Number One Wrestling Recruit Commits to Missouri
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Kyle Blomenkamp (UM Sports Information)
08/14/2000
University of Missouri wrestling coach Brian Smith announced Monday morning that Scott Barker, rated by Intermat as the nation's number-one high school recruit at 189 lbs., will be added to the line-up of incoming freshmen this fall. Barker had previously signed a national letter of intent to wrestle at the University of Northern Iowa, but was released by school officials after he indicated his desire to attend MU. "We're very excited to have Scott," said MU head coach Brian Smith. "He's a great addition to an already talent-laden recruiting class. It's great to keep a wrestler like Barker in-state, and we're very fortunate to get him back." Coached by former MU standout Rocky Streb at Oakville High School in St. Louis, Mo., Barker turned heads with a 161-16 record in his high school career. As a four-time state qualifier, Barker placed second at the state meet his sophomore year, and won the tournament in both his junior and senior seasons. Barker competed at the national level as well, placing third in the freestyle junior national tournament in Fargo, ND and winning the high school national tournament in Pittsburgh, Pa. Internationally, Barker traveled to Russia on a wrestling exchange with fellow MU signee Tyron Woodley. Former MU two-time All-American Khris Whelan coached the exchange team.