Missouri has enjoyed a long run of success under wrestling coach Brian Smith, and that's not going to end anytime soon after Mizzou Athletic Director Mike Alden granted him an extension through the 2016-17 season.
"We're very happy to be able to announce this for Coach Smith and the rest of the Missouri wrestling program," Alden said. "Brian and his staff have turned Mizzou wrestling in to one of the nation's elite programs, and we look forward to many more years of success under his watch at Missouri."
From the release, "Already the longest-tenured head coach in the history of Missouri wrestling, the 2012-13 season will mark Smith's 15th since taking over for Wes Roper in 1998. In that time, the Tigers have seen unprecedented success both on the mat and in the classroom, crowning four national champions, 26 All-Americans, 14 Academic All-Americans and 40 Academic All-Conference honorees."
"The most important thing about this extension is the statement it makes about the program's future," stated Smith. "The administration, the coaching staff, and the student-athletes have helped build something special, and the department is committed to helping the program continue their quest for a National Championship"