Wrestlers Open Season on the Road

Nov. 2, 2007

NORMAN, Okla. - The 2007-08 Sooner wrestling team will kick off the season Sunday, Nov. 4, at 1 p.m. when it travels to Oklahoma City for a triple-dual against Missouri Valley, Neosho Community College and Oklahoma City. The match will be held at Abe Lemons Arena on the campus of OCU.

The Sooners return two-time All-American and three-time NCAA qualifier Joel Flaggert to the roster, as well as NCAA qualifiers in Kyle Terry, Will Rowe, Max Dean and Joshua Weitzel.

OU looks to improve on an 11-7 dual record last season and a 22nd-place finish at the NCAA's, and head coach Jack Spates said the team is ready for the challenge.

"Last year was just the second time in the last eight years we have been out of the top four in the nation and everyone took it personally," Spates said. "Our off-season conditioning has been excellent and everyone is excited going into the competition."

Missouri Valley's head coach Mike Machholz is entering his 13th year, while Archie Randall is in his second season as the head coach for Oklahoma City. OCU is in its second year of wrestling after the university reinstated the program last season, going 5-11 in the first campaign. Wayne Patterson heads up Neosho Community College out of Chanute, Kan., leading the squad to a 6-10 record last season.

Oklahoma will wrestle Missouri Valley at 1 p.m., Oklahoma City at 3 p.m. and Noesho Community College at 5 p.m.

"Next Sunday is the first opportunity to compete against someone other than ourselves," Spates continued. "It will be a step in finding out how good we are, as well as to see who the guys are that will step up and show they really want it."

For more information on OU wrestling, visit www.soonersports.com.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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