LITTLE ROCK — Graduate student Jaivon Jones showed true Trojan grit at last weekend's Tiger Style Invitational in Missouri, and that effort was recognized Wednesday when he was named the Pac-12 Conference Wrestler of the Week.
"I'm extremely blessed to be named Pac-12 Wrestler of the Week," Jones said. "I'm really just focused on the task at hand and the process of getting better each day to accomplish my goals, so it's nice to get recognized along the way."
Jones bounced back from a 9-7 decision loss in the opening round to the eventual 157-pound champion, running the table the rest of the tournament to finish third. He capped his performance with a win by fall in the third-place match to secure his spot on the podium.
"I'm excited for Jaivon — he's making his way up and figuring things out along the way," head coach Neil Erisman said. "He's moved up two weight classes and is wrestling well. I believe he's just getting started."
Jones is the second Little Rock wrestler in as many weeks to earn the Pac-12 weekly honor, following Stephen Little, who took home the first award of the season. The No. 15 Trojans will compete this weekend at the Paycom National Duals in Tulsa, Oklahoma, opening the event against No. 11 Illinois.
