Feb. 11, 2013

WEST POINT, N.Y. - After helping the Army wrestling team to wins against American and Boston University on Sunday, freshman 197-pounder Bryce Barnes was tabbed the Army Athletic Association Athlete of the Week on Monday.

Barnes posted a technical fall victory in Army's 34-8 rout of American in Army's first match of the day, before pinning his opponent in the Black Knights' thrilling 22-18 come-from-behind win opposite BU in the nightcap.

The Virginia Beach, Va., native was one of five Army wrestlers to earn bonus points in the American match. He cruised past Devon Bradley, piling up a series of takedowns and near falls en route to an emphatic 18-2 technical fall verdict.

Barnes saved his best performance for last, however, pinning BU's Alex Najjar in 2 minutes, 47 seconds to cap Army's comeback and seal the victory for the Black Knights. Army trailed 12-0 after two bouts before storming back to collect the win by taking six of the final eight matchups.

Barnes, who boasts a 10-2 record over his last 12 bouts, currently ranks second on the team with 22 victories, nine dual match wins and 10 bonus-point verdicts. The talented plebe also lists among the team leaders with five pins, three major decisions and two technical falls.

Army will take this week off before hosting Navy on Sunday, Feb. 24. The annual Star Match will be held inside Christl Arena beginning at 4 p.m.