By DAVID CHOU
of the Tribune's staff

Missouri wrestling coach Brian Smith realizes that this season's record doesn't mean much at the Big 12 Conference tournament this weekend.

Each team walks in with a clean slate, and even though the Tigers finished 7-10-1 on the season, they could take solace in the fact that all of their losses came against ranked teams.

But tomorrow is a day for redemption. Leading the way for Missouri is 174-pound junior John Kopnisky. He is 27-4 this season and is currently the 10th-ranked wrestler in his weight class in the country. Kopnisky has been Missouri's most consistent wrestler and has beaten his fair share of ranked opponents.

However, all four of Kopnisky's losses have been to conference opponents. Probably the most gut-wrenching one was a 4-3 loss to Iowa State's Perry Parks on Feb. 9.

Kopnisky will have to put the loss behind him, though, as most of the wrestlers in his weight class are nationally ranked.

"The Big 12 is the best wrestling conference in the country," Smith said. "This will be one of the toughest tournaments we wrestle in all year."

In addition to Kopnisky, Missouri will hope that a few freshmen will do well today and eventually qualify for the NCAA Championships.

Justin Spates has had a magnificent year, going 22-10 on the season in the 125-pound weight class.

Also, Kenny Burleson has wrestled well in the 149-pound class and could be the surprise of the tournament. Burleson defeated 13th-ranked Billy Maldanado of Iowa State in February and is 22-9 on the season.

Smith was unsure at the beginning of the season whether or not Burleson could be a consistent winner, but he has proven to be an valuable wrestler.

Also, freshman heavyweight Scott Barker could surprise.

Rounding out the Missouri lineup are 133-pound Jesse West, J.P. Reese at 141, Jesse Jordan at 157, Mark Vollmer at 165, Ry Stone at 184, and Dante Stone at 197.

Tennis: Off to its best start in years, MU's women's tennis team is hoping to continue its recent good play tomorrow when it faces Nebraska in Lincoln.

The 8-2 Tigers are coming off an easy 6-1 victory over Iowa State last Saturday. Nebraska is also 8-2 on the year but 0-2 in the conference, while Missouri is 2-2.

Reach David Chou at (573) 815-1780 or sports@tribmail.com