ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Freshman Josh Harkless shared Empire Collegiate Wrestling Conference Rookie of the Week honors, Wednesday.

Harkless went 2-0 on the first day of the National Wrestling Conference Association National Duals at 197 pounds on Jan. 6, that helped RIT claim fourth place in Louisville, Ky.

The freshman helped No. 18 RIT defeat No. 17 Averett, 33-12, with a 7-0 decision over Jamar Christian in the Tigers' opening round. In the quarterfinals, Harkless scored a 7-1 decision over Kole Kreinbring of No. 8 Coe College, and helped advance RIT to its first NWCA Final Four after defeating tournament top-seed Coe, 27-15.

Harkless faced a pair of nationally-ranked opponents the following day with setbacks against No. 13 Jack Heldt of No. 5 Wabash and No. 3 Cody Baldrige of No. 1 North Central.

Regionally, Harkless is ranked No. 3 in Mideast polls. This is the third time this season (Nov. 18, Dec. 9) Harkless has garnered ECWC Rookie of the Week recognition. This week he shares the award with Alfred State's Sean Malenfant.

RIT wrestling next travels to Ithaca for the ECWC Championship on Sunday, Jan. 16.