The d3wrestle.com Wrestler of the Week is Hayden Brown of Johnson & Wales. Brown went 4-0 at 149 & 157 lbs. at the NWCA National Duals to help his team to a second place finish in the event, including an upset over #1 ranked Wartburg. In the first round, Brown pinned 2022 149 lbs. All-American Michael Conklin of TCNJ. In the quarterfinals, he defeated 2022 NCAA qualifier Javen Estrada of North Central 8-3, and in the semifinals, he defeated 2022 149 lbs. All-American Kristian Rumph of Wartburg 4-0. In the finals against Augsburg, Brown bumped up to 157 and defeated 2022 157 lbs. All-American Tyler Shilson 5-4.
Brown, a junior from Exeter, New Hampshire, is currently 13-1 on the year. Earlier this season, he finished 2nd in the Ithaca Invitational and 1st in the Roger Williams Invitational. He is a two-time NCAA qualifier and two-time Northeast Region champion. In the 2020 season, he was the NEWA Rookie of the Year. Johnson & Wales next competes this Saturday where they will split the squad between events at Trinity and Bridgewater State.