Athletics Headlines: Wrestling Spartans Look Impressive in Season Opener

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October 29, 2007

Wrestling Spartans Look Impressive in Season Opener

The Missouri Baptist Wrestling Spartans kicked off the 2007-2008 campaign with an impressive showing at the Lindenwood Open. The tournament was held on Saturday, October 27th, on the campus of cross-town rival Lindenwood University. Although there were no team scores kept, the Spartans looked like a cohesive unit faring quite well as a whole.

Senior and returning All-American, Nigel Kinworthy, was crowned the champion of the 184-pound weight class by taking home first place. Junior Matt Collum destroyed his competition through the beginning rounds of the tournament. Due to some narrow defeats, Collum regrouped and placed fifth in the 157-pound bracket. Due to their accomplishments at the Lindenwood Open, Kinworthy and Collum met the national qualification standards set forth by the NAIA.

Also placing at the Lindenwood Open was red-shirt Mike Wakim. Virtually an unknown in the 285-pound weight class, Wakim dominated his opponents and finished third in his weight-class.

Up next for the Spartans will be the Coe College Invitational in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Saturday, November 17th. Wrestling is scheduled to start at 9 AM.