OUTLOOK: William Saxton is a solid competitor in the 141 pound weight class and will backup expected starter Ashtin Primus throughout his sophomore campaign. Last season, Saxton made one start in the Tiger lineup.
"Willie is an explosive wrestler," Missouri Head Coach Brian Smith said. "He's a talented 141-pound wrestler and we're looking at him to mature and develop in the practice room this season."
2007-08: Wrestling in the 141-pound weight class, Saxton placed at four tournaments as a redshirt freshman, recording first place finishes at the Dana Open and Missouri Valley College Open. Saxton defeated Jordan Keckler from Northwestern College, 17-4, in the championship round of the Dana Open on Jan. 5. Competing at the Missouri Valley College Open on Feb. 2, Saxton defeated Bricen Biehler by 14-3 major decision, ultimately leading to a first place finish. Saxton finished third at the Central Missouri Open on Nov. 11, and fourth at the Missouri Open on Nov. 18. The Tiger grappler made one start in Missouri's 10-man lineup, Dec. 19, at Pittsburgh. Wrestling at 141 pounds, Saxton took on Drew Headlee but lost by major decision. Saxton's season closed with a win by major decision, 12-4, and concluded an eight-match win streak in which four of his victories were by decided by major decision.
2006-07: Competing at the Central Missouri State University (CMSU) Open, Nov. 12, Saxton began his collegiate career with a win by major decision of Adam West of CMSU. The first of three wins on the day, Saxton went on to finish the tournament in third place. Improving on his mat skills, Saxton took fourth at the Missouri Open and second at the Missouri Valley Open, Missouri's final tournament appearance of the season. Saxton won four of his 13 bouts through bonus point victories.
HIGH SCHOOL: Wrestling at Buckeye Local High School, Saxton finished his career as the Ohio State Champion at 130 pounds in 2006, improving on his third place finish at 125 pounds one year prior. Buckeye Local's first four-time state qualifier, Saxton closed out his campaign with a 48-1 overall record, setting a new record at Buckeye Local, and ranked sixth nationally. An 11-time All-American as a member of both the wrestling and football programs, Saxton earned six letters in high school. Saxton was coached by Brian Davis in wrestling.
PERSONAL: Born in Columbus and raised in Rayland, Ohio, William is the son of Ronald and Lori Saxton. He is the third of four children, Nicole (25), Matt (22) and Ronee (17). He is studying education while wrestling at Mizzou.
