Wrestlers combat team illness, prepare for Big 12 Championships

MU will host Saturday's Big 12 tournament at the Hearnes Center.

By Ryan Huber

Published Feb. 27, 2007

The No. 3 Missouri wrestling team is preparing this week for the Big 12 Championships, which takes place Saturday at the Hearnes Center. Having recovered fully from a nasty illness that circulated throughout the squad and coaching staff since the beginning of February, the team stands a good chance of capturing the university's first Big 12 title in 10 years.

"The great thing about this tournament is that we have a focused team," coach Brian Smith said on Monday. "We are healthy, we are focused, and we are prepared to go in and win the title."

Of the five Big 12 schools competing, Missouri has the second-best record at 4-1 behind undefeated Iowa State, a team that defeated the Tigers 27-12 at the Hearnes Center on Feb. 11.

Missouri had been on a roll with four straight wins heading into the match against the Cyclones but were caught off-guard as seven Tigers fell in front of the home crowd. Senior Matt Pell said the team has learned from the loss.

"I think it's an opportunity to grow," he said. "If you dwell on your losses and don't learn anything from them then why wrestle? I think losing a match like that for the whole team is an opportunity to grow and see where we are weak and make that a strength. It also motivates us moving into the Big 12's to get a little payback. I know personally I want to walk out there and dominate."

Pell and senior Ben Askren have battled sickness throughout the past month, but both said they are ready to hit the mat on Saturday.

"I've never felt better actually," Pell said. "I did sit out a few matches this year, and I think in the long run, it was a good idea because my body isn't broken down now, and I'm feeling fresh and ready to go win a Big 12 title."

Defending National Champion Ben Askren said though the team has heard about what he has learned from his past experiences, the message is still important.

"We've put in so much hard work, not only this year, but over our entire lifetimes," he said. "We only have seven minutes in each match the rest of the season and you've just to take every moment and seize it. You've got to go out there and wrestle as hard as you can. You don't ever want to look back and say 'I have a regret.'"

Missouri sponsored the Big 12 Championships five years ago, but with the squad's consistent effort this year, the home crowd could be in for the program's first ever Big 12 title.

The title would also be the second for MU — the softball team won in 1996, the conference's inaugural season.

"It would be big for the community and for the state," Smith said. "For our program, it would be another stepping stone. We are focused on the individuals going out there and performing and doing great things. If everybody does that as individuals then a great thing we happen, we will win the team title."