Heading Home To Host
11/22/2003 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Nov. 22, 2003
Reeling off of a 21-17 win over No. 1 Oklahoma State on Friday night, the ninth ranked Missouri Tigers head home to host the fourth annual Missouri Open Sunday, Nov. 23, at 9 a.m., in the Hearnes Center Fieldhouse. Several top-ranked wrestlers from across the nation will compete for individual titles in 10 different weight classes.
"We're anxious to host the Missouri Open," head coach Brian Smith said. "Our win on Friday was exciting, but now it's time to get back to work and stay focused on the season ahead."
With nearly 500 wrestlers expected to attend what has become one of the largest open tournaments in the nation, the matches will be divided into freshman/sophomore and open divisions. Twelve mats line the Hearnes Center Fieldhouse and will allow for simultanous wrestling matches.
Competing in 2003, eight of Mizzou's wrestlers finished among the top 10 of their respective weight classes, with NCAA qualifier Kenny Burleson (157) finishing second along with All-American Tyron Woodley (165) and recent graduate Kevin Herron (HWT).
Senior transfer Mike Whitehead, ranked 13th in the nation by Intermat, will take his turn on the mat. Expected to wrestle against No. 12 Willie Gruenwald of Oklahoma State, the matchup should provide a challenge for both wrestlers.
Other Division I schools attending this year's all-day open are Arizona State, Eastern, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, Northern Illinois and Big 12 competitors Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and host Missouri.
Doors will open to the public at 8 a.m. with tickets priced at $5 for adults and $3 for students.
