Trainers getting Van Alexander set for opener

COLUMBIA — Van Alexander ripped off his red jersey pullover in a grand gesture the senior Missouri linebacker had to find therapeutic. Sidelined since spring practice, Alexander swung the jersey over his head for a few seconds before flinging it to a nearby trainer as if it were on fire. Although the Columbia native took part in his first contact action on Monday, he put the precautionary jersey back on later that day. According to Tigers coach Gary Pinkel, Wednesday's move is the beginning of a strategy by sports medicine director Rex Sharp to have Alexander ready to play when the season starts.