OUTLOOK: Down one weight class from last year, redshirt freshman Patrick Wright is ready to compete at 157 pounds this season. Wright showed great improvement over the course of his inaugural season with the Tigers and promises to challenge for a starting spot in Missouri's lineup as soon as this year.

"Patrick has moved down one weight, and will compete at 157 pounds this year," Missouri Head Coach Brian Smith said. "He has a hard-nosed mentality which will help him push (Michael) Chandler and (Nicholas) Marable throughout the season. I expect him to break into the lineup eventually."

2007-08: Wrestling at 165 pounds, Wright finished with first place tournament finishes on two occasions. Wright took first at the Missouri Open in the freshmen division on Nov. 18, defeating Bryan Wells of Campsville by a 3-1 decision in the championship round. He also finished first at the Missouri Valley College Open on Feb. 2 after defeating Kyle Reid from McKendree College, 5-0. On his way to the Missouri Valley College Open title, Wright managed a perfect 4-0 record that included back-to-back wins by fall and a 17-5 win by major decision over Blake Reed of Southern Illinois-Edwardsville. Wright finished in third place three times during the season, first at the Lindenwood Open, next at the Dana Open and finally at the Roger Denker Open.