Jan. 25, 2001

Warrensburg, Mo. - The Missouri wrestling team picked up a win Thursday night, beating the Mules of Central Missouri State 30-10.

At 125, the Tigers jumped out to an early lead with a 15-2 decision by Justin Spates over Ian McGeorge., and MU never looked back.

Junior Jesse West pinned CMSU 133-pounder Jeremy Irvine in 1:45.

After coming off a rib injury that prevented him from competing last weekend, J.P. Reese defeated Tom Goss 7-4 at 141.

At 149, Kenny Burleson scored an 11-2 major decision over Dan Harris.

Jesse Jordan recorded the other pin of the evening, besting CMSU's Ryan Hunter in 2:11 at 157.

Tiger freshman Clint Freeman lost to John Heinemann 14-4 in the 165-pound division.

Tiger captain John Kopnisky earned a 9-4 victory over Matt Johnson at 174. Kopnisky is currently 25-2 and sitting on a nine-match win streak.

At 184, Ry Stone was bested by CMSU's fifth-ranked (Division II) John Rolling 3-2.

The 197 match saw Dante Stone score a major decision over Jason Means, 12-4.

Finally at heavyweight, Tiger freshman Scott Barker fell to Willie McCowan 10-6. McCowan is ranked fifth in Division II by Amateur Wrestling News.

The Tigers improve to 5-8-1 on the year, but won't have an easy go of it as they prepare for the conference and national tournaments. Mizzou has four duals remaining, including conference battles with No. 6 Oklahoma and No. 4 Iowa State. Next up on Tiger Tour 2001, Missouri will travel to Charleston, Ill., Sunday to take on the Panthers of Eastern Illinois.