Hoosiers begin season on road

The wrestling team opens its season Sunday in Columbia, Mo., for the Missouri Open. More than 20 teams and 400 individuals were involved in the meet last year. Many of the individuals in this year's open are ranked nationally.\nAfter weeks of practice, the Hoosiers said they are ready to start competition against opponents other than their own teammates.\n"We've been practicing for a long time," head coach Duane Goldman said. "We're itching for the competition."\nThe early matches of the year offer opportunities to work out the kinks. It also helps the wrestlers see where they stand with the rest of the competition, members said.\n"It's a good gauge to see where we're at," junior transfer DJ Radnovich said. "There will be a lot of Big Ten teams there. It will help us see how things are going."\nMany of the Hoosiers said they also use these matches to help them with their training and development of moves and shots.\n"I try to work on my technique," junior Ty Matthews said. "It's good to wrestle other people. You can gauge your conditioning. You can see that you have to work harder in practice. You can always be in better shape."\nSophomore Alex LaPointe said he likes to outwork his opponents and find his shots.\n"I try to work on technique," LaPointe said. "I like to push them and out-condition them."\nBecause of the large number of competitors, the opposition will be tough. This will be a motivating factor for some of the Hoosiers, they said.\n"I have a lot of big names in my weight class," Radnovich said. "I have to not worry about whom I'm going against. I have to put a blank face on my opponents and go out and work hard."\nThe Hoosiers are heading to Missouri in hopes of gaining respect. They are currently ranked 20th in the USAToday NWCA Division I poll. \nMatthews disagrees with the rankings.\n"Everybody wants to win every time we enter a tournament," Matthews said. "I think we're ranked a little low, and I think we'll turn some eyes."\nGoldman said he hopes for more than just success at the meet. He also wants to see attitude from his wrestlers on the mat.\n"I want to have some success on the mat and also come out healthy," Goldman said. "I also want to see them have an attitude, a mind set and a presence on the mat. I don't want to see them take a back seat to anyone"