In their first year as a member of the Mid-American Conference, the Mizzou wrestling program blew through the eight-team field to its second conference championship in as many years. The Tigers ended with 136.0 team points, 48 more than the second place-Chippewas from Central Michigan. The squad had a substantial lead all day after it sent every starter to the semifinal round. Missouri’s title ended an 11-year reign held by the Central Michigan as MAC Champions.
While the conference championship is still impressive, the Mizzou program was built to compete with Big 12 caliber wrestling programs such as Oklahoma State. Once the university moved the SEC, the Tiger wrestling program needed a new home (since the SEC doesn’t have wrestling) and partnered up with the mid-major conference. Their championship run help tie a school record for individual titles.
Six Mizzou starters advanced to the championship round and four won conference titles, tying the record of four set last season at the 2012 Big 12 Championships. Nathan McCormick claimed the first individual title of his career despite being in the conference finals the past three seasons. Junior Alan Waters and sophomore Drake Houdashelt were Big 12 Champions last season at 125 and 157 pounds, respectively, and Dom Bradley added his second conference championship after winning at heavyweight in 2011.