Is Missouri in the Big 12 for Wrestling?By Coder| August 31, 2023 Wrestling Is Missouri in the Big 12 for Wrestling? When it comes to college wrestling, the Big 12 conference is a well-known powerhouse. Many top-ranked wrestling programs compete in this conference, showcasing their talent and skills. But is Missouri one of these teams? Let’s find out. The Big 12 Conference The Big 12 Conference is an athletic conference consisting of ten member universities. It was founded in 1994 and has since become a prominent force in college sports, including wrestling. Known for its competitive nature and high-level competitions, the Big 12 Conference attracts some of the best wrestlers in the country. The conference hosts annual championship tournaments where teams battle it out for individual and team titles. Missouri Wrestling Program The University of Missouri has a strong wrestling program with a rich history of success. The team competes at the NCAA Division I level and has consistently produced exceptional wrestlers. Under the guidance of head coach Brian Smith, Missouri’s wrestling program has flourished. Smith has led the team to numerous conference titles and national rankings year after year. Missouri’s Conference Affiliation While Missouri’s wrestling program is highly regarded, it is important to note that they are not currently part of the Big 12 Conference for wrestling. In 2012, Missouri made a significant move by joining the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for all sports except wrestling. This decision meant that their wrestling program would not compete against other Big 12 schools in regular-season matches or championships. Missouri’s New Conference: The Mid-American Conference (MAC) After leaving the Big 12 Conference, Missouri joined the Mid-American Conference (MAC) for wrestling. The MAC is another competitive conference that provides ample opportunities for Missouri wrestlers to showcase their skills. The MAC features strong wrestling programs from various universities, including Central Michigan, Northern Illinois, and Old Dominion. These matchups allow Missouri wrestlers to face tough opponents and gain valuable experience on the mat. Success in the MAC Since joining the MAC, Missouri has continued its winning tradition. The team has claimed multiple conference titles and produced numerous All-Americans. Missouri’s success in the MAC has solidified its position as one of the top wrestling programs in the country. Despite not being part of the Big 12 Conference specifically for wrestling, they have proven themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Out-of-Conference Competitions Although Missouri primarily competes in the MAC for regular-season matches and conference championships, they still have opportunities to face teams from other conferences. The team often schedules matches against Big 12 schools and other prominent wrestling programs across the country. These out-of-conference competitions provide additional exposure and challenges for Missouri’s wrestlers. In Conclusion While Missouri is not part of the Big 12 Conference specifically for wrestling, their program’s success remains undeniable. The team competes in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and continues to excel at both regional and national levels. Regardless of conference affiliation, Missouri’s wrestlers consistently prove themselves as formidable opponents on the mat. Their dedication, talent, and coaching have positioned them among college wrestling’s elite programs.
