Nov. 24, 2004

Columbia, Mo. - Maxwell Askren, Sean Connole and Robert Conn have signed on for the 2005-06 Missouri wrestling season, Head Coach Brian Smith announced today.

"By signing these three student-athletes, we were able to meet several of the needs in our practice room," Smith said. "This is one of our smaller signing classes, but it is a strong group of men and the entire coaching staff expects them to come in, provide depth and challenge immediately for spots in the starting lineup."

The younger brother of current Missouri All-American Ben Askren (174), Maxwell, who goes by Max, is expected to compete at 184 pounds for the Tigers. Now in his senior year at Arrowhead High School in Hartland, Wis., Askren holds a 109-9 record at 171 pounds under Head Coach John Mesenbrink. Askren finished second at the 2004 Junior National Championships and was fourth in 2003. A two-time Freestyle State Champion, Askren is ranked 22nd in the nation by Intermat. Askren has racked up several honors, most recently named to the USA Wrestling 189 pound All-Tournament Team for his performance at the Junior National Freestyle Duals.

Connole will enter the Missouri program after completing a successful career at Erie Catholic Preparatory in Erie, Penn. Connole graduated in May 2004 and was a Pennsylvania State Freestyle Champion who is expected to wrestle at either 197 pounds or heavyweight for the Tigers.

A native of Ballwin, Mo., Conn, who goes by Bobby, holds a 117-3 record at Marquette High School under Head Coach Joe Weir, a former Big Eight Champion and Missouri alumni. Conn is a three-time Missouri state freestyle champion at 152 pounds and is currently ranked 93rd in the nation by Intermat. Conn finished fourth at 125 pounds at the Missouri State Championships, second at 145 pounds in 2003 and first as a junior (2004), with a perfect 37-0 record.