Nov. 21, 2001

Columbia, Mo.-The University of Missouri wrestling team adds Gabe Conaghan to the 2002-03 roster as a freshman signee.

Conaghan, a senior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland, Kan., comes to MU as a well-decorated competitor. He is a two-time Kansas high school freestyle champion and owns a 97-11 record to date. He was the runner-up in the 135 pound division at the 5A state meet in 1999, was fourth in the 152 pound division in 2000 and won the 2001 Kansas 6A state title in the 160 pound division with a perfect 40-0 record as a junior last year. Conaghan was the runner-up at the 2001 Fila Cadet World Team Trials meet last spring.

"Gabe is an outstanding student athlete," MU Head Coach Brian Smith said. "He is another East Kansas product and joins a few of his teammates on the team. We look to have him compete in the 165-174 pound division and are excited to see how he will impact our program."