The 1995 preseason for the OU wrestlers has come to a conclusion and this year's Sooners are gearing up for what should be a very exciting season.

Preseason workouts began during the first week of September and last Thursday full practice began.

The preseason workouts included various running and weight lifting activities.

Head Coach Jack Spates said that he was pleased overall with the preseason and that the squad really worked hard to get into shape.

"Our squad has seen its share of stadium steps," said Spates. "This year's team should be well prepared physically for the upcoming season."

Regular practices will continue until Oct. 21 when the final starting spots will be determined at the annual Red-White Classic immediately following the OU-Kansas Homecoming football game.

The Sooners finished in the top 10 last season, and Spates said that the 1995-96 grapplers should be contenders for the Big Eight crown as well.

"This season we are are a very young team. We don't have a lot of experience, but this year we have by far the most talent I've had since I've been here."

Going into the season the Sooners should have two individuals ranked nationally. John Kading, two-time All-American, a junior wrestling at 190 pounds should be ranked No. 1. Additionally, senior Biff Jones, wrestling at 150 should be ranked fifth or sixth nationally going into the season.

Also returning to bolster the the squad this year are Javier Posa at heavyweight, Frank Trigg at 158, and Justin Breeden at 118. Breeden came on strong last year winning over twenty matches as a true freshman.

When asked to sum up the preseason and offer his predictions for the season, Spates is optimistic.

"I am privileged to have such a really great group of kids," he said. "They are very fun to coach and they should be really fun to watch. It should be a very exciting season."