After going 5-0 at the NWCA National Duals, Markel Baker (Freeport, Ill./Freeport) has been named the Mid-American Conference West Wrestler of the Week.

Baker, who held the then-No. 28 ranking in the Intermat poll, went 5-0 over the weekend as the Huskies took fourth at the 2026 NWCA National Duals. Baker opened his weekend with a technical fall win over Harvard’s Coleman Nogle before defeating fellow-MAC competitor No. 33 Andrew Austin via major decision.

In the Huskies’ dual against No. 8 South Dakota State, Baker posted a 4-2 decision over Cale Seaton. Baker added his second win by major decision, defeating Campbell’s Logan Heil before posting a 5-1 decision over Drexel’s Kyle Waterman. With the wins, Baker improves to 16-4 on the season.

This is Baker’s third honor this season and fourth overall from the conference.

NIU returns home as they welcome the Chippewas of Central Michigan at Friday, January 16. The first bout will get underway at 7 p.m.

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