Nov. 4, 2001

The Tigers wrestling team's starting lineup was determined on Friday with the Black and Gold Challenge Matches.

In the 125-pound weight class junior Mark Bader won the starting honors with a 10-0 win over freshman Austin DeVoe.

Freshman Chris McCormick will start at the 133-pound spot by defeating freshman Josh Valenti 3-1.

Sophomore J.P Reese pinned freshman Chris Armstrong in the third period to gain the starting spot in the 141-pound weight class.

At 149 pounds, the Tigers will have 2000 NCAA Tournament qualifier Jeremy Spates. Spates, a sophomore, defeated senior Jesse Jordan 4-3 in the finals to earn the spot.

Redshirt freshman Jon Sioredas will start at 157 pounds after defeating sophomore Kenny Burleson 4-2 in the finals of the 157-pound class.

In the 165-pound class, redshirt freshman Tyron Woodley defeated freshman T.J. Hansen 15-5 to gain a spot in the starting lineup.

Senior John Kopnisky, a two-time NCAA qualifier, will again hold the 174-pound starting spot after defeating sophomore Clint Freeman by a score of 14-1.

The 184-pound winner was junior Dante Stone who defeated redshirt freshman Matt Turner 3-2.

No matches were held in the 197-pound weight class, but sophomore Scott Barker will fill that spot for Missouri.

At heavyweight will be junior Kevin Herron who defeated freshman Karl Person 18-1 to win the starting spot.

The Tigers season opener is Friday against Illinois. The match will start at 7 p.m. at St. Charles West High School in St. Charles, Mo. After that match-up, Missouri will compete in the Central Missouri State Open in Warrensburg, Mo. The Tigers open the home portion of their schedule on Nov. 18 with the second annual Missouri Open.