Wrestling Announces End of Season Awards
5/13/2020 8:47:00 AM | Wrestling
BLOOMINGTON, Ind.– IU head coach Angel Escobedo announced the Indiana wrestling end of season awards.
Most Outstanding Wrestler
Graham Rooks
"Graham was one of the most exciting wrestlers on our team," Escobedo said. "Graham put the nation on notice after knocking off ranked opponent after ranked opponent. Qualifying for the NCAA tournament as a freshman he went from being unranked to being as high as 13th in the country. His attitude and effort are what we preach as a staff."
Most Improved Wrestler
Liam Cronin
"Liam had one of the biggest improvements in the country," Escobedo said. "After a slow start (7-11) Liam ended the regular season with an eight-match winning streak with wins over the #5, #18, #23, #25 ranked wrestlers in the country. In his first Big Ten Tournament, Liam placed 5th qualifying for the NCAA tournament and earring the 22nd seed. Liam is a testament of hard work, positive attitude, and staying committed to the process of getting better."
Redshirt of the Year
Donnell Washington
"DJ had a very promising year ending the season with a 22-9 record," Escobedo said. "He placed top 3 at five tournaments and was the only true freshman to place at his weight class at the prestigious Midlands Championships."
Leadership Award
Brock Hudkins
"Brock was having a tremendous season with a 10-1 record and ranked No. 6 in the country before he suffered a season ending injury," Escobedo said. "That did not stop Brock from supporting his teammates and helping them get better every day. On top of being a leader on the mat Brock was a leader in the classroom carrying a 3.8 GPA.
Most Outstanding Wrestler
Graham Rooks
"Graham was one of the most exciting wrestlers on our team," Escobedo said. "Graham put the nation on notice after knocking off ranked opponent after ranked opponent. Qualifying for the NCAA tournament as a freshman he went from being unranked to being as high as 13th in the country. His attitude and effort are what we preach as a staff."
Most Improved Wrestler
Liam Cronin
"Liam had one of the biggest improvements in the country," Escobedo said. "After a slow start (7-11) Liam ended the regular season with an eight-match winning streak with wins over the #5, #18, #23, #25 ranked wrestlers in the country. In his first Big Ten Tournament, Liam placed 5th qualifying for the NCAA tournament and earring the 22nd seed. Liam is a testament of hard work, positive attitude, and staying committed to the process of getting better."
Redshirt of the Year
Donnell Washington
"DJ had a very promising year ending the season with a 22-9 record," Escobedo said. "He placed top 3 at five tournaments and was the only true freshman to place at his weight class at the prestigious Midlands Championships."
Leadership Award
Brock Hudkins
"Brock was having a tremendous season with a 10-1 record and ranked No. 6 in the country before he suffered a season ending injury," Escobedo said. "That did not stop Brock from supporting his teammates and helping them get better every day. On top of being a leader on the mat Brock was a leader in the classroom carrying a 3.8 GPA.
Players Mentioned
FB: Under the Hood with Indiana Football - Week 4 (Illinois)
Wednesday, September 17
FB: Kellan Wyatt Media Availability (9/16/25)
Tuesday, September 16
FB: Mikail Kamara Media Availability (9/16/25)
Tuesday, September 16
FB: Curt Cignetti Media Availability (9/15/25)
Monday, September 15