Nov. 9, 2000
Columbia, Mo. - The University of Missouri wrestling team solidified its lineup Friday, Oct. 27 when challenge matches were held to determine the starter at each weight class.
"This year's team is very aggressive," said head coach Brian Smith. "We're doing lots of things right. The returners are stepping into place as team leaders, but the freshman are pretty impressive, too. They show a lot of confidence and poise on the mat."
Freshman Justin Spates came away with a win over junior Mark Bader at 125.
At 133, junior Jesse West defeated freshman Aaron Turner by a score of 12-3. West was 9-8 last year and won by pin in five of those nine.
At 141, junior J.P. Reese won by default over sophomore John Markovich. Reese took top honors last year in the freshmen/sophomore division of the St. Louis Open.
The 149 spot produced one of the most exciting matches as junior Jesse Jordan won 3-2 over freshman Jon Sioredas in overtime. Jordan was 25-18 last year, and took top honors at the Lindenwood Open.
At 157, another freshman will step into the Tiger starting lineup as Brian Hinson defeated senior Tim Hawks 9-5 in the challenge match. Hinson was a two-time high school All-American.
Joining Hinson and Spates on the freshmen starting list is St. Louis native Tyron Woodley at 165. Woodley defeated last year's starter Mark Vollmar, 4-2, to earn the spot. Woodley was a high school state champion last year, and was named Missouri's Most Outstanding 4A wrestler.
Junior team captain John Kopnisky will start again at 174 after defeating freshman Matt Turner by a score of 10-3. Ranked 10th nationally by Intermat, Kopnisky was 32-9 last year and qualified for the NCAA Championships.
At 184, junior Ry Stone won 11-5 over sophomore Rob Stolin. R. Stone was a two-time junior college All-American at North Idaho College in 1999 and 2000, then transfered to Mizzou with his brother, Dante, to compete as a Tiger for the 2000-01 season.
Junior Kevin Herron won the challenge matches at 197 lbs. but will redshirt this year. Sophomore North Idaho College transfer Dante Stone will be the probable starter. D. Stone lost to Herron in overtime.
Junior Chad Hertzog was unopposed at heavyweight.
The wrestling team will see its first action Nov. 10 against Illinois in Edwardsville, Ill. The Tigers will come home after a Nov. 14 match at Central Missouri State University and a Nov. 16 meet with Oklahoma State to host the Missouri Open Nov. 19 in the Hearnes Center Fieldhouse. The Missouri Open will feature nearly 400 wrestlers from over 20 teams competing on 12 mats.