Jan. 6, 2005

Looking to improve on their 7-0 dual record, the 12th ranked Missouri wrestling program will take on instate rival Central Missouri State in a battle at center circle, Thursday, Jan. 6, at 7 p.m. Held in the Hearnes Center, the Mules enter the dual with a 1-3 record and 17th place standing in the Division II National rankings. Only one member of the 32-man CMSU squad is ranked in the top-10 of his respective weight class, while the Tigers bring eight ranked grapplers to the mat. Returning All-American Ben Askren (174) continues to hold the highest ranking of any MU starter, moving to first in the W.I.N. Magazine weekly poll released Tuesday.

In a battle that dates back to the 1963-64 season, the Tigers hold a 35-5 lead in the all-time dual record book. CMSU found its last win over Missouri during the 1999-2000 season, knocking off the Tigers 21-15 in the Hearnes Center. MU currently holds a four dual win streak over the Mules, blanking CMSU (48-0) in their last pairing, Feb. 5, 2004, in Warrensburg, Mo. The win was the seventh best Missouri shutout in school history.

Last competing in the Missouri Duals on Sunday, the Tigers took three wins over Utah Valley State (48-0), Southern Illinois-Edwardsville (55-0) and Maryland (47-0). By not giving up any points in three straight duals, Head Coach Brian Smith's wrestling team has tied the record for most consecutive shutouts and looks to set a new record by holding down the Mules Thursday evening.

Austin DeVoe (125), Tyler McCormick (133), Chris McCormick (141), Cody Greene (149), Brad Cieleski (157), Tyron Woodley (165), Askren (174), Matt Pell (184), Jeff Foust (197) and Chase Wetenkamp (HWT) are all expected to lead Missouri's lineup against Central Missouri State. Pell will be the only Tiger wrestling a ranked opponent as he takes on Kevin Grece at 184 pounds.

Live results for fans not able to attend the dual will be available by Clicking Here