SIUE wrestling team struggles over break

By Rick Crossin
Assistant Sports Editor

The SIUE men's wrestling team didn't have a whole lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

The Cougars participated in the St. Louis and Oklahoma opens over the Thanksgiving break and didn't fare very well.

"We weren't very agressive," head coach Booker Benford said.

The only Cougar to place in the top four in either contest was junior Denale Powell who finshed fourth in the Oklahoma Open.

"A lot of the guys have limited technique," Benford said. "I always remind them that using crappy technique isn't going to work against a tough guy."

Benford believes sophomore Nate Graumenz has been one of the stongest wrestlers for SIUE this season.

"Graumenz shows a high level of aggressiveness," Benford said. "He still lacks a few things on technique, but he just keeps coming at you."

The Cougars' next meet will be at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Northern Iowa Open in Cedar Falls, Iowa.