Wrestling Aims for Improvement

         The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville wrestling team is looking forward to the upcoming challenge. After a disappointing year last season, the Cougars hope to improve, and they can do nothing but that after last year's 0-16 record.
         Wrestling Coach Booker Benford expects this year to be a breakout one. He anticipates a much more successful season because of the new depth that his team gained. "This year there is a good mix of young, new wrestlers and some veterans," said Benford. "We gained many talented freshmen and transfers this year, and they should do well."
         Benford said he expects to see the veterans contribute in more ways than just winning. Wrestlers like Zach Stevens (St. Charles, Mo.), Aaron Wiens (Cicero), and Nathan Graumenz (Vandalia) are expected to help lead the Cougars.
         There are several other wrestlers returning this season. Benford expects these wrestlers like Manny Herrera (Chicago), Omari Johnson (Chicago), Mike Davis (Alton), Mike Brenner (Belleville), Tony Witt (Plainfield), and Clifton Wingfield (Hazelcrest) to use their experience to do a lot this time around. "These men stuck it out last year despite the difficulties, they showed real heart," said Benford. "They are hungry to do better. They see better times ahead and wanted a part of what is coming."
         Benford is very happy to have four heavyweight wrestlers with the team this season. He expects newcomer, Brent Ray (Woodstock), Antonie King (Chicago), and Lee Weeden (Ferguson, Mo.), to add some much needed depth to the heavy weights. Wiens is the only heavyweight to return to the team from last year.
         The Cougars have a sizeable number of freshmen. Alec Lininger (Bloomington) is a tough wrestler who learns fast, according to Benford. Ryan Marshall (Sterling) is a solid 125-pounder, according to Benford. Coach benford also speaks highly of Paul Lievano (Champaign), who he feels is coming along well, and Pat Selby (St. Charles, Mo.), Matt Terry (St. Louis), and Casey Avery (Country Club Hills) who are tough wrestlers.
         At the very least, Benford anticipates several victories this year and hopes to dominate and win the dual meets the Cougars will compete in. Things might finally be looking up for the Cougars.
                  -siue-

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Players Mentioned

Mike Brenner: Sophomore

Mike Davis: Sophomore

Nathan Graumenz: Junior

Manny Herrera: Senior

Omari Johnson: Sophomore

Paul Lievano: Freshman

Ryan Marshall: Freshman

Brent Ray: Freshman

Lee Weeden: Freshman

Aaron Wiens: Sophomore

Clifton Wingfield: Sophomore

Tony Witt: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Mike Brenner
: Sophomore

Mike Davis
: Sophomore

Nathan Graumenz
: Junior

Manny Herrera
: Senior

Omari Johnson
: Sophomore

Paul Lievano
: Freshman

Ryan Marshall
: Freshman

Brent Ray
: Freshman

Lee Weeden
: Freshman

Aaron Wiens
: Sophomore

Clifton Wingfield
: Sophomore

Tony Witt
: Freshman