COLUMBIA, Mo. – Head coach Brian Smith announced the addition of director of operations Cody Shoemaker to the Mizzou Wrestling staff. Shoemaker joins Tiger Style after four years at Michigan State, where he assisted the Spartans' wrestling program with internal operations and served as the team's videographer and manager.

"Cody is very passionate about the sport of wrestling and he's always seen himself being in an operations position at this level," Smith said. "We're fortunate to have someone of his quality and with his work ethic.  I know Mizzou fans will appreciate all the time he will put it in and everything he brings to our program."

As director of operations, Shoemaker will assist the team and the staff with everything off the mat, including scheduling, travel, marketing and promotions, finance and supervision of the team's managers. He will also help continue to build and operate the Missouri Wrestling Foundation, which is a nonprofit organization that offers opportunities and funding to wrestlers who want to compete at the international and national level.

"I'm honored to come to Mizzou and I chose to be a part of this staff because of Coach Smith and his hard work ethic," Shoemaker said. "He built this program from the ground up and made it into a powerhouse program that is still on the rise. I hope I can be an asset to the program and help get it where it needs to go."

Shoemaker brings a deep passion for wrestling with him to Mizzou. He started grappling on the mats in kindergarten through encouragement from his older brother and father, who both wrestled growing up. Shoemaker grew to love the sport, and knew he wanted to be involved with it for the rest of his life.

After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Northwood University in Midland, Michigan, with a bachelor's degree in Marketing, Shoemaker fulfilled his dream to work with wrestling at Michigan State. His time as a Spartan prepared him for Mizzou and he says he has already embraced Tiger Style and the culture it represents.

"Tiger Style means working hard and realizing you represent yourself, the university and your family with responsibility and a selfless attitude," Shoemaker said. "Coach Smith has created a hardworking, but fun environment. Guys don't just leave here as amazing wrestlers. They receive a great education and become amazing workers and fathers. I'm excited to work in an environment like that."

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