Kopnisky Is Big XII Wrestler of the Week
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
December 17, 1998
Columbia, Mo. - Missouri Tiger freshman wrestler John Kopnisky has been named the Wrestler of the Week today by the Big 12 conference. The 165 pound wrestler has a 12-4 record this year and is coming off two wins in dual competition at Indiana and at #16 Purdue. He is the only Tiger to win a dual match in each of Missouri's three dual meets this year. In November he was the champion of the Central Missouri State University Open in the 165 division.
"John is going to be a great wrestler for us for the next four years," head wrestling coach Brian Smith said. "Its great for him to get this award. He is in the wrestling room everyday working hard and trying to get better."
Kopnisky, a Carmel, Indiana native, comes from strong wrestling roots. His father, Bob Kopnisky was Missouri's head wrestling coach from 1974-1986, leaving as MU's all-time winningest wrestling coach (125-72-3, .625). The elder Kopnisky was also John's high school coach at Carmel High School.
"All it will take is one big win and John will be ranked in the nations Top 25 at 165," stated Coach Smith. "That is definately something his is going to do his year we hope. Of course we want him to keep setting the goals and getting better."
