Wrestling

Rujawitz, Hill Lead Cougars

          Southern Illinois University Edwardsville left Kirksville, Mo., pleased with its performance this past Saturday, defeating Truman 25-18 yet falling to third-ranked Minnesota State-Mankato 31-9.
          "Mankato wrestled well and was very physical. All of their wrestlers were ranked in the top six nationally," said SIUE assistant wrestling coach Ronald Bessemer.
          SIUE had two wrestlers that each went undefeated on the night.
          Joe Rujawitz (Belleville) at 149 and Tommy Hill (Roxana) at 125 each went 2-0 against some stiff competition.
          "Rujawitz wrestled very well," said Bessemer.
          "The guy Hill beat from Mankato was ranked second in the country. The match was 3-3 until his opponent had to forfeit because of an injury," said Bessemer.
          Next up for the Cougars is the University of Central Missouri Jamboree.
          At the UCM Jamboree, SIUE will face Minnesota State Moorhead, Northern State, Southwest Minnesota State and Chadron State.
          "The UCM Jamboree is different from other tournaments because every hour and a half you switch competitors," added Bessemer.
                    -siue-