PHOENIX -- Illinois assistant wrestling coach and former three-time All-American Mike Poeta won the title at 74 kg/163 lbs at the Sunkist Kids International Open freestyle tournament over the weekend. Poeta topped Jon Reader of Iowa State, 1-0, 2-1, in the finals. In addition, freshman Sam White took sixth at 55 kg/121 lbs, falling, 3-0, 3-1, to Mark McKnight, a former Penn State wrestler who placed fourth at the 2008 NCAA Championships.
The Illini currently are practicing in preparation for their season-opener at Missouri at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 12.
