Aug. 9, 2010

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri wrestling squad has earned a No. 12 ranking in the preseason poll recently released by WrestlingReport.com.  The team also received rankings in eight of the weight classes.  The Tigers received 40 points, finishing just two points out of the top-10.  Cornell was ranked No. 1 overall, earning 94 points, while Big 12 opponents Oklahoma State and Oklahoma were ranked third and ninth, respectively.

Junior heavyweight Dom Bradley received the highest individual ranking of all Missouri wrestlers, ranking in at third in the heavyweight class.  Bradley compiled a record of 19-5 last year, earning five victories by pin and four by major decision.  The Blue Springs, Mo., native will step in as the full-time starter at heavyweight for the first time in his career following the departure of former national champion Mark Ellis.

The other Tiger in the top-10 of their class is sophomore Brent Haynes, who ranked seventh at 197 pounds.  Haynes qualified for the NCAA Championships last year as a redshirt freshman, and finished the year with 28 victories.  Six of his wins came via major decision, six came by pin and three came by technical fall.

Other Tigers in the rankings include Nathan McCormick, 21st at 133 pounds, Todd Schavrien, 14th at 141 pounds, Kyle Bradley/Nicholas Hucke, 28th at 149 pounds, Danny Gonsor/Patrick Wright, 24th at 157 pounds, Zach Toal, 16th at 165 pounds and Dorian Henderson, 15th at 174 pounds.