Nov. 15, 2001

The University of Missouri wrestling team has signed Ben Askren of Heartland, Wisc. to a National Letter of Intent. He is one the top wrestlers in the country in the 174-pound weight class and is ranked No. 20 among wrestlers of all weight classes by Intermat.

Aksren, a senior at Arrowhead High School, has a current record of 113-7. He was a State runner-up his freshman year and won the State Championship his sophomore and junior seasons. He has been a Cadet All-American and a Junior Nationals All-American.

"Ben brings several accolades that he has received to our program," Missouri Head Coach Brian Smith said. "He has competed and preformed well at every level. He is the total package. He has not only been successful at wrestling but he has also preformed very well in the classroom."