The No. 13 Missouri Valley College men's wrestling team will host the Missouri Valley Invitational this weekend, one of the largest collegiate wrestling tournaments in the U.S. Held in the Burns Athletic Complex, the event will feature nearly 50 programs and close to 400 individual wrestlers. Since its inception in 2011, the invitational has grown significantly, showcasing more than half of the nationally ranked NAIA programs and over 100 ranked individual wrestlers this year. Matches will occur over two days, starting at 10 a.m. on both Friday and Saturday, with various placements for each weight class determined. Live coverage will be provided by Flowrestling for fans unable to attend.

By the Numbers
  • Nearly 400 individual wrestlers competing.
  • More than half of the NAIA programs ranked nationally will participate.
State of Play
  • The tournament has expanded from 7 teams in 2011 to over 40 teams in recent years.
  • Matches will include championship, third, fifth, and seventh place bouts for each weight class.
What's Next

The tournament's growth suggests it may continue to attract more teams and competition, enhancing its national reputation. Increased participation from top-ranked programs could lead to closer competition and heightened performances from wrestlers, impacting future rankings.

Bottom Line

The Missouri Valley Invitational solidifies its stance as a premier wrestling event, drawing significant talent and offering a platform for wrestlers to enhance their visibility and rankings. The expanding participation showcases the evolution of collegiate wrestling and strengthens Missouri Valley College's role in the sport.