Nov. 20, 2009

Photo Gallery 

Columbia, Mo. – Sophomore heavyweight Dominique Bradley (Blue Springs, Mo.) pinned his Purdue opponent in 18 seconds, but was unable to help Missouri to a team victory as the Tigers suffered a 19-15 loss to the Boilermakers and fell to 1-2 on the campaign. 

“I know we have some young wrestlers in our lineup,” Missouri Head Coach Brian Smith said.  “But, it’s November.  I’m disappointed, but I know we’ll get better as the year goes on.”

True freshman Brad Wisdom (Farmington, Mo.) kicked things off for the Tigers by collecting his second career win at 125 pounds.  Wisdom bested Matt Field, 9-6, becoming one of three Missouri wrestlers to improve to 2-0 on the day.  The Tiger lightweight proved solid on offense, scoring seven points in the first period alone. 

Returning to the lineup at 157 pounds, sophomore Patrick Wright (Grand Ledge, Mich.) upset 10^th-ranked Colton Salazar, a two-time NCAA qualifier, 4-0.  Wright scored first managing a takedown with seven seconds left in the first period, escaped four seconds into the second period and rode Salazar for 2:02 collecting one point for riding time. 

Seventh-ranked Nicholas Marable (Collierville, Tenn.) extended his 2009-10 win streak to eight after shutting down Jason Martin, 6-3, at 165 pounds.  Marable is the sole Missouri grappler to make all three starts in dual competition this season and still maintain a spotless record.

Bradley was last to the mat and the Tigers trailed 16-9 as the heavyweights met at center circle.  The Tiger Junior World Champion scored fast, notching a takedown three seconds into the match, allowing Walls an escape and then quickly returning the Boilermaker to the mat where he pinned him in 18 seconds. 

“I was upset about the team losing the dual,” Bradley said.  “I think I took that aggression onto the mat and went out there fast.”

Missouri fans paused prior to the dual to recognize former members and coaches of the Tiger wrestling team.  This weekend marks the first-ever Missouri wrestling homecoming with over 50 former wrestlers and coaches expected to attend the three-day event.

Missouri wrestling fans can catch the entire Tiger squad in action Sunday, Nov. 22, at the 10^th annual Missouri Open set to begin at 9 a.m. (CT) in the Fieldhouse.  Entrance is free.  Fans are asked to park in Lot X or Garage No. 7 located across the street from the Hearnes Center.  A parking map can be found here.