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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The highly anticipated home-opening dual for the No. 12 Illinois wrestling team is scheduled for Thursday, November 21st, where they will face off against the formidable No. 6 Missouri team. Fans are invited to join the festivities in the Lot 31 Stadium Club Tent, with doors swinging open at 5 p.m. CST. The evening will kick off with a delightful dinner and entertainment beginning at 5:30 p.m., leading up to the thrilling dual event that is set to start at 7 p.m. CT.
For those interested in this unique dinner theater experience, tickets can be conveniently purchased here. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a feast while cheering for the Illini!
The Orange and Blue grapplers are riding high after achieving two resounding dual victories, showcasing their strength against Binghamton with a commanding 30-10 score and overpowering No. 21 Arizona State, finishing with a remarkable 37-6 at the WrangleMania event on November 9. The very next day, on November 10, they competed in the prestigious Journeymen Collegiate Classic tournament, where standout performances were delivered by No. 2 ranked Lucas Byrd at 133 pounds and No. 10 ranked Kannon Webster at 149 pounds, each earning the coveted Hammer Awards for emerging victorious in their respective top brackets.
For his exceptional 5-0 performance over the weekend, Kannon Webster earned the esteemed title of Big Ten Freshman of the Week on November 14, marking a historic milestone as the first Illinois wrestler to receive this accolade in the program’s history. With their impressive 3-0 record to begin the season, the Illini have achieved their best start since the 2020-21 season, where they initially racked up a 4-0 record.
Four of the team’s starters proudly maintain unblemished records of 6-0 as the season progresses, showcasing their talent and skill in the highly competitive landscape. This group includes No. 15 ranked Danny Pucino at 141 pounds, No. 24 ranked Braeden Scoles at 165 pounds, as well as the previously mentioned Byrd and Webster.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS
Visiting Champaign, Missouri enters the dual with a split 1-1 record, having kicked off their season with an encouraging 25-14 victory over Northern Colorado, but faced a challenge in a subsequent 23-10 defeat against No. 5 Virginia Tech. The last encounter between the Tigers and Fighting Illini took place last season on December 21, 2023, in St. Louis, where Missouri emerged victorious with a score of 29-6. Historically, Illinois boasts a 21-13 series lead over Missouri, with the rivalry dating back to 1928. The Illini last triumphed against the Tigers on November 14, 2019, in a tightly contested 19-14 match.
NOTES
- The Fighting Illini grapplers have commenced their season with a stellar 3-0 record in dual competition, marking the first time they have achieved this since the 2020-21 season, when they reached a 4-0 start.
- Seven different starters from Illinois have already amassed double-digit dual points, highlighting the team’s offensive prowess.
- Among the roster, four standout starters boast perfect 6-0 records this season: Lucas Byrd, Danny Pucino, Kannon Webster, and Braeden Scoles.
- Braeden Scoles leads the team with three falls and takes the lead in dual points with an impressive tally of 17.
- He has secured victories in all six of his matches, amassing bonus points through three pins, two tech falls, and one major decision.
- Zac Braunagel holds a commendable 5-1 record, ranking second on the team in dual points with a total of 16.
- He has claimed all five of his wins in bonus-point fashion, consisting of one pin, two tech falls, and one major decision.
- Jason Kraisser stands with a 4-2 record, currently third on the team in dual points with a total of 15.
- He ranks second on the team with two pins recorded in the matches so far.
- Kannon Webster is contributing significantly, ranking fourth on the team in dual points with a total of 14.
- Danny Pucino and Luke Luffman are tied at fifth on the team, contributing 11 dual points each.
- Both athletes also lead the team in major decisions, each having secured two.
- Lucas Byrd rounds out the group of starters with double-digit dual points, accumulating 10.
- He leads the team with five wins coming through decision bouts.
How do you plan to leverage fan support during the upcoming home opener against Missouri?
**Interview with Illinois Wrestling Coach, Mike Smith**
**Editor:** Welcome, Coach Smith! The Illini are gearing up for an exciting home opener against Missouri. How does it feel to start the season with a perfect 3-0 record?
**Coach Smith:** Thank you! It feels fantastic. The team has worked incredibly hard during the offseason, and our dual victories over Binghamton and Arizona State have really set the tone. It’s a great start for us, and I’m proud of how the guys have performed.
**Editor:** Four of your starters are currently unbeaten at 6-0. Can you tell us more about their performances and contributions to the team’s success?
**Coach Smith:** Absolutely! Having wrestlers like Lucas Byrd and Kannon Webster leading the way has been invaluable. Both have had standout performances, and it’s great to see their hard work pay off, especially with Kannon earning the Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor. It’s crucial for our team to have that kind of talent at the top of the lineup.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, Missouri is a tough opponent with a history in this rivalry. What strategies do you plan to implement to secure a win against them?
**Coach Smith:** Missouri is always a formidable team, and we respect their talent. Our strategy will focus on maintaining our aggressive approach while also being tactical in our matchups. We need to capitalize on our strengths and be prepared for the challenges they bring.
**Editor:** The community seems excited about the home opener festivities. How important do you think fan support is for the team’s performance in dual meets?
**Coach Smith:** Fan support is essential! The energy from the crowd can create a significant advantage for our wrestlers. I encourage everyone to join us at the Lot 31 Stadium Club Tent before the match—it’s a great atmosphere to enjoy dinner and entertainment, and it really builds the excitement for the dual. It’s a family-friendly event that brings together our wrestling community.
**Editor:** what message do you have for Illini fans as you prepare for this crucial match?
**Coach Smith:** We appreciate every fan who comes out to support us. Your presence makes a difference and inspires our wrestlers. Let’s pack the house and make some noise for your Fighting Illini! We’re excited to show what we can do and fight for the win.
**Editor:** Thank you, Coach Smith! Best of luck on Thursday against Missouri.
**Coach Smith:** Thank you! Go Illini!
