UPDATE: Called after 56 votes. It was close early, but Brian Smith pulls away and wins, 75%-25%.
Two semifinal slots down (okay, one and a half), two to go in the Mizzou 25 Coaches Edition, the tournament to determine who was the best, most likable, most influential Mizzou coach in the last 25 years! The Kreklows and Dr. McGuire are only separated by 4 votes, so I'll keep the poll going until there's separation of 5 or more. Click here for the bracket.
5/14: 1 Norm Stewart vs 8 Joann Rutherford
5/15: 4 The Kreklows vs 5 Rick McGuire
5/16: 3 Brian Smith vs 6 Gene McArtor
5/17: 2 Gary Pinkel vs 7 Tim Jamieson
3 Brian Smith vs 6 Gene McArtor |
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1998-present |
1974-94 |
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Career Record at Mizzou: 119-58-3 Five Best Seasons: |
Career Record at Mizzou: 733-430-3 Five Best Seasons: |
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| A decade ago, Smith took over a moribund wrestling program and set out to build a national power, slowly but surely. He has succeeded, producing 8 All-Americans, coaching Mizzou 25 Champion Ben Askren to two national titles, and, in 2007, leading Mizzou to a #1 national ranking. In training methods and results, Mizzou Wrestling has fulfilled Brian Smith's vow of becoming a powerhouse. | An all-conference player at Mizzou, McArtor took over for legendary John "Hi" Simmons and won 732 games and two Big 8 titles in 21 seasons. He took Mizzou to 6 NCAA tourneys (it was harder to qualify back then) and also served as Associate A.D. during the search for Joe Ca$tiglione’s replacement in 1998. Beyond that, he was the Chairman of the NCAA Baseball Committee in the late-'80s, a period of strong growth for sport. | |