Wrestling

Wrestling Faces Missouri Valley
         Southern Illinois University Edwardsville wrestling looks to even its overall record on Wednesday with a dual match at Missouri Valley.
         The first match begins at 7 p.m. in Marshall, Mo.
         SIUE Coach Khris Whelan said his young Cougars battled hard in the 23-18 season opener at Missouri Baptist.
         “The guys wrestled hard. Our effort was good,” said Whelan.
         The Cougars picked up pins from John Ficht (Burbank) at 165 pounds and Chris Midgett (Flat Rock) at 184 pounds.
         “John just gets out there and gets the job done,” said Whelan. “And I could just see in Chris’ eyes that he was all business.”
         SIUE also picked up victories against Missouri Baptist from Chuck Patten (East Peoria) and Joe Rujawitz (Belleville).
         Whelan said he expects another tough match from Missouri Valley on Wednesday. Missouri Valley is the NAIA national runner-up.
         “If our guys come off the mat with their best effort, that’s all we can ask,” said Whelan.
                  -siue cougars-