The Roger Denker Open has been a mainstay in the wrestling realm here in Missouri for nearly 40 years (Started in 1984). It started under a different name, but the names was switched in honor of the great Roger Denker who was a cornerstone at Central Missouri University for decades. This year marks the 30th anniversary of its renaming (took place in 1993).
It brings plenty of talented teams and individuals (who are unattached) every single year. Teams from NCAA Divisions 1, 2 and 3, NJCAA, and NAIA are scheduled to be there this Sunday.
As with any other opens, the teams coming will most likely bring other wrestlers outside of their starting lineup to give them some quality mat time as well.
Below is the field of teams and a brief summary of what they could bring to the open.
NCAA Division 1 Teams
Iowa State: They are currently ranked #7 in the latest poll put out by The Open Mat, #3 in the latest coaches’ poll, and currently in contention for the Big 12 Conference Championship. They dual Mizzou on 2/15/23.
Univ. of Arkansas Little Rock: They recently finished with three medalists at the Southern Scuffle and are currently 2-4 on the season in duals.