Wrestling

The Cougars Head to Ashland
         The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville wrestling team will continue its season Saturday in the Ashland Open.
         "It is a tough tournament, but a lot of Division II schools will be there,” said SIUE wrestling coach Khris Whelan.
         The Cougars will face several teams in the Ashland Open they also will see in the postseason.
         The team is currently banged up and lost heavyweight Ian Darr (Cottage Hills) with an ankle injury. Cory Scott (Sterling), SIUE’s 174-pound starter, also is out due to injury.
         The Cougars do have some bright spots heading into Ashland, including Rashad Riley (Hoffman Estates), who placed second in the 133-pound division at the Mizzou Open, and John Ficht (Burbank), who placed sixth in the Mizzou Open in the 165 pound weight class.
         Jed Lewis (Norfolk), at 149 pounds, also will be wrestling his first match of the year for the Cougars.
         "He is a tough wrestler and could be ranked soon," said Whelan.
         "The team needs to step up if we are going wrestle well this weekend," said Whelan.
                  -siue cougars-