Mizzou Wrestling Dominates on Senior Day
By: Isaac Gillen, KCOU Sports
The Missouri Tigers came into the day ranked #2 in the nation only 12 points behind only the University of Iowa in the USA Today poll. With a record of 20-0 and 10-0 at home the Tigers could’ve easily overlooked the overmatched American team (7-10) while looking ahead to the NCAA Quarterfinals next Saturday at Iowa. The Tigers dominated the MAC this season, sweeping the conference 8-0 while outscoring opponents 237-85 to claim their second consecutive MAC title. Today was Senior Day and the Tigers honored Phillip Perry at the start of the festivities. Perry passed away in a car accident back in 2011.
Here’s a look at Sunday’s results:
Alan Waters (RS Sr. 125)- Waters (ranked #2 in the nation) won the Southern Scuffle Championship earlier in the season and is one of two Tigers (Cox is the other) with a perfect record on the season. He improved to 24-0 with a 4-0 victory over American’s David Terao. He moved into 5th on Mizzou’s all-time win list, with 125 and 2nd in career win percentage, behind only Ben Askren.
Zach Synon (RS So. 133)- Synon earned his 28th victory of the year on a 2-0 decision over David Terao’s brother, Josh.
Lavion Mayes (RS So. 141)- Mayes improved to 27-1 on the season with a 3-1 win and looks to continue that success next weekend. He came in to Sunday’s match ranked #5 in the nation.
Le’Roy Barnes (RS Jr. 149)- Barnes jumped out to an early 5-0 lead and never looked back on his way to a 11-4 victory, his 22nd on the year.
Joey Lavallee (So. 157)- Lavallee surrendered the only loss of the day for the Tigers. Dropping his match 3-2 to American’s John Boyle. Lavallee will likely drop from his #9 national ranking.
Mikey England (RS Sr. 165)- England dominated his opponent, 14-3, leading to his 23rd victory of the season.
Johnny Eblen (RS Sr. 174)- Eblen came in ranked #4 and showed why as he conquered his opponent 12-2 with a couple of near falls. He boosted his record to 23-3 on the year.
Willie Miklus (RS Fr. 184)- Miklus started out behind early but battled back to win big, 13-5. He improves to 25-4 on the season.
J’Den Cox (So. 197)- The hometown hero, Cox, the defending national champion and #1 ranked wrestler in his class didn’t lose a beat on the way to his 27th victory (40th consecutive). Cox won by fall in the 2nd period after things got a little chippy in the first with Brett Dempsey. Cox will look to begin his national title defense next weekend.
Devin Mellon (RS Sr. Heavyweight)- Mellon dominated on his way to a 13-1 victory using multiple takedowns and earning a near fall in the 2nd. He improves to 25-8 on the season.
Mizzou crushed American 34-3. They look forward now to the opening round of the NCAA Quarterfinals in Iowa City this Saturday.