April 17, 2008

The Missouri wrestling team drew the 10th-largest crowds in the nation according to Amateur Wrestling News and InterMat columnist Denny Diehl. Averaging 1,620 fans at each home event, the 2007-08 campaign marks the second straight season in which the Tigers finished among the top-10 wrestling programs in the nation to draw record-setting crowds. Missouri totaled 11,429 fans through five home events, attracting its largest crowd, 3,154, Feb. 8, against Oklahoma.

National Champion Iowa averaged the highest home dual/tournament showing at 7,541 fans per event, while Big 12 power Iowa State and 2007 National Champion Minnesota finished second and third with an average 4,311 and 3,125 fans, respectively, in attendance at home events.

Looking ahead to the 2008-09 season, Missouri tentatively has six home dates set, with possible matchups against Hofstra, Tennessee Chattanooga, West Virginia and Central Michigan as well as duals with Big 12 opponents Nebraska and Iowa State. The Tigers will return all three of their 2008 All-Americans to the lineup as well as five of their seven NCAA qualifiers.