Missouri

New Starters Moore, Gioffre Adding To Missouri Wrestling’s Point Potential – FloWrestling

Published

2 years ago

January 25, 2024

New Starters Moore, Gioffre Adding To Missouri Wrestling’s Point Potential – FloWrestling

Missouri entered the college wrestling season with a star-powered roster capable of taking the Tigers to new program heights in a couple months when the season wraps up in Mizzou’s backyard.

Two-time NCAA champion Keegan O’Toole, four other returning All-Americans and a veteran cast provide the Tigers with a point-scoring nucleus that could eclipse Missouri’s previous-best finish at the NCAA Championships — the third-place rung Brian Smith’s squad reached in 2007.

After undisputed #1 Penn State, the margins are tight near the top of the latest Flowrestling team tournament rankings. Mizzou is currently ranked second with 74.5 points. Virginia Tech, which took the Tigers to the wire in a Jan. 2 dual meet, is ranked 10th with 44.5.

Here’s some perspective on that 30-point margin. During the Mizzou-Virginia Tech dual, the Hokies picked up down-to-the-wire wins from Cooper Flynn (125) and Bryce Andonian (157) over Missouri’s Noah Surtin and Brock Mauller. Since then, Surtin has ascended to #4 at 125 while Flynn has settled in at #9 and Mauller has moved up to #5 while Andonian is ranked eighth. But if Flynn and Andonian traded places in the rankings with their two Tiger counterparts, Mizzou and Virginia Tech would be even in the rankings.

That’s an illustration of the traffic jam inside the top 10 after runaway leader Penn State. It also underscores how important every point-scorer could be in March at the NCAA Championships in Kansas City.

This brings us to Kade Moore and Logan Gioffre, a pair of first-year starters who have played key roles for the Tigers in January and could be pivotal players in the postseason when Missouri tries to run down another conference title and an NCAA team trophy.

Moore’s pin at 133 against then-#5 Sam Latona opened the door for Missouri’s comeback win against Virginia Tech, and Gioffre’s 8-1 victory at 149 against All-American Jaden Abas helped the Tigers notch a 39-0 win against Stanford in their most-recent outing.

After beginning the season behind Zeke Seltzer on the Mizzou depth chart, Moore jumped into the starting lineup in December and has since gone 5-0 with bonus points in his last four outings. He’s 9-2 overall and hasn’t lost since Dec. 2.

“We have talked about that (opportunity), if you’re a second- or third-string guy at one point, you never know when you’re gonna get an opportunity and you have to make the most of it,” Smith said. “(Moore) just keeps improving.”

This is no surprise to Smith and the Tigers.

“He was talented as all get up when he first got here,” said Smith, who watched Moore battle through injuries and illnesses before his recent breakthrough. (I thought) if this kid ever got healthy and in the lineup, it’d be really interesting to see what he would do.

“This is the longest stretch in his two years being at Mizzou that he’s been in the practice room and healthy and you’re seeing the results of it. He has an opportunity to do great things and help the team.”

Gioffre, on the other hand, went 28-12 in his first two seasons at Missouri after starting his career at Cal Poly. He seized the 149-pound job after Mauller moved up to 157.

The win over Abas moved Gioffre up to #11 in the rankings and pushed his record to 5-4 on the season, but that doesn’t tell the full story. His four losses came against #5 Chance Lamer, #3 Kyle Parco, #10 Kannon Webster and #2 Caleb Henson. Webster beat Gioffre in overtime and Henson beat him 6-4.

“He doesn’t even get a top-15-to-20 guy or the #30 guy. It’s always in the top 10,” Smith said. “It’s good for him, though. He’ll be ready when he gets to the postseason. He’s not going to be fazed when he’s wrestling. He has had a tough, tough schedule so far and has handled it well.”

Lineup Notes and Injury Updates

Seltzer filled in at 141 for injured starter Josh Edmond and notched a 9-6 win against Stanford’s Jason Miranda.

“Seltzer had a good win and did a good job against a tough kid,” Smith said. “We know we have two really good guys there, so we’ll bring both of them on this (upcoming) road trip (to West Virginia and Cornell) and figure out who’s gonna who’s gonna go.”

At 174, the Tigers welcomed starter Peyton Mocco back to the lineup for the first time since Dec. 17 and he scored a 21-8 major decision against Stanford’s Ty Monteiro.

“I thought I threw him out there too early,” Smith said. “He isn’t 100 percent, but as his previous match progressed, he got more confidence in what he was doing. Peyton did not want to miss any more events. Now he has had some time to train again and heal up some more. By the time we hit West Virginia he’s going to be a lot healthier.”

At 197, sixth-ranked Rocky Elam has ramped up his action after missing time earlier in the season.

“He wrestled a lot better in this past match.” Smith said “I definitely see he’s doing a lot more volume in the practice room and I know that’s making a big difference. He’s getting better and realized he’s got to pick it up, too. There’s urgency involved in his training, too I’ve definitely seen him getting better.”

Preparation

The Tigers are 7-0 duals with a month left in the regular season, all 10 starters are ranked and eight are in the top 11 of their respective weight classes. Missouri is off to its best start since 2021.

In their seven duals, the Tigers have collected 39 bonus-point victories and averaged 33 team points per meet.

Mizzou has taken a “Do One More” attitude and Smith has instilled a “Take the Stairs” mantra within the wrestling room.

“It’s a part of Tiger Style,” Smith said. “There’s belief, compete one more, expect to win one more. If everybody does a little bit extra at things, we all get a little bit better. A program collectively becomes greater. At the end of practice, you will always notice that there’s guys doing extra things

“This team right now is wrestling well. We’re getting healthy. We have a tough schedule ahead. We’ve talked about that. And they’re handling it pretty well. A lot of guys are challenging themselves and stepping it up. Our conditioning continues to go through live wrestling and sparring and drilling. So everything we’re doing is for a reason.”

Up Next

The Tigers are back on the road Friday night for a dual at West Virginia before they head to Ithaca, N.Y. to take on Cornell.

“They have a good team,” Smith said of West Virginia. “They’ve been wrestling well and have beat some solid teams out there. It’ll be a good one for us and really important for seeding in the conference so gotta go get it.”

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Missouri

Missouri auditor to probe St. Louis arts funder after whistleblower complaint

Published

7 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

Missouri auditor to probe St. Louis arts funder after whistleblower complaint

Missouri state Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick has launched a review of the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis’ finances.

The audit is in response to complaints from a whistleblower who alerted the office to possible misuse of funds, Fitzpatrick said Tuesday. The auditor’s office then reviewed documents provided by RAC during an initial investigation before launching a full audit.

“We have verified the veracity of the whistleblower complaint, and have seen with our own eyes at this point records that give us enough concern that we want to proceed with an audit,” Fitzpatrick said.

The auditor’s report could be released late this year or in early 2027, he added. It would then be up to state and local authorities to follow up on any potential misconduct.

In an unsigned statement, RAC said it receives an annual audit from a firm selected by the offices of the St. Louis mayor and St. Louis County executive and that it shares the results publicly. “[We] are confident the findings from the state will mirror the success we have come to expect at the local level,” the statement says.

“We welcome the opportunity to provide documentation and context regarding our financial practices and grantmaking processes. As always, RAC will continue to focus on serving the St. Louis region’s arts and cultural community and maintaining the public’s trust,” the statement adds.

Potential issues identified in the state auditor’s initial investigation include the possibilities that RAC’s administrative expenses exceed what is allowed by statute, that leaders issued bonuses disallowed by the state constitution and that large grants were issued with no follow-up to ensure the money was used properly.

Fitzpatrick said his actions are not related to the commission’s choice of grant recipients.

Changes to the grant process

RAC distributes annual grants to arts organizations in St. Louis and St. Louis County. It is funded by a tax on hotel and motel stays. The commission distributed $3.7 million last year.

The organization suspended grant applications for fiscal 2026 due to “continuing financial volatility” and a new five-year plan, according to a note on its website. It will use applications received in 2025 as a guide for its 2026 grants.

Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis

Vanessa Cooksey took leadership of the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis in 2021.

“This pause allows RAC to support eligible and high-scoring 2025 grantees and applicants while navigating financial challenges and planning for a stronger, more sustainable grant program in the future,” the note says.

RAC publishes a list of its annual grants online.

Vanessa Cooksey became president and CEO of the organization in 2020 after it spent a year without a permanent leader. Previous chief Felicia Shaw had stepped down in November 2019. Neither Shaw nor RAC provided a public explanation for Shaw’s departure.

Some smaller organizations had complained that during Shaw’s tenure they stopped receiving annual grants.

The Regional Arts Commission had a $13.4 million budget in 2024, according to tax documents. Cooksey received a $196,253 salary and $28,652 in additional compensation.

Continuing a process begun by Shaw, Cooksey oversaw changes to grant applications that she said were meant to simplify the process – including removing a longstanding split between its funding mechanisms for large and small organizations.

A key arts funder after the coronavirus pandemic

In November 2022, the St. Louis Board of Aldermen voted unanimously to direct $10.6 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to RAC. A measure that would have allocated another $1.6 million failed to pass the St. Louis County Council, so RAC was statutorily required to distribute ARPA funds only to groups based in St. Louis.

RAC has distributed $9.5 million of the ARPA money so far, funding 195 individual artists and 75 organizations.

Arts leaders said in 2022 that the sector supports more than 19,000 jobs and generates nearly $600 million a year – more than all local sports franchises combined.

The federal money was a boon to St. Louis artists and arts organizations following a steep decrease in funding at the height of the coronavirus pandemic due to decreased tourism in the region.

Tax revenues earmarked for RAC decreased from $9.5 million in fiscal 2019 to $2.8 million the next year. Tax revenue directed to RAC have increased but still lag behind the pre-pandemic total. The commission reported $7.5 million in tax revenue received in fiscal 2024.

RAC presented a new five-year plan with much fanfare in March 2020 but had little initial opportunity to implement it. Not long after, St. Louis officials put limits on public gatherings to tamp down spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.

Commission officials released a new five-year strategic roadmap in December 2025.

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Missouri

Missouri Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 winning numbers for March 2, 2026

Published

19 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at March 2, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from March 2 drawing

02-17-18-38-62, Powerball: 20, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from March 2 drawing

Midday: 3-3-4

Midday Wild: 2

Evening: 4-8-9

Evening Wild: 7

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from March 2 drawing

Midday: 6-4-2-2

Midday Wild: 5

Evening: 2-8-2-4

Evening Wild: 1

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from March 2 drawing

Early Bird: 08

Morning: 12

Matinee: 05

Prime Time: 04

Night Owl: 02

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Show Me Cash numbers from March 2 drawing

13-17-18-23-28

Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from March 2 drawing

21-28-58-65-67, Powerball: 25

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All Missouri Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes over $600, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Missouri Lottery’s regional offices, by appointment only.

To claim by mail, complete a Missouri Lottery winner claim form, sign your winning ticket, and include a copy of your government-issued photo ID along with a completed IRS Form W-9. Ensure your name, address, telephone number and signature are on the back of your ticket. Claims should be mailed to:

Ticket Redemption

Missouri Lottery

P.O. Box 7777

Jefferson City, MO 65102-7777

For in-person claims, visit the Missouri Lottery Headquarters in Jefferson City or one of the regional offices in Kansas City, Springfield or St. Louis. Be sure to call ahead to verify hours and check if an appointment is required.

For additional instructions or to download the claim form, visit the Missouri Lottery prize claim page.

When are the Missouri Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Pick 4: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Cash4Life: 8 p.m. daily.
Cash Pop: 8 a.m. (Early Bird), 11 a.m. (Late Morning), 3 p.m. (Matinee), 7 p.m. (Prime Time) and 11 p.m. (Night Owl) daily.
Show Me Cash: 8:59 p.m. daily.
Lotto: 8:59 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Missouri editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Missouri

Top 25 Missouri Girls High School Basketball Rankings – March 2, 2026

Published

1 day ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

The Missouri girls basketball postseason has arrived, and everything changes from this point forward. The regular season provided clarity on contenders, exposed weaknesses, and built résumés—but none of that guarantees anything in March.

District championships are being claimed, rotations are tightening, and every possession now carries real consequence. Depth matters more. Experience matters more. Discipline matters more. Some teams enter the bracket playing their best basketball of the year, while others are still searching for consistency at the most critical time.

Momentum, health, and matchups will ultimately decide who survives and who goes home. These rankings reflect not only what has been accomplished, but who looks built to handle the pressure that defines this stretch of the season.

Here’s the updated Missouri Girls Top 25.

Previous Rank: 1

This is the time of year when Incarnate Word’s dynasty takes center stage. The Red Knights haven’t lost a playoff game in nearly a decade, an astonishing run that stands as one of the most impressive feats in Missouri high school girls basketball history.

Previous Rank: 3

Staley moves back into the No. 2 spot after a strong final week of the regular season. The Falcons check every box. They’re one of the most talented and deepest Class 6 teams Missouri has seen in recent years.

Previous Rank: 2

The Chiefs opened the season 25-0 before suffering their first loss to Liberty North. That defeat could serve as valuable motivation heading into the postseason. This group still has the look of a serious contender.

Previous Rank: 4

Principia coasted through its first two playoff games. The Panthers are getting meaningful bench production while allowing starters to rest. That balance could pay dividends in the later rounds.

Previous Rank: 5

Wins over Glendale and West Plains keep an outstanding season rolling. Strafford is the clear favorite in Class 4. This playoff stretch could be their most significant since the 2020 championship run.

Previous Rank: 6

Jackson hasn’t played a close game in nearly a month. The Indians are eager for tougher competition in the Class 6 bracket and have the pieces to make a run to the state tournament.

Previous Rank: 7

A loss to Staley was followed by a strong bounce-back win over Liberty North. That stretch should serve as an ideal playoff tune-up. The Titans have the roster and ceiling to compete with anyone.

Previous Rank: 8

Wins over Troy Buchanan and Helias closed the regular season on a high note. It’s been a year of ups and downs, but the Bruins are defending well and playing their best basketball entering the postseason.

Previous Rank: 9

A win over Carl Junction capped off a successful regular season. Marshfield appears poised to make a deep playoff run.

Previous Rank: 10

A 78-54 win over Kennett showcased this team’s depth from top to bottom. The Donnettes are largely unchallenged in their region and are looking to repeat as state champions.

Previous Rank: 11

Centralia allowed just 61 combined points in its first two playoff games. That level of defense will make them a difficult out. Dixon (22-6) awaits on Monday night.

Previous Rank: 21

A 78-66 win over Kickapoo sparked a significant jump in the rankings. That victory confirmed the ceiling many believed this team had. Freshman Taytum Schnakenburg led the way with 25 points.

Previous Rank: 12

Tipton made its first two playoff games look routine. The Class 2 favorite is set to face Westran (21-8) on Monday night.

Previous Rank: 13

Closing the regular season with a win over Bolivar should provide confidence. In an interesting twist, they’ll face Bolivar again in the opening round of districts.

Previous Rank: 14

This ranking could be misleading. The Cougars have a high ceiling, with many losses coming against elite competition. The challenge is sharing a district with Incarnate Word.

Previous Rank: 16

Wins over Oak Park and North Kansas City were key to closing out the regular season. This playoff run marks the final chapter of Addison Bjorn’s standout prep career.

Previous Rank: 17

Republic’s season has been a steady climb. They’ve maintained consistency and look capable of winning multiple playoff games. The journey begins against Waynesville on Monday night.

Previous Rank: 18

Getting Lauren Ortwerth back makes a major difference. The senior forward scored 30 points in the regular-season finale. Cor Jesu is a co-favorite with Jackson in its district and has a track record of winning in big moments.

Previous Rank: 20

Wins over Oakville and Webster Groves wrapped up a strong regular season. Sophomore guard Bailey Owen scored 27 points in the finale, highlighting the Mustangs’ offensive firepower.

Previous Rank: 15

A 48-44 loss to St. Teresa’s Academy ended an 11-game winning streak. The Cardinals will look to respond and begin a Class 4 playoff push on Wednesday night.

Previous Rank: 19

A dominant 46-20 win over Savannah (21-5) showed this team can overwhelm quality Class 4 opponents. The Fighting Irish have been consistent all season.

Previous Rank: 22

A 64-58 loss to Strafford reflects the story of West Plains’ season. Despite more losses than most ranked teams, each defeat has come against quality competition. They can compete with anyone but must close games to make a deep run.

Previous Rank: 23

A competitive loss to Rock Bridge won’t shift their standing. This group continues to win games and compete at a high level. Fort Zumwalt West awaits in the playoff opener Monday night.

Previous Rank: Not ranked

The Hawks make their first appearance in the rankings late in the season. At 27-1—and undefeated within Missouri—they look capable of challenging for the Class 2 state championship.

Previous Rank: Not ranked

Liberty has battled all season long. A recent win over Oak Park propelled the Blue Jays into the rankings as the two teams swap places on the edge of the Top 25.

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