into his match against Askren with losses to Oklahoma’s Joel Flaggert and Nebraska’s Craig Brester.

With the win over No. 1-ranked Askren, Backes should come out with a three seed in the tournament and a possible rematch with Askren, but he isn’t worried about it just yet.

“I’m looking forward to wrestling him [Max Askren] again. I have a feel for him and I know what he’s about . I’m looking forward to next time,” said Backes after his huge win.

Coach Cael Sanderson has seen a marked difference in Backes lately and wants him to focus on doing the things he knows he can do.

“Kurt’s just having fun. He’s wrestling hard. He’s real talented, he’s just got to make sure he’s having a good time and just wrestling. It’s just a game and he’s got to keep things in perspective and he’s doing that,” Sanderson said.

“He’s tough in every position and when you’re tough in every position you have a good chance of winning every match you’re in. So he’s stepping up big time for us. We’re real happy.”