Markel Baker has been named the Mid-American Conference West Wrestler of the Week following his title at the Michigan State Open.

Baker saw competition against only P4 opponents and opened with his day with a win over Carter Dibert (Arizona State). Baker posted a 15-8 decision over Blaine Frazier of Indiana before a 7-2 decision over Massey Odiotti of Northwestern. Baker has defeated Odiotti in the last two seasons. In the first-place match, Baker defeated Jackson Blum of Indiana in a 4-2 decision.

Baker was the only ranked wrestler from NIU to compete at the Michigan State Open, holding top-30 ranking spots in four polls at the time of competition.

This is Baker’s second honor from the conference office, having previously been named MAC West Wrestler of the Week on February 18, 2025.

The Huskies return to action on November 15 as they are set to compete at the Boilermaker duals. The Huskies will start the day against American University at 9 a.m. and see Purdue (11 a.m.) and Buffalo (1 p.m.) in West Lafayette, Indiana.

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