November 23, 1998

Four freshmen and a sophomore placed for the University of Missouri wrestling team at the St. Louis Open Friday and Saturday at St. Louis Community College. The fivesome clenched three fourth placers, a third place medal and one division championship.

Freshman Jeremy Pfitzer, a walk-on performer, was the champion of the 157 weight class in freshman/sophomore competition on Friday. Pfitzer also won the open's award for most falls gained and most pins throughout the meet.

Also on Friday, freshman Chad Hertzog shook off a knee injury to gain third place among the heavyweights. At 133 pounds, freshman Mark Bader continued to impress in his first season at Mizzou wrestling his way to fourth place.

All ages were allowed to perform on the second day of the meet, but it was two younger Tigers that were able to place. Redshirt freshman Jesse Jordan (157) and sophomore Brad Lynde (197) both took fourth place honors in Saturday' s open meet. Freshman John Kopnisky did not place, but posted a 4-2 record throughout the meet raising his season total to 10-2.

"Overall it was a great day for the young kids," Tiger head coach Brian Smith commented. " They really wrestled great for us. It's an exciting day because the young kids did so well."

This was the thirtieth year for the St. Louis Open college wrestling meet. Many of the teams and individuals that competed from around the country were among the Top 25 as teams or within their individual weight classes. Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Illinois, Northwestern, Purdue, and Indiana were the Big 12 and Big 10 schools that competed along with the Tigers.

Missouri will next wrestle at the Las Vegas Invitational in Las Vegas, Nevada December 4 and 5.