Office of Public Relations
Missouri Baptist University
One College Park Drive
Saint Louis, Missouri 63141-8698
314.392.2307 / fax 314.392.2265
www.mobap.edu / pr@mobap.edu
For Immediate Release
RE: Wrestlers to National Championship, Two Named All-American
Wrestlers to National Championship, Two Named All-American
March 31, 2003
Missouri Baptist University men’s wrestling, in their second year of the program, ended their regular season and sent eight athletes to the National Championship in Great Falls, Montana on March 7. The team placed thirteenth in the nation and won the NAIA National Championship Sportsmanship Award. Two MBU wrestlers, freshman Woodrow Harris and sophomore Will Riffe, earned All-American honors by finishing in the top eight at the championship.
Harris finished second in the 133 lb. class, the best finish at nationals by a Spartan wrestler. Harris won the semifinal against 2002 Champion 125 lb. class, Andrew Medders of Cumberland College. Harris was only then slighted in the final by 2002 Champion 133 lb. class, Brant Bruner of Lindenwood University.
Harris completed his freshman campaign with a 15-19 record. His losing record is testimony of the Spartan’s carrying the toughest schedule in the NAIA. As a NAIA school, this year’s Spartans competed against five NCAA Division I and many Division II teams.
Riffe placed fourth in the 157 lb. class. He advanced through the consolation bracket, pinning two contenders before his loss to Joey Martinez of Menlo College. Riffe completed his sophomore campaign with a 32-22 mark, capping off his second NAIA National Championship.
"It was a different team from the regional tournament two weeks ago. When it came time to go to Montana, we were ready and on a mission. Every one of our guys performed at their best. I would have to say that they peaked at the right time,” says Head Coach Tom Smith.
Last year, the Spartans went to the championships in the varsity program’s inaugural year. Three wrestlers competed and earned twenty-second place. In their second year, MBU was one match away from placing in the top ten. With no graduating seniors in the starting lineup, outlook is favorable for 2003-2004.
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Missouri Baptist University is a premier Christian university in Saint Louis, offering graduate and undergraduate studies in over thirty specialized fields and nine degrees. MBU's education and fine arts programs are nationally known in addition to business, religion, administration of justice, and more. MBU is one of the fastest growing higher education institutions in Missouri with an enrollment of over 4,500 students at five locations in the bi-state region — West County, Lincoln County, Jefferson County, Franklin County and the new Illinois extension at Lewis and Clark Community College.
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