Bryan Medlin Director of Operations | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Bryan Medlin Director of Operations | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
The Illinois wrestling team, ranked 12th nationally, secured a significant victory over the 6th-ranked Missouri team with a score of 23-14. This home opening dual win marks Illinois' first 4-0 start since the 2020-21 season.
This triumph is Illinois' highest-ranked win since defeating No. 5 Cornell in February 2012. It also represents the first time since the 2015-16 season that Illinois has scored over 20 points in their initial victories.
"It's a big night for Illinois wrestling," said head coach Mike Poeta. "To have the 20th reunion of the 2005 Big Ten Championship team, the way everything came together and it all culminating to a win over a really good team. It's the best win our program's had in a long time, it's the best win I've had as head coach."
The match began with Lucas Byrd at 133 pounds tying up the score after Missouri took an early lead. Kannon Webster then gave Illinois an advantage they maintained throughout. Key performances included Jason Kraisser extending Illinois' lead and Braeden Scoles benefiting from an opponent's medical forfeit.
Edmond Ruth and Luke Luffman secured further wins to lock in Illinois' victory at Lot 31 Stadium Club tent on Thursday.
Illinois will next face No. 23 North Carolina on Monday in Chapel Hill.
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