OUTLOOK: Broadcast major Josh Skurnik is back to compete in the 184 pound weight class. Making his first start in the lineup Jan. 4, 2008, Skurnik wrestled at 197 pounds and recorded his first dual victory. Skurnik is expected to fill in to Missouri's lineup at either 184 or 197 pounds.
"Josh is one of the brightest individuals on the team," Missouri Head Coach Brian Smith said. "He filled into our lineup last year against Bucknell and got a win. He's probably one of the most physical, if not the most physical, wrestler on our team this season."
2007-08: Wrestling in the freshman/sophomore division of the Missouri Open, Nov. 18 in the Fieldhouse, Skurnik finished the day in fifth place at 184 pounds with a 4-2 record. Skurnik opened the all-day tournament with a win by fall in 4:25 over Koshion Barfield. Called to fill into Missouri's lineup on Jan. 4, Skurnik competed at 197 pounds and collected a 9-4 win by decision over Bucknell's Charlie Wonsettler. Of Skurnik's nine wins on the season, four were decided by either major decision or fall.
2006-07: Skurnik won five bouts in his first year as a Tiger. Redshirting the campaign, Skurnik competed at 174 pounds and wrestled in five tournaments throughout the season. Among Skurnik's victories was a 5-0 shutout of Jeremy Goebel of Rend Lake Oct. 27 at the Lindenwood Open and a 13-7 win by major decision over Neal Kamp of Lindenwood, Feb. 3 at the Missouri Valley Open.
HIGH SCHOOL: Wrestling at 171 pounds at Juanita High School in Kirkland, Wash., Skurnik finished sixth in the state his senior season (2006). As a member of the Rebels wrestling team, Skurnik lettered four times, and earned All-State Academic Honorable Mention and Scholar Athlete honors twice (2005 and 2006). Named the 2006 Most Valuable Player of his team and Hardest Working Wrestler of the Rebels squad, Skurnik was also a member of the Rebels cheerleading team.
PERSONAL: Born in San Jose, Calif., Skurnik is the son of David and Theresa Skurnik. He is the oldest of three children, Matthew (17) and Hannah (15). Skurnik is studying broadcast journalism.
