Feb. 16, 2009

Hey Tigers! This weekend was bitter sweet for many reasons, and is definitely one to be remembered. We started the weekend off with our annual Beauty and the Beast event in which we wrestled Central Michigan. The match did not go as planned and we may have had one of the worst performances of my time here at Missouri. I will never say that I am not proud of the guys for the way that they wrestled, because I know first hand how hard it is to compete at the highest level all the time. Not every match is going to be your best in a sport like ours and it just so happens that a handful of our team did not perform the way they wanted to and they will be the first to tell you this. We had an "off" day and just simply got out-wrestled by the Chippewas. On a happier note, I was able to get a good win and fulfill my purpose as a Tiger, which is scoring bonus points against Tyler Grayson. It is always fun for me to wrestle fellow Missouri natives, especially ones who were highly sought after when they were coming out of high school, such as Grayson. To think when I was a walk on, (way under the radar) and now of how I have improved to get a tech fall, is a really fulfilling feeling. It just goes to show to all of you recruits who may be reading this what kind of program we have here at Mizzou. It doesn't matter how much talent you have, or lack thereof, Missouri can build on your strengths and help you reach your goals. Dorian Henderson also got a really good win against a ranked opponent Friday night. So these two positives are heavily shadowed by the negatives of the night, but I told the reporters we would beat Iowa State 48 hours later and that they will never again see a lack of performance like they did on Friday night!!

Sundays dual against #2 Iowa State started with the presentation of this years senior class. Oh how the time flies when you're living the dream of being a Missouri wrestler. We got recognized on the floor with our parents and coaches and it sure was a very surreal feeling as I was about to take the mat for the last time in the beloved Hearnes Center. Then it was showtime and Troy Dolan showed up with a bang. He had a very tough overtime match with Tyler Clark who I believe is ranked in the top ten. Troy really wrestled a great match and wrestled with a lot of passion which is that last little ingredient he needs to be great. He is showing glimpses of it in certain matches and when he turns it on, you better watch out, he's out to win! At 133, Todd Schavrien received a forfeit. Senior Marcus Hoehn seized the moment for the last time in the Hearnes with an overtime win over #7 (Nick) Gallick. This was an avenged loss from earlier in the season and Marcus effortlessly took Gallick down in the first period. I see Marcus beating Gallick and probably winning Big 12's in three weeks. We suffered a loss at 149 and that was fuel for my match at 157. I got an opportunity to avenge a loss to #7 Cyler Sanderson from this years' Midlands tournament. I felt like I controlled the entire match and wrestled very well. After riding him out in the third period, I recorded a 4-0 win and yes, blew my mother a kiss in the stands. I got the ball rolling again as Marable beat #7 Jon Reader with an impressive third period double leg. Then senior Raymond Jordan took the mat for his final match in Columbia. He completely controlled #18 Duke Burke and basically left him with nothing after that match except a cool sounding name. Raymond wrestled like the Raymond Jordan that will win a national title this year, very different than he wrestled two days prior. We came up short in our last three matches, but it wasn't enough for Iowa State to catch our lead and we came away with the wins and put a very nice cherry on the top of our regular season.

Now its time to get healed up and get ready for my last run at the titles; Big 12 and NCAA. I appreciate all of the support over the last five years from all of you who I have had contact with and thank you very much for the great turnout on Sunday. I will be sure to keep you posted on the rest of the season and give you an insight on how we are going to win the National Title this year. Have a great week, God Bless.