Joel Jesuroga named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week, presented by U.S. Air Force Special Warfare

Joel Jesuroga (Pleasant Hill, Iowa / St. Cloud State) has been named the USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week, presented by U.S. Air Force Special Warfare, on January 15, 2025.

Jesuroga, a redshirt sophomore from St. Cloud State, had a dominant performance at the NWCA National Duals over the weekend. Competing at 157 pounds, Jesuroga went 4-0 with two bonus point wins and two victories over ranked opponents. His effort played a role in leading the Huskies to their eighth NWCA National Dual Championship.

To open the NWCA National Duals, Jesuroga secured a 10-1 victory over Trent Mahoney of King and shutout No. 14 Casey Barnett of Tiffin, 6-0. He continued his winning streak with a 14-3 major decision against James Hoskinson of McKendree, before facing the top-ranked and reigning National Champion Gabe Johnson of Central Oklahoma. Jesuroga used a clutch takedown to seal a 4-1 win, moving his record for the year to 12-0.

The Huskies faced a tough start in the championship dual against Central Oklahoma, trailing 16-0 after the first four matches. Jesuroga's victory at 157 pounds began St. Cloud State’s rally, as the team won the next five matches en route to a dramatic 21-16 comeback. Along with USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week honors, Jesuroga was named the NSIC Athlete of the Week.

To nominate a wrestler for this honor please email the athlete's name, wrestling program, weekly accomplishments, and career accolades to communications@usawrestling.org.