January 12, 1999

Columbia, MO - The Missouri Tiger wrestling team will continue its season Saturday, January 16 when they travel to Laramie, Wyoming for a 7 pm dual match with the Wyoming Cowboys. MU brings an 0-3 dual record into the match, Wyoming is 2-3-1 for the season in dual action.

"It's good for us to get in a match against a school that is consistently around the the Top 25," head coach Brian Smith said of the matchup. "On paper it looks to be a good dual and hopefully we can work on getting a win."

The Cowboys boast the nation's 20th ranked heavyweight wrestler in Abe Boomer and are strong in each of the other weight divisions. Four Tiger wrestlers faced Wyoming's men last weekend at the Great Plains Open at the University of Nebraska. MU was 2-2 in that action with wins by junior Jeff Urban (149) and senior Matt Webster (157).

Following their trip west, Mizzou will return home and open their home schedule Thursday, January 21 with two dual matches versus Missouri Valley at 7 pm and Lindenwood University at 8:30 pm.

NOTES ON MIZZOU

-A Tiger team win would be the first for first year coach Brian Smith at MU.

-A win by John Kopnisky (14-6, 3-0) would be his fourth in four dual attempts. In 1998-99, John has won at Illinois, at Indiana and at Purdue.

-A win by Jeff Urban (13-7, 2-1) would be his third in a row in dual action. Entering this weekend's action he is 2-1 with both wins coming in his last two dual outings at Indiana and at Purdue.

-MU has spent the entire 1998-99 season to date on the road. For two months Mizzou has wrestled everywhere but the Hearnes Center. Saturdays match will be the last in that stretch as the Tigers return home for dual matches on Thursday, January 21 at 7 pm and 8:30 pm..