Wrestlers Begin Season Vs. No. 9 Illinois
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
November 13, 1998
COLUMBIA, Mo.--The University of Missouri wrestling team begins its season Saturday night versus the University of Illinois, a team ranked No. 9 in the Intermat Pre-Season poll. The match will be held at Granite City High School in Granite City, Illinois.
Head coach Brian Smith begins his first season as the Tigers leader. He will take a young team into Granite City to face Illinois. Four freshman, four juniors and a sophomore will start for the Mizzou in the dual match. However, Coach Smith says they will be prepared for action.
"The kids have been practicing really hard. No one is hurt and we are ready to get the season going," Smith says.
Sophomore Jason Moore will anchor the wrestling corps as captain in the 184 weight class. Juniors Jake Lapinsky (125), Jeff Urban (149),Jared Sears (174), and Kevin Stroh (197) will also provide leadership for this young squad.
Four very talented freshmen will start for the Tigers as the season begins. They are Mark Bader (133), Jesse Jordan (157), John Kopninsky (165), and Chad Hertzog (HWT). Bader, Jordan and Kopninsky were all state champions during their high school careers, Hertzog was the 1998 Missouri State 4A Wrestler of the Year.
The match begins at Granite City High School at 7 pm, admission is $2
