WANTED: DRAGON SLAYERS

In a matter of just two weeks, Cape Central wrestling coach Drew Lilledahl has gone from fielding his worst wrestling lineup in his three-year tenure, to putting out what he feels is his best.

The immediate improvement couldn't have come at a better time, considering the 24th annual Tiger Classic wrestling tournament is slated for today and Saturday. First-round matches will begin at 6 tonight at the Tiger Field House.

In addition to usual early-season problems such as conditioning and meeting targeted weights, the Tigers suffered through several injuries and some discipline issues a couple weeks ago. Lilledahl went with what was basically a junior varsity lineup in some disappointing matches earlier this season.

But now, Lilledahl has everyone back and is anticipating a successful tournament.

"I'm getting everyone down to the right weight," Lilledahl said. "This is the best lineup I've had since I've been here. It's been a big roller coaster."

The Classic is the biggest annual wrestling event in Southeast Missouri. This year, there will be three new teams in the 16-team format. The new squads are Northwest House Springs, Francis-Howell Central and Lindbergh High School.

"It's one of the best tournaments in the state and it does a lot for area wrestling," Lilledahl said.

Lilledahl and Jackson coach Steve Wachter both agree that defending champion Ste. Genevieve will probably be the team to beat. Ste. Gen returns two state champions: junior Clint Wolk at 119 pounds and senior Ben Bauman at 145.

Both were among six Dragons to win individual championships at last year's meet as Ste. Genevieve posted a Tiger Classic record of 283 points. Jackson finished a distant second with 225 points.

As expected, Wolk and Bauman are the top seeds in their respective weight division.

"Both of those guys are very, very tough," Wachter said. "They will be very hard to handle."

Both coaches also said that Seckman High School out of St. Louis will be tough.

"Third place will be up for grabs for a number of teams," Lilledahl said. "Jackson could contend for it."

Wachter is hoping for a strong performance from Lance Schlick (140, sr.) who is 10-0 so far this year. Schlick is the No. 1 seed.

"He's been tough this year," Wachter said. "He's been wrestling real well and I'd like to see him have a good tournament."

Other Jackson individuals who have been given a top-six seed are sophomore Mark Wade (No. 2 at 152), sophomore Brett Stroud (No. 2, 112), junior Adam Wachter (No. 3, 130), junior Cyle Huck (No. 5, 135) and senior Kyle Watson (No. 2, 145).

Lilledahl, meanwhile, doesn't feel he has a sure-winner, but does believe he has a talented team.

"We don't have any standout studs," Lilledahl said, "but we do have a solid lineup."

Central's main wrestling threats, according to Lilledahl, include sophomore Hoss Hodges (No. 7, 103), senior Keith Benton (No. 5, 112), senior Matt Strickland (No. 2, 189), senior Craig Knoth (No. 2, heavyweight), junior Josh Goodrich (No. 6, 140) and sophomore O.J. Turner (No. 12 at 171).

Medals will be awarded to the top six place finishers of the tournament.

"The Tiger Classic is a takeoff point," Lilledahl said. "We really look to this tournament as an indication of what we'll do the rest of the year. Everything before now doesn't count."

Junior Doug Wiles is seeded No. 1 for Sikeston at 189 pounds. Freshman Dustin Wiles is No. 4 at 152 pounds, while junior Justin Sindle received a No. 6 seed at heavyweight for the Bulldogs.