Wrestling

Cougar Wrestling Begins Season at Lindenwood Open
         Southern Illinois University Edwardsville wrestling coach Booker Benford has several new faces in his 2003-2004 lineup, but he's going to leave the decisions as to who competes to be made on the mat.
         Several positions in the starting lineup will be decided by challenge matches next week. First, the Cougars travel to St. Charles, Mo., for the Lindenwood Open. The "open" format allows virtually anyone to compete at the event, allowing Benford to get a look at many of the wrestlers competing for spots in the lineup.
         SIUE's first dual meet is Wed., Nov. 12, against McKendree. The match will be held at Belleville West High School beginning at 7 p.m. SIUE was 2-17 in duel competition last season.
         Below is a look at each weight class.
         125 pounds
         Steve Chico (Hammond, Ind.) was a two-time state qualifier. "He had some really good high school coaches so he comes to the program with good quickness and knowledge," Benford said.
         Chico figures to be challenged by Scott Audo (Glenarm) and Mark Otzenberger (Fenton). Audo was a state qualifier last season at Glenwood High School. Otzenberger is a solid, stocky freshman from Fox High School.
         133 pounds
         Steve Peach (Granite City) transfer into SIUE from Millikin. "This is the first Granite City wrestler on our team in a while," said Benford. Peach does not figure to have any challengers unless one of the 125 pound wrestlers moves up a weight class.
         141 pounds
         Alec Lininger (Bloomington) returns for his sophomore season. He struggled to a 1-16 record wrestling most of the season injured as a freshman but should benefit from his solid technique.
         Two other wrestlers will likely aim for Lininger's position. Sophomore Keith Eimer (Atlanta) was a junior college national qualifier at Lincoln Junior College last season. Benford also has Justin Lankford (St. Charles, Mo.) waiting patiently. He figures to become eligible after the fall semester.
         149 pounds
         Joe Rujawitz (Belleville) sat on the sidelines last season waiting his turn. Benford has high hopes for the four-time state qualifier at Belleville West High School.
         "He's a strong competitor who has All-American potential. He should be one of our top performers this season," said Benford.
         157 pounds
         Matt Warren (East Peoria) and Alex Carter (Chicago) appear to be the biggest threats at 157 pounds. "Those two will be a toss-up," Benford said. The Cougars also have freshman Adam Castelli (Belleville), who hopes to make an impact.
         165 pounds
         "This is one of the more competitive weight classes," said Benford.
         Mike Davis (Alton) was 4-19 last season competing mostly at 165 pounds. Matt Oliva (Bartlett) was 6-19 last season and has competed in multiple weight classes in his first two seasons at SIUE.
         "They both have won big matches for us in the past, and both are looking forward to turning it around this year," Benford said.
         174 pounds
         The Cougars look to have three strong wrestlers competing for a position in Michael Ciabattoni (Belleville), Patrick Healy (Salem, Ore.) and Jason Hartman (Ottawa). Ciabbatoni is a freshman who was a four-time letterwinner at Belleville West High School. Healy was a state qualifier in Oregon and enters his first year of competition with the Cougars. Hartman needs more mat experience, said Benford, but his age and experience could be of benefit.
         With the loss of All-America Zach Stephens at 174 pounds, all three will have to strive to replace Stephens.
         184 pounds
         Branden Lorek (Bensenville) returns for his junior season. Lorek often has been asked to wrestle at 184 and 197 in the past two seasons for the Cougars. If he avoids injuries as in the last seasons, he could be a force at 184 pounds.
         197 pounds
         Benford has incoming freshman Sean Tyus (Springfield) marked in at 197 pounds. "We're looking for some big things from Sean," said Benford.
         "Most everyone competing at anywhere from 157 pounds to 197 pounds have All-American potential." Heavyweight
         Sophomore Brent Ray (Woodstock) and freshman Chris Moore (Litchfield) will battle for the last spot at heavyweight. Ray was a backup last season but will attempt to make it his permanent position on the team.
                  -siue cougars-