January 22, 1999

Columbia, MO - In their first matches at the Hearnes Center this season, the Missouri Tiger wrestling team gained two wins Thursday night. The Tigers defeated Lindenwood 46-10 in the first match and came from behind to beat Missouri Valley in the second match 25-15. The victories were the first at Missouri for first year head coach Brian Smith. MU is now 2-4 in dual action.

Jeff Urban (149), Matt Webster (157), John Kopnisky (165), and Chad Hertzog (HWT) all earned wins in both victories. Urban's wins pushed his streak to five consecutive dual matches won dating back to Dec. 12 versus Indiana. The junior from Wichita, Kansas is now 16-7 this season. Senior Matt Webster continued his fine wrestling, notching two wins, including a 23-8 major decision versus Missouri Valley, and lifting his record to 15-5 on the year.

John Kopnisky's two wins tie him with Urban for the team lead with 16. His record now stands at 16-7. Freshman heavyweight Chad Hertzog was also impressive, pinning both of his competitors for two wins and an 8-8 season record. His first pin came in 1:15 and the second in 1:43.

Jake Lapinski (125) and Mark Bader (133) both got key wins for MU versus Lindenwood. Lapinskis win over Chad Hopkins, ranked #5 in NAIA at 125, broke a 6-6 team score tie and gave the Tigers a 9-6 advantage. In the next match, Bader fought back from several points down to win the match 12-9 over Charles Gonzales and put MU ahead 12-6.

The Tigers keep the state of Missouri opponent theme going in their next match Friday, January 29 when they take on Central Missouri State in Warrensburg at 7 pm.