Three Missouri wrestlers found their way into the top 10 of their respective weight classes in the first coaches’ rankings of the season last week. Eight other Tigers also slotted among the top 33 grapplers. Sophomore Alan Waters received the No. 3 ranking at 125 pounds, junior Nathan McCormick picked up the No. 9 ranking at 133 pounds and junior Brent Haynes came in at No. 10 at 197 pounds.
In addition to winning percentage and RPI, the final coaches’ rankings are one of three benchmarks that establish each conference’s automatic qualification distribution for the 2012 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. The rankings also play into “at-large bids” for the tournament.
“It gives me a lot of confidence and kind of shows me that I have a real chance to be a national champion this year, and that’s what my goal is,” Waters said. “I just have to stay focused, start finishing my shots and build on my strengths and weaknesses.”
Waters has wrestled to a 17-1 record including 8-0 in dual meets. The 125-pound grappler is also 6-1 on the year against top 20 competition, earning 12 of his 17 victories with bonus points.
“He works really hard, so it’s no surprise to us,” coach Brian Smith said. “We expect him to win the national title, and he’s right there to win.”
McCormick, who has been out with injury since Missouri’s Dec. 18 victory over Iowa State, still earned the respect of the coaches with his 9-1 record. The 133-pound grappler has earned five of his nine victories by recording a fall.
“I’m just sticking to a process, which has allowed me to be more consistent,” McCormick said. “I just keep learning more and more.”
After a slow start to the season, Haynes has burst onto the scene for Missouri, checking in at No. 10 in the coaches’ poll. Thirteen of his 15 victories on the season have come with bonus points on his way to a 15-4 record on the season. Haynes also earned Big 12 Conference Wrestler of the Week honors on Jan. 9.
Haynes was unavailable for comment.
“He has the potential to finish anywhere from No. 1 through No. 8,” Smith said about Haynes. “He’s starting to get more consistency, and it all starts in the practice room. He’s working hard putting the extra time in, and his confidence has grown because of it.”
Waters, McCormick and Haynes all qualified for the NCAA championship a year ago, but none made it past the second day of action. Waters and McCormick both finished with a 1-2 record, and Haynes was ousted after day two.
The 2012 NCAA Wrestling Championships will be hosted in St. Louis, but the No. 15 Tigers have big upcoming tests including a pair of conferences tilts with No. 1 Oklahoma State and another dual with No. 10 Oklahoma. Missouri also hosts the Big 12 Championships in early March.
“We have a team full of hard workers, and hopefully we can get on the stage this year,” McCormick said. “We just have to keep working and have the confidence that when we step out on the mat, we’re going to win.”
The road to St. Louis begins Sunday when Missouri heads to Edwardsville, Ill., for a quad dual with Eastern Michigan, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and Truman State before heading home the following weekend to take on Oklahoma State and Oklahoma at the Hearnes Center.
