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The Missouri Tigers wrestling team has been ranked No. 7 in the preseason USA Today/NWCA/AWN Division I Preseason Coaches Poll, according to an announcement from the university.
The Tigers have company in the No. 7 spot in this year's poll as they're tied with Cornell. The ranking marks the 11th consecutive season that Mizzou has opened the season ranked in the Top 15 under Big 12 Head Coach of the Year Brian Smith. The Minnesota Golden Gophers claimed the No. 1 spot in the preseason poll, commanding seven of the 10 first-place votes, while Penn State sits in the No. 2 slot, with three first-place votes.
In 2011-12, the Tigers went 14-4 and won the Big 12 Championship. Missouri returns nine of the 10 starters who qualified for NCAA Championships last season, including Alan Water and Brent Haynes who each earned national seeds.
Mizzou will open the regular season against Old Dominion and Purdue on Nov. 10