Nov. 9, 2001

The University of Missouri wrestling team opened its 2001-02 season with an exciting win over Illinois on Friday. Missouri (1-0) won the dual, which took place at St. Charles West High School, over Illinois (0-1) by a score of 20-13.

Junior Mark Bader, ranked No. 16, opened the match by defeating Twan Pham, who was ranked No. 13, in the 125-pound class. Bader's 8-5 decisions gave Missouri the early lead.

Freshman Chris McCormick, making his first collegiate start, fell to the Illini's Chad Hay 15-5.

In the 141-pound match, Tiger sophomore J.P. Reese picked up MU's second win by defeating Eric Novak 6-5 in the second overtime.

Sophomore Jeremy Spates, No. 11 in the rankings, followed Reese and scored another second overtime victory for the Tigers defeating No. 13 Ryan Berger in the 149-pound class.

At 157 pounds, Illinois' Griff Powell, the eighth-ranked wrestler at 157 pounds, defeated Missouri redshirt freshman Jon Sioredas 5-3.

The No. 3 ranked wrestler in the 165-pound class, Matt Lackey of Illinois, defeated Tiger redshirt freshman Tyron Woodley 8-4.

In the 174-pound match, Missouri senior John Kopnisky, ranked No. 9 in his class, scored another victory for the Tigers as he defeated Bryan Glynn 3-0.

Junior Dante Stone picked up a big win for the Tigers over Jason Porter. Stone scored a 4-2 decision in the 184-pound match.

The 197-pound match saw sophomore Scott Barker easily get by Illinois' Mike LeVanti. Barker picked up a 16-0 technical fall over LeVanti.

At heavyweight, Junior Kevin Herron gave defending national champion and the top-ranked heavyweight John Lockhart a tough match, but lost to Lockhart 3-1.

The Tigers now set their sights on a few open meets as they travel to Warrensburg, Mo. to compete in the Central Missouri State Open on Sunday before returning to Columbia for the Missouri Open on Nov. 18.