KANSAS CITY, Mo.- Brayden Eikermann of the Missouri Baptist University men's wrestling team has been named the Heart of America men's wrestler of the week, the conference announced Monday. 

This award comes after Eikermann stunned the returning national champion and current No. 1 wrestler in the country, Elijah Larsen of Grand View (Iowa), with a pin in the second period after Eikermann trailed 11-0 after the first period.

This weekly accomplishment is the first of Eikermann's career, and the second time this season that an MBU wrestler has won this award.

The Spartans go on Christmas break and come back in 2026 when they host the Dr. Tom Smith Invite at Lafayette High School in Wildwood, Mo., on Jan. 11, 2025. Wrestling to start at 9 a.m.