Wrestling

Riley, Lewis Lead Cougars at UCM

          EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. -- The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville wrestling team finished with a record of 1-3 at the Central Missouri Jamboree over the weekend.
          The Cougars were led by Rashad Riley (Hoffman Estates) in the 133-pound weight class, who went 4-0, and Jed Lewis (Norfolk, Neb.) in the 149 pound weight class, who finished 3-1.
          The Cougars scored their only win against Southwest Minnesota State 25-19. SIUE was defeated by Chadron State 27-12, Northern State 28-11, and Minnesota State-Moorhead 30-15.
          SIUE wrestling coach Khris Whelan was disappointed in how the team wrestled.
          "We gave up a lot of points on the out of bounds lines late in the matches," said Whelan.
          Whelan believes the Cougars are just having a confidence problem right now.
          "You see how hard they work in practice but it just is not showing in tournaments. A lot of them are not wrestling to win, but trying not to lose," said Whelan.
          Next up for SIUE is McKendree, and it will also be on Senior Night. The Cougars will face-off against McKendree Thursday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. in the Vadalabene Center.
          "McKendree is tough, and it will be a close match. We just want to see our wrestlers give it their all and compete," said Whelan.
          "For senior night, we will be honoring the seniors and former Cougars wrestlers who are coaching in the area will come out to be honored," added Whelan.
          The team will be making wrestling cards to honor the seniors and past Cougar All-Americans.
                    -siue-