Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Wrestling	SIUE Wrestling SIUE Athletics

Coach David Ray

December 10, 2008 Cougars to Compete at Art Kraft Open          EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. -- The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville wrestling team will travel to River Grove, Ill., to participate in the 18th Art Kraft Memorial Open.          The Kraft Memorial Open is hosted by Triton College, beginning at 9 a.m.          "We want to use this tournament to continue to build confidence," said SIUE Coach David Ray. "Having two wrestlers placing last weekend is a stepping stone for our program."          At the Simpson Invitational, SIUE's Dillon Pousson and Terrance Connors both placed seventh.          SIUE will send 10 wrestlers to compete in the Art Kraft tournament.          Wrestlers who will be participating include Justin Bucsa (Hoffman Estates) at 141 pounds, Terrence Connors (Belleville) at 184, Nick Jones (Evanston) at 149, Tim Mahoney (Robinson) at 165, Daniel Midgett (Flat Rock) at 184, Max Orris (Lonedell, Mo.) at 184, Derek Pousson (Round Lake) at 149, Dillon Pousson (Round Lake) at 141, Blake Reed (Granite City) at 165, and Steve Ross (Carlock) at 157.          "SIUE will face some very young and talented competition at this tournament," Ray said. "I look for the team to give its full effort this weekend and end the semester with a positive attitude".          Schools that will be completing in the in the tournament include Harper College, Niagara College, Muskegon College, Lincoln College, Elmhurst College and Meremec College.          "Our team has been committed to getting better every day," Ray said.          -siue cougars-