Penn State wrestler Beau Bartlett was named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week on Thursday after picking up a pair of wins this past weekend in two dual meet victories over No. 8 Ohio State and No. 13 Illinois. It is Bartlett’s second weekly honor of the season, as he was also named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week in December.

Bartlett’s weekend started in Columbus, OH, facing off against then-No. 1 Jesse Mendez, who has been a perpetual thorn in the side of Bartlett as he pursues a national championship. After defeating Mendez in dual meet action last season, Mendez won both the Big Ten Championship and NCAA Championship over Bartlett. In the two’s exhibition meeting in November at the NWCA All-Star Classic, Mendez beat Bartlett once again. In all three bouts, a single takedown was the difference.

Bartlett finished his weekend on Sunday in the Nittany Lions’ record-breaking 70th consecutive dual meet victory against Illinois.

Bartlett squared off against then-No. 17 Danny Pucino at 141 and went to work immediately, scoring a takedown and two nearfall points in the first period to get a lead he wouldn’t relinquish. Bartlett improved to 17-0 with a 9-2 win by decision. In the latest InterMat rankings, Bartlett shot up to No. 1 in the nation, passing Mendez and Northern Colorado’s Andrew Alirez.

The Nittany Lions’ wrestling team is back in action on Friday, February 21st at 7 p.m. in Rec Hall for their final dual meet of the season against American.