Wrestlers forfeit because of illness

Askren and Pell fought illness to be part of Senior Day.

By Ryan Huber

Published Feb. 20, 2007

Members of the No. 3 Missouri wrestling squad are happy the regular season is over.

Plagued by sickness since they made the trip to Stillwater, Okla., on Feb. 3, the team had to scratch many of its key starters in its remaining three duals.

Such was the case on Sunday, as the Tigers forfeited five matches and scratched a season high seven starters in a 40-8 loss to visiting No. 13 University of Tennessee-Chattanooga.

"I thought it was silly to wrestle the dual," MU coach Brian Smith said. "We're slowly getting guys healthy, but it's been hard training with so few bodies in the room."

UTC didn't have to try very hard to put a damper on Senior Day, as the Tigers spotted the Mocs 30 points by default, meaning the meet would not officially count.

But No. 1 Ben Askren, who was described as "deathly ill" and "sick as a dog" by teammates and coaches, nonetheless gave the Missouri crowd a showing as he won 10-1 before collapsing in exhaustion.

"He's meant a lot," Smith said after the match. "He's a great kid. Off the mat, he's just been unbelievable in the community and a great team leader. He's probably the greatest competitor I'll ever coach. He loves to compete and that's what makes him special. He goes out there and loves it."

Senior Matt Pell, who wasn't able to wrestle for the second-straight match as he is still dealing with the flu, joined Askren in a pre-dual ceremony that honored the two seniors.

"It's hard to express in words what those guys have meant," No. 5-ranked Raymond Jordan said. "They have set examples by more than just telling us. They set examples by going out there on the mat and just wrestling hard every day, day in and day out whether it's practice or a dual meet. We are going to miss those guys."

Pell said though he is frustrated by the fact that he is unable to wrestle, he looks forward to getting on the mat in two weeks at the Big 12 Tournament.

"It's been the best five years of my entire life here," he said. "I've made memories I know I'll never forget, and hopefully, I can make some more in the post season."

After Missouri forfeited in the 125-, 133-, 141- and 149-pound weight classes, action began at the 157-class as redshirt freshman Dane Espinosa lost 11-2 by major decision. Junior James Williamson weighed in next at 165 but could only manage one escape point in an 8-1 loss.

The Tigers proceeded to win two of the remaining three matches with victories by Askren, Jordan and a 2-1 loss by heavyweight Mark Ellis.

The team has two weeks to regroup and prepare for the Big 12 Championships held March 3 at the Hearnes Center. Smith said the break couldn't have come at a better time. And as for the virus that has circulated among the team, Jordan said the end is near.

"It's on its way out," he said. "A lot of guys are starting to feel better. We weren't sure whether Ben was going to wrestle today, but I guess he was feeling good enough to wrestle. He was looking deathly ill the last couple days so for him to even step out on the mat and wrestle is a big improvement."