May 31, 2002

The University of Missouri wrestling team has named its captains for the 2002-03 season. Mark Bader, Jeremy Spates and Tyron Woodley will serve as the team captains as the Tigers look to build on the success of last year.

Bader will be a senior next year and is in his fifth year with the Tiger program. He wrestles in the 125-pound weight class. Last season, Bader took fifth at the Missouri Open and sixth at the Reno Tournament of Champions.

Spates will be a junior in the upcoming season and was a NCAA qualifier in 2000 as a freshman. He has also qualified for the University World Championships in June. He served as captain last season and spent the entire year ranked in the top 15 at 149 pounds.

Woodley will be a sophomore next season and is coming off a NCAA qualifying season in 2001-02. He finished second at the Missouri Open, defeating two top ten opponents on the way. He also had a second place finish at the Reno Tournament of Champions and was ranked in the top 15 throughout the season.

"We will have a very experienced team next year and these captains reflect that experience," Missouri Head Coach Brian Smith said. "These three have a combined 12 years of experience with our program. Not only are they each great wrestlers, but they will provide very strong leadership on and off the mat for our team."