Wrestler of the Week: Brett Kaliner

The d3wrestle.com Wrestler of the Week is Brett Kaliner of Stevens Institute of Technology. Kaliner won the 149 lbs. bracket at the Concordia Wisconsin Open on Saturday. The top seed in the bracket, Kaliner defeated a pair of Wartburg All-Americans in the semifinals and finals. After a pair of tech falls, he defeated Brady Fritz of Wartburg 4-2 in the semifinals. This earned the #1 ranked Kaliner a matchup with #2 ranked Kristian Rumph in the finals. The two traded takedowns early, but Kaliner was able to secure a second takedown and work for the fall near the end of the first period. He was named Outstanding Wrestler for his performance.

Kaliner, a fifth year senior, has finished 2nd and 3rd in the NCAA Championships and was 3rd in last year’s NWCA DIII Championships. He is now 9-0 on the year and retains his #1 ranking. Stevens next competes tomorrow in duals against UW-Eau Claire and Augsburg.