April 10, 2013

COLUMBIA, Mo. - The Mizzou Wrestling program will celebrate a very successful 2012-13 campaign this Friday, April 12, with their annual end-of-the-year banquet. There is much to celebrate this year after five Tigers claimed All-American honors and the squad won the Mid-American Conference title in their first year as an affiliate member of the Conference. The event will take place at the Holiday Inn Executive Center starting at 6 p.m.

The Tigers set a record for team points in the MAC Championship this March after posting 136.0 points in the eight-team tournament. Four Tigers took first place in their individual brackets, tying the program-high set last year in Mizzou's final season as a member of the Big 12. Missouri's team title ended an 11-year reign held by Central Michigan as MAC Champions.

For the second year in a row, the program sent all 10 starters to this year's NCAA Championships. Five Tigers reached All-American status, tying a program-high set in 2009. The season was capped off with Head Coach Brian Smith being named the MAC Wrestling Coach of the Year. Smith was the Big 12 Coach of the Year last year prior to the University's departure.

The Tigers will bid farewell to seven seniors Friday, a group that has won 70 dual matches and two conference titles since joining the program in 2008-09. Dom Bradley, Nathan McCormick and Mike Larson all received All-American honors in 2013. Bradley (105), Larson (101) and Brent Haynes (113) all joined the 100-win club in 2013.

The banquet is open to the general public and tickets are $30, which can be purchased at the door. Those planning on attending are encouraged to contact the Missouri wrestling office and RSVP.

Keep up with Mizzou Wrestling by following the program on Facebook and Twitter, and right here on MUTigers.com.