Sept. 28, 2010

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri wrestling squad was picked at No. 10 in The Open Mat's 2010 preseason college rankings, as released Tuesday morning.  The Tigers are one of four Big 12 teams in the top 25, with Oklahoma State ranking second, Oklahoma coming in at No. 9 and Nebraska at No. 16.

Five of Missouri's 10 starters were ranked in the top-20 of their respective weight class.  Senior Todd Schavrien, juniors Dorian Henderson and Dom Bradley, sophomore Brent Haynes and redshirt freshman Zach Toal each found themselves in the top-16 in their class.

Bradley was ranked highest amongst Tigers, ranking as the No. 3 heavyweight.  Bradley will step in as the main heavyweight starter this season, replacing two-time All-American and 2009 National Champion Mark Ellis.  Bradley went 19-5 last year, including 5-0 in duals, and pinned five of his opponents.

Haynes, beginning his second season as a starter at 197 pounds, is currently ranked seventh in his class.  Haynes went 28-15 last year, propelling him to his first Nationals appearance.  Henderson, at 174 pounds, was ranked No. 13, while Schavrien sits at No. 16 at 141 pounds.  Both Henderson and Shavrien are coming off NCAA appearances as well.

Toal, projected to start at 165 pounds this year, rounds out the rankings for the Tigers at No. 16.  On top of that, he was also selected as The Open Mat's prediction for freshman of the year in his class, along with being the dark horse selection to earn All-America honors this season.  Redshirting last year, Toal went 16-6 on the season, and earned bonus points in 11 of those victories.

Stay tuned to mutigers.com for more information on Missouri wrestling.