Nov. 6, 2004

Columbia, Mo. - Ranked 10th in the nation, the Missouri wrestling team held its annual Black and Gold wrestle-offs today in the Hearnes Center. A total of 338 fans were on hand to watch as 28 matches were contested on two separate mats. The Tigers return for the 2004-05 season with five NCAA qualifiers including two All-Americans. All five individuals showed strength on the mat, defeating their talented MU opponents.

Wrestling at 125 pounds, redshirt freshman Tim Kephart pulled off an upset over junior Austin DeVoe. Kephart entered the MU wrestling program as the No. 1 recruit at 125 pounds last season, while DeVoe earned a gold medal at the University Nationals on May 8, 2004.

"Austin and Tim are both really fierce competitors," Head Coach Brian Smith said. "It's always exciting to watch the two of them battle on the mat."

Returning for his senior year of competition, Cody Greene recorded one of four falls on the day, placing sophomore Jed Lewis' shoulders squarely on the mat in the 149 pound matchup. Greene took his second win of the afternoon over redshirt freshman Justin Cole, scoring a 16-2 major decision.

New to the Tiger wrestling program, graduate student Brad Cieleski wrestled in his first MU match at 157 pounds. Cieleski enters the season ranked No. 14 in the nation and is a two-time NCAA qualifier. Competing in two matches, Cieleski recorded a 15-1 major decision over freshman Michael Chandler, eventually knocking off sophomore James Williamson with a 6-2 decision. Earlier in the day, Williamson took wins over Chandler and sophomore Gabe Conaghan before advancing to his third and final match against Cieleski.

2003 All-American Tyron Woodley took on up-and-coming freshman Raymond Jordan at 165 pounds. The wrestlers entered the third period with zero points on the board, before Woodley scored an early third period escape and takedown, racking up 2:56 of riding time for the 4-0 victory.

Ranked second in the nation, All-American sophomore Ben Askren paired with freshman Joey Garrity for the only match at 174 pounds. Askren scored the Tigers' fastest fall of the day, pinning Garrity in 23 seconds.

NCAA qualifier Matt Pell, a sophomore at 184 pounds, won his weight class in today's wrestle-offs. Pell took two decisions, 8-1 and 8-3 over redshirt freshman Mark Wall and freshman Christopher Potter, respectively. Pell enters the 2004-05 MU wrestling campaign as the second highest ranked Tiger, standing fifth in the nation at 184 pounds.

Junior Jeff Foust (197), also a 2004 NCAA qualifier, paired with the losers of the 184 pound bracket. Foust scored a fall in the first period of action against Wall (2:00) and an 11-3 major decision over Potter.

"It was good to get everyone out there wrestling today," Smith said. "I think the Black and Gold prepares the team for the upcoming season by putting them in front of a loud crowd and by getting them used to the time format and having referees on the mat. I was really pleased with the fan turnout we had today. The support our fans show us constantly amazes me, and I know how much it means to all of the guys on the team. I hope today's wrestle-offs helped prepare our fans for an exciting season as much as it helped get our team ready for the duals and matches ahead."

RESULTS:
125
Tim Kephart decision Austin DeVoe: 3-1
133
Tyler McCormick decision Amond Prater: 1-0
Amond Prater decision Brett Watkins: 6-4
Tyler McCormick decision Brett Watkins: 6-4
141
Marcus Hoehn decision Ryan Joyce: 6-2
Chris McCormick fall Ryan Joyce: 5:47
Chris McCormick decision Marcus Hoehn: 8-2
149
Jed Lewis technical fall Seth Robison: 18-2
Cody Greene fall Jed Lewis: :36
Justin Cole decision Ryan Williams: 4-3
Ryan Williams decision Jed Lewis: 8-4
Cody Greene major decision Justin Cole: 16-2
157
James Williamson decision John Andrews: 9-3
Michael Chandler decision Leremie Shaffer: 6-3
Brad Cieleski major decision Michael Chandler: 15-1
James Williamson decision Gabe Conaghan: 2-1
Michael Chandler default Gabe Conaghan: Md. Forfeit
Brad Cieleski decision James Williamson: 6-2
165
Tyron Woodley decision Raymond Jordan: 4-0
174
Ben Askren fall Joey Garrity: 0:23
184
Matt Pell decision Mark Wall: 8-1
J.C. Russell decision Christopher Potter: 7-4
Matt Pell decision J.C. Russell: 8-3
184/197
Jeff Foust fall Mark Wall: 2:00
Jeff Foust major decision Christopher Potter: 11-3
HWT
Clint Freeman decision Chase Wetenkamp: 5-4
Chase Wetenkamp decision Mike Gunselman: 3-1 (OT)
Mike Gunselman decision Clint Freeman: 6-2