Top-ranked Iowa sent six wrestlers to the quarterfinals Thursday night in St. Louis, taking a big step toward its first NCAA title since 2000.
The Hawkeyes lost only one quarterfinal match and were 15-3 overall on the opening day of the three-day meet.
Missouri had four wrestlers reach the quarterfinals: Michael Chandler at 157 pounds, Nicholas Marable at 165, Raymond Jordan at 184 and Maxwell Askren at 197.
Tyler McCormick won his first match Thursday, the faltered in the nightcap. He’ll continue in the consolation bracket — as will Josh Wagner and Mark Ellis.
For Askren it was a huge turnaround from last year when he lost his first two matches after being the top seed at his weight.
“When I saw him get that first takedown I was like ‘Whoo, he got it,’ ” coach Brian Smith said. “I just saw him relax and start breaking people.”
Missouri finished the first day of the tournament tied for sixth place with Oklahoma State with 23 points. Iowa leads with 29 1/2 , followed by Nebraska with 261/2, Iowa State at 25 and Central Michigan and Minnesota at 24.
Join the discussion
Share your observations and experiences about news. Lively, open debate is the goal, but please refrain from personal attacks or comments that are racist, vulgar or otherwise inappropriate. If you see an inappropriate comment, please click the "Report as violation" link to notify a KansasCity.com editor. Thanks for your feedback.