The second d3wrestle.com/WWSport.com Wrestler of the Week for 2008-2009 is senior Aaron Wernimont of Wartburg College. Wernimont, the defending NCAA champ at 157 lbs., won the prestigious Harold Nichols Open at Iowa State this past weekend. He was one of just two non-Division I wrestlers to win titles at the event. The top seed in the event, Wernimont won twice by major decision and three times by decision to take the title in the 33 man bracket. In the semifinals, he stopped current NJCAA #2 Carrington Banks of Iowa Central Community College 4-0 before prevailing 6-3 in the finals. In opening his season with five wins, Wernimont runs his current winning streak to 42 consecutive matches dating back to last year.
A four time Iowa state placewinner for Pocahontas Area High School, Wernimont began his career at the United States Military Academy before transferring to Wartburg after one season. In 2007, he placed sixth in Division III at 157 lbs. before taking the title at the same weight in 2008. He holds the #1 ranking in both the d3wrestle.com and NWCA polls this season. His season continues this weekend at either the Auggie Open or Concordia (WI) Open, as Wartburg will be sending wrestlers to both events.