Aug. 19, 2010

2010-2011 Wrestling Schedule

EDWARDSVILLE, ILL. - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville head wrestling coach David Ray recently announced his schedule for the 2010-11 season, which features several elite programs, including eight teams which competed in last year's NCAA Division I Championships.

"We are continuing to increase the number of Division I teams on the schedule each year to raise our overall level of competition," said Ray, who begins his third season at SIUE. "This allows our guys to evaluate the level we are currently at and to determine what steps need to be taken to become a competitive program."

The Cougars will open the schedule on Sat., Nov. 13, at the Central Missouri Open held in Warrensburg, Mo., before heading to Iowa City, Iowa, where SIUE will face the three-time defending NCAA Division I champion University of Iowa as the marquee match of the Iowa Duals.

Also on the SIUE schedule are dual matches with Big Ten opponents Northwestern Dec. 19, Indiana Jan. 9, and Illinois Jan. 21 as well as the Big 12's Missouri on Jan. 15. "These quality duals give us a chance to evaluate where we are at as a team and the type of recruits we need to add," stated Ray.

The Cougars will make a return trip to Las Vegas, Nev., for the 29th Annual Cliff Keen Las Vegas Collegiate Wrestling Invitational from Dec. 3-4, which features 50 teams from all levels of college wrestling.

Following a trip to Brookings, S.D., SIUE will host Findlay and Northwestern at the Cougar Duals on Sun., Dec. 19, at the Student Fitness Center.

The Cougars will also participate in the Indiana Duals in Bloomington, Ind., and the Eagle Duals at Ypsilanti, Mich., before returning to Edwardsville for four of their final five matches of the regular season.

"Being at home for most of February will be a great way for our team to finish the season," said Ray.

On Sat., Feb. 26, SIUE will host the NCWA (National Collegiate Wrestling Association) North Central Conference meet at the Vadalabene Center.

"Our schedule is a stepping stone for the wrestling program as a whole as we continue to push toward becoming more improved each and every year," added Ray. "The whole year is going to be exciting and everyone is looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead."

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