Expectations are running high these days in the University of Missouri wrestling room.
And why not?
The Tigers, who placed sixth a year ago at the NCAA tournament, return most of that team as well as a few highly touted youngsters as they prepare for what they hope can develop into a title run.
“The goal is always the same: to compete for a national championship, but with this group I feel like there’s a bit more purpose in the preparation,” said Brian Smith, who begins his 19th season as Mizzou’s coach Sunday when the Tigers open the season at Old Dominion.