Wrestling

SIUE Begins Season with Missouri Baptist
         EDWARDSVILLE, ILL. -- The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville wrestling team will begin its season with a meet against Missouri Baptist on Wednesday.
         The Cougars will battle the Spartans at 7 p.m. in St. Louis. “We have just about everyone back from last year,” said SIUE wrestling coach Khris Whelan. “I think they know what they need to do when they get on the mat.”
         SIUE lost to Missouri Baptist 33-13 last season at the Vadalabene Center.
         “It left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth last season,” said Whelan. “We need to get off to a good start this season.”
         SIUE held its wrestle-offs on Sunday weekend to decide this season’s lineup.
         Sean Mead (St. Louis, Mo.) gets the start at 125 pounds, Chuck Patten (East Peoria) at 133 pounds, and Tyler Swearingen (East Peoria) at 141 pounds.
         Three key returnees for the Cougars will be, Joe Rujawitz (Belleville) at 149 pounds, John Ficht (Burbank) at 165 pounds, and Eric Scholle (Waukegan) at 174 pounds.
         Jacob Petri (Carlinville) will wrestle at 157 pounds, Chris Midgett (Flat Rock) at 184 pounds, Cory Scott (Sterling) or Sean Tyus (Springfield) at 197 pounds, and Dustin Garner (Alhambra) at heavyweight.
                  -siue cougars-