December 5, 1998

Las Vegas, Nevada - The University of Missouri wrestling team was eliminated in the first day of competition at the Cliff Kean Las Vegas Invitational Friday. The Tigers faced stiff competition in the form of nationally ranked teams and individuals at one of the toughest tournaments in the country.

"We are not very happy with our performance," head coach Brian Smtih said. "But we have a young team and things like this happen. It is a long season and we are going to have to keep going."

Five Missouri wrestlers managed only a 2-2 record. John Kopnisky-165 (10-4), Jesse Jordan-157 (11-6), Jeff Urban-149 (8-5), Jason Moore-184 (11-5), and Kevin Stroh-197 (6-4). The Tigers' inexperience at the college level hurt them. "We have some young kids who are going to get beaten as they get better and mature on the college level. But as they grow, they will get better. The season is long and we won't give up," commented Smith.

The Tigers next travel to Indiana, for dual matches versus Indiana University on Saturday, December 12 and Purdue University on Sunday, December 13.