Liliana Knoeppel Commits to Westminster University

SIKESTON — This summer Sikeston graduate and state qualifier Liliana Knoepel signed her letter of intent to continue her wrestling career at Westminster University in St. Louis, Missouri.

Surrounded by close family and Sikeston’s Wrestling staff Knoeppel inked her commitment with joy. A late arrival to the sport of wrestling, Sikeston’s head coach Blake Angle emphasized his pleasure with Knoeppel.

“Wrestling is not a sport you usually see athletes jump into late in high school and have the success that she has had,” Angle said.

When she was not preparing during the season Knoeppel could often be found growing the youth program, Sikeston Wrestling Club.

Often spending hours after her practices, going late into the evening, Knoeppel would dedicate her time to sharing her passion for the sport with the young wrestlers.

“I enjoyed spending time with the kids, watching them learn and grow in the sport,” Knoeppel said of the youth program.

Knoeppel graduated with a career record of 60-39 as a Bulldog; wrapping up her career at the Missouri State Wrestling tournament in 2023, and will join former Sikeston Bulldog Lila Eckert on the mat at Westminster University this upcoming season.