Wrestlers arrested after downtown fight

They were arrested after police said they were fighting near Jimmy John's.

By Matt LaVeille

Published Nov. 6, 2008

At about 1:42 a.m. on Saturday, the Columbia Police Department responded to a fight outside of Jimmy John's at the corner of Hitt Street and Broadway.

CPD Sgt. Dan Beckman said there was a large group of people surrounding a fight in front of Jimmy John's when officers arrived on foot.

When officers arrived they found 21-year-old junior Nicholas Marable and Columbia resident Craig Koehmstedt, 23, in a fistfight, Beckman said. MU sophomore Andrew Wood was also involved in the incident.

"Wood was involved in the initial fight that started this incident, prior to CPD's arrival, then Marable and Koehmstedt continued it," Beckman said. "Wood left the fight, before officers arrived, but he was arrested due to help from witnesses."

Marable and Wood are both on the MU wrestling team. Marable is ranked No. 1 in the nation in the 165-pound weight class and is the first wrestler since two-time national champion Ben Askren to earn a pre-season ranking at the top of his weight class. Wood also wrestles in the 165-pound weight class, but only wrestled three matches last season because of a season-ending injury, according to the MU athletics Web site.

"Our program prides itself on social responsibility," wrestling coach Brian Smith said. "This situation is not one to be taken lightly. We are still in the process of gathering information and learning more about the situation. Once we determine the facts, we will act accordingly."

Marable, Wood and Koehmstedt were all arrested on suspicion of disturbing the peace for fighting, which is a city charge with a $500 bond. None of the men involved were seriously injured, and they all refused medical attention, Beckman said.