University of Missouri
Illinois
Wrestling Battles #3 Illinois, Falls 27-12
11/12/1999 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Nov. 12, 1999
Florissant, Mo.--Hazelwood Central High School - The University of Missouri wrestling team dropped its frist dual of the season to No. 3 Illinois Friday night, 27-12. Three Tigers gained their first wins of the season, including Kevin Herron (197) who pinned Illinois' Pat Quirk in 5:39. Quirk had been ranked No. 8 in the nation by Intermat Magazine.
After a Missouri forfeit put Illinois up 6-0, sophomore Mark Bader got three points back for MU with a 14-12 decision over Kelly Madden. The next four matches went to Illinois, two by major decision, giving the Fighting Illini a commanding 20-3 lead.
At 174 lbs. Tiger sophomore John Kopnisky defeated Ben King, 3-1, for his first victory of the season. The win was Kopnisky's second over Illinois in dual action. Last season he defeated Bill Zeman at 165 lbs.
A major decision for Nate Patrick over MU freshman Josh Maze made the score 24-6 and Illinois seemed poised for a blowout as the highly-ranked Quirk and Herron stepped on the mat. Trailing 10-5 in the third period, Herron surprised Quirk with a nifty move that landed the Illinois wrestler on his back. Herron's pin netted six points for Missouri and cut the lead to 24-12.
In the heavyweight match, Illinois' John Lockhart, also ranked No. 8 by Intermat, defeated Missouri sophomore Chad Hertzog and the Illini took the win 27-12.
Missouri opens it home schedule Thursday, November 18 at 7pm when they host No. 6 Oklahoma State. The Big 12 Conference dual will be held in the Hearnes Center arena.
