#12 Illinois defeated #6 Missouri in a home meet by a score of 23-16, to move their dual record to 4-0.
The team looks strong this year, returning four ranked upperclassmen who did not compete collegiately last season. Byrd (133) is undefeated, and ranked #2. Luffman (285), D Braunagel (174), and Z Braunagel (197) have also contributed significantly after returning to competition this year. There are several other bright spots on the team, especially redshirt freshmen Kannon Webster (149) and Braedon Scoles (165). Both are undefeated, and have piled up bonus points in the early season meets. They are both ranked in their respective weight classes, and have the look of potential superstars.
A key difference of this team compared to other recent years is the "rest of the team." There have usually been a few weight classes that score very few points during the season, and offer no chance of scoring in the post season. This year's team boasts a ranked wrestler at all 10 weight classes, plus a few backups who have been productive in the past. Points can come from any weight class in every meet, although 125 hasn't produced much yet this season.
The BIG is once again the dominant conference nationally, but the Illini have their best chance in many years to be a real factor in the post season.
The team looks strong this year, returning four ranked upperclassmen who did not compete collegiately last season. Byrd (133) is undefeated, and ranked #2. Luffman (285), D Braunagel (174), and Z Braunagel (197) have also contributed significantly after returning to competition this year. There are several other bright spots on the team, especially redshirt freshmen Kannon Webster (149) and Braedon Scoles (165). Both are undefeated, and have piled up bonus points in the early season meets. They are both ranked in their respective weight classes, and have the look of potential superstars.
A key difference of this team compared to other recent years is the "rest of the team." There have usually been a few weight classes that score very few points during the season, and offer no chance of scoring in the post season. This year's team boasts a ranked wrestler at all 10 weight classes, plus a few backups who have been productive in the past. Points can come from any weight class in every meet, although 125 hasn't produced much yet this season.
The BIG is once again the dominant conference nationally, but the Illini have their best chance in many years to be a real factor in the post season.
