OUTLOOK: Sophomore Tyler Perry added both weight and strength over the summer months and returns to challenge for the starting position at heavyweight. "Due to a minor injury to Mark Ellis, our starting heavyweight last season, Tyler was able to see some time in our lineup," Head Coach Brian Smith said. "Tyler competed at the National Duals and saw some of the best wrestlers in the nation compete. Over the summer Tyler has worked hard to gain strength. He should provide a tough challenge in the heavyweight category this season." 2006-07: Competing in his first collegiate year of wrestling, Perry made his dual debut, Jan. 13 at the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) National Duals in Cedar Falls, Iowa, after regular starter Mark Ellis was forced out by injury. Taking on Ben Reiter of Penn, Perry suffered a 2-0 loss before falling to third-ranked All-American Dustin Fox of Northwestern, 5-0. Perry's final dual appearance of the season pit him against two-time National Champion Cole Konrad, where he fell victim to the Minnesota grappler in 2:13. In tournament competition, Perry finished fourth at the Missouri Valley Open, Feb. 3. Perry opened the all-day tournament with back-to-back wins by decision.

HIGH SCHOOL: Lettering three times in wrestling at Hannibal High School, Perry brought an impressive resume to Mizzou. Wrestling at 275 for three years, Perry won the state championship his junior season (2005) and never finished below third in the state rankings, finishing second in the state of Missouri his senior year (2006).

PERSONAL: Perry was born and raised in Hannibal, Mo., to Devin and Jill Perry. He is the older brother of Phillip (15) and is majoring in secondary education.