Olivet College’s Pederson named earns Wrestler of the Week honors

OLIVET, Mich. – Olivet College junior Gage Pederson (Hastings) has earned d3wrestle.com/WWSport.com Wrestler of the Week honors.

Wrestling at 149 pounds, Pederson had a perfect 4-0 record in leading Olivet to a 3-1 record Dec. 16 at the Desert Duals in Las Vegas. In his first round, he defeated defending national champion Kodie Silvestri from Wartburg (Iowa) College, 8-6, for the Comets' only win against the Knights. Pederson followed that match with pins against Tim Noverini from Coe (Iowa) College, Dan Colatari from Loras (Iowa) College and Matt Howell from Washington & Lee (Va.) University.

As a result from his performance, Pederson moved up to No. 2 in the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) individual rankings. As a team, Olivet climbed three spots to No. 7 in the NWCA poll.

For the season, Pederson is 14-4, with a perfect 9-0 record against NCAA Division III competition. In addition, five of the teams have been by pin and another five by major decision.

Olivet will be back in action Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, at the Waynesburg (Pa.) University Invitational.