Wrestling

Cougars to Dual With Missouri Baptist
         SIUE’s wrestling squad will have its last competition for three weeks when it travels to Missouri Baptist for a Wednesday dual meet. The Cougars will look to improve their 5-1 dual record when they face the 9-2 Spartans.
         “Missouri Baptist is tough this year,” Coach Booker Benford said. “They are outstanding at each weight class.”
         SIUE defeated Missouri Baptist 24-15 last season at the Vadalabene Center.
         “We came back last year in our heavier weight classes to beat them,” Benford said. “It will be a matter of butting heads to see who comes out on top.”
         The Cougars are coming off the Northern Iowa Open. Benford indicated Joe Rujawitz (Belleville), Matt Oliva (Bartlett) and Sean Tyus (Springfield) were close to placing in their respective weight classes.
         Following the Missouri Baptist dual, the Cougars will be idle until Jan. 3-4, 2004, when they participate in the Midwest Classic in Indianapolis.
         “We have some guys injured, so hopefully after break we’ll come back completely healthy,” Benford said.
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