2009-2010 Season

December 6 @ IA State (6 p.m.)
December 10 vs. Northern Iowa (7 p.m.)
December 29-30 - Midlands Championships @ Evanston, Ill.
January 9-10 - Cliff Keen/NWCA National Duals @ Cedar Falls
January 16 vs. Oklahoma State (7:00 p.m.)
January 22 @ Michigan (7:00 p.m.)
January 24 @Purdue (1:00 p.m.)
January 29 vs. Penn State (7:00 p.m.)
January 31 vs. Michigan State (6:00 p.m.)
February 6 @ Utah Valley
February 12 vs. Northwestern (7:00 p.m.)
February 14 @ Minnesota (6:00 p.m.)
February 19 vs. Ohio State (7:00 p.m.)
February 21 @ Wisconsin (1:00 p.m.)
March 6-7 BIG TEN Championships @ Ann Arbor, MI
March 18-20 NCAA Championships @ Omaha, NE

Which Brands is which??

During my days of shooting Iowa wrestling, it was always an interesting guessing game to figure out which Brands is which. I've posted a few of my photos throughout this season - mostly during the NCAA Championships.
Can you tell which Brands is which? I'll post an answer later this week but you should let me know what you think. After I've been given an array of answers, I'll explain to you how I learned the difference between the two.

Renovations: Improve Hawks

Athletes are People Too

First of all...Check it out:
Sporting Tattoos in Hawk Nation

While taking photos for this story for the Daily Iowan, it occurred to me how real athletes are. It's interesting when you look at it from different perspectives, really.

Instead of writing a game story, a ho-hum feature on how great so and so is going to do and such and such meet, blah blah - same ol' same ol' a DI reporter - Amie Kiehn decided she was going to write about athletes and their tattoos - kind of showing a new side to them as people - not as an athlete.

I think it's a good break from the usual front page Sports section story...and I thought it worked well. We combined our talents and myself and another photographer photographed and gathered audio from these people. For once in their lives they could talk about something different than the same thing they always talk about - their sport.

Sports reporters should really sit down and think about this. "Hmm I wonder why they are giving me the same answer for every question?" And honestly, do reporters think that that is exactly what they are REALLY thinking? Well, here comes the news for all reporters - high and low - nope. They tell you what they think you want to hear OR they tell you what their coach wants them to hear.

For some reason, I don't think some sports reporters realize this.

Especially college athletes - get so tired of the media being all up in their face all the time. I think at times the media needs to back off and let them be who they are, rather than the star of the football team or the wrestling champion - let them be the 21 year old who went with his brother to get a tattoo. Or a 22 year old who wants to display various interests on the outside of his body.

I think some of the athletes we interviewed enjoyed talking about themselves as a person for a change...rather than the usual "I'm going to try harder next time" type of conversation.

Wrestlin' Overseas

A couple former Hawkeyes, along with Brent Metcalf traveled to Venezuela last week to compete in international freestyle matches this past weekend.

When I talked with Metcalf yesterday, Amy and I asked him if he was able to "see" anything in Venezuela while he was there. He said some, but then he said that Venezuela has a crime rate of 70-something percent...and it is indeed one of the highest in the world. So not exactly your tourist country.

But while he was there he didn't too bad. Although, you have to remember that Metcalf doesn't settle for anything but the best. The best would probably be to be a world champion, which I'm sure all Hawkeye fans are expecting to one day see.

But in many people's eyes, 3-1 in competition for a bronze medal, isn't too shabby at all.

Terry Brands leaving? Gable?

See what guest blogger Ryan Young, Iowa wrestling beat reporter for The Daily Iowan, has to say about Terry Brands or Dan Gable leaving Hawkeye country to join the Cyclone wrestling program.

When the news came out last week that Iowa State head wrestling coach and former-Cyclone superstar grappler Cael Sanderson interviewed twice for the job at Penn State and had later been signed, my initial reaction was fear.

With Sanderson heading the Nittany Lions, Iowa's chances of pulling a three-peat next season at both the Big Ten Championships and the national tournament are consequentially slimmer.

Undoubtedly, the Big Ten is the best conference in collegiate wrestling, and coaches like Tom Ryan at second-place Ohio State, J Robinson at Minnesota, and Barry Davis at Wisconsin give Tom Brands and the Hawkeyes a run for their money each season. Add Sanderson to that list now as well.

But then, when the rumor mill began to churn and talk about the Iowa State coaching vacancy gained more and more steam within the state — what with the recent football fiasco over in Cyclone country and all — I read a few comments I never dreamed imaginable. In fact, they got me sweating on the inside of my body.

Dan Gable and Terry Brands shedding their Hawkeye loyalty and draining every ounce of black and gold blood to coach at Iowa State?

The idea sounds like science fiction — Gable and Brands would pretty much have to be aliens sent to destroy the world if they chose to transplant themselves nearly two hours away from the one place they are revered more than Kirk Ferentz.

I mean, either one of them could get it arranged in their contracts to have someone walk in front of them throwing rose petals.

But when you talk about unquestionable loyalty, you have to think about Sanderson and how the underlying truth is that the almighty dollar can get people to do things you never though possible.

The only thing that scares me about the Terry Brands situation is that when I did a sit-down interview with both him and Tom last semester for a class story, Tom talked about how his brother is a highly-sought after young coach.

Terry even said he had got an e-mail not long before the interview from Egypt, which was searching for a national freestyle coach, and if he was still at his post in Colorado with the US team, he probably would have taken the offer. This guy can go pretty much wherever he wants to right now.

But I think he loves Iowa too much. I asked him how long he planned to stay with his brother, and he said he had told Athletics Director Gary Barta he wasn't itching to go anywhere.

Having spent a few days around him, I like to think he is as honest as he is passionate about winning.

I know I'll be happy when Iowa State finally signs someone, though — preferably not Terry or Gable.

Ryan Young
Sports Reporter

Terry Brands vs. Tom Brands....Tom Brands vs. Dan Gable

Bad idea. I don't even want to think about it. I don't even know why it would be considered! Well, I do know why it would be considered, Iowa has the best of the best. Who wouldn't want to pull our guys string by string.

Click HERE for an article published by the Des Moines Register which alludes to the idea that Dan Gable may have considered taking the head coaching position at Iowa STATE. Not only that, but he has recommended our very own Terry Brands (assistant coach) for the position as well.

Either candidate would be a huge loss to the Iowa program. In fact, Iowa might already be in trouble with the move by Sanderson.

I'd like to say we're better than that. I like to say we're the best because we are the best - which shouldn't have anything to do with anyone else. But then you look at the other schools and what they're bringing up. Sanderson going to Penn State makes us have to work even harder against them...and as was mentioned in the article - Iowa State's program isn't headed for a decrease themselves. They had all 10 of their weight classes at Nationals this year...ALL of which are underclassmen. Yikes that says something right there.

But now, let's think about this a little bit. Has anyone thought of the idea that maybe some of the Cyclone boys might follow Sanderson? That's what happend when Head Coach Tom Brands left Virginia Tech high and dry back in 2006...in fact FOUR guys followed him to Iowa (Joe Slaton, Brent Metcalf, Jay Borschel and Dan LeClere).

When wrestlers are looking at schools they don't just look at the school and the program the school has, they also look at the coach and the style of the program.

In a conversation I had with Tom Brands he said, "We always were attracted to a certain style on television. Iowa public television would come on and you would see one style, whether they won or lost a dual meet, but you would see one style that grabbed your attention and that’s the style that you were attracted to. And that style happened to be coached by Gable, and those guys happened to be wearing the black and gold instead of the other colors, whether it was Oklahoma State or Iowa State or whatever. And it sealed the deal seeing that over and over. It wasn’t just a one-time thing."

So if a headline comes out tomorrow naming the top wrestlers of Iowa State transferring to Penn State, I wouldn't even blink an eye. It'll probably happen.

Back to the whole Terry Brands leaving his loyal Hawkeyes to coach the Cyclones though. I don't see a positive in this at all. Except for maybe ratings. Sure the stands would fill for one meet, sure fans would be going nuts. But is it anything that would actually benefit either program? Well, yeah it'd benefit the Cyclones, no doubt. I'm sure they'd jump on a candidate such as Terry.

For now, let's try not to think about the possibility of the twins leaving each other's side, or the legendary father figure - Gable - for that matter.

Sanderson leaves Iowa State

A friend of mine has a Facebook status of: "Today is a great day for wrestling in PA. Not only are we the best wrestling state but now the greatest wrestler ever is making his home in Happy Valley! PA will rule in HS & College wrestling!"

Iowa State head wrestling coach Cael Sanderson announced he was going to leave Iowa State to coach at Penn State next season.

How do you feel about this? Will Sanderson coaching at Penn State effect Iowa?

Gable's Philosophy is a Biblical Principal

If Tom Brands was a pastor...


Video posted by gazetteonline.

If Terry Brands were a pastor...

Attendance at churches would increase...
This is a Must View.

Video posted by gazetteonline.com.

Answering your legit questions.

So the question is...How many coaches does Iowa wrestling have?

That's a good question. It gets kind of confusing whether you're in the Dan Gable Wrestling Room during practice or if you're watching an actual match, but here's the technical titles of the "coaches":

Head Coach: Tom Brands
Assistant Coach: Terry Brands
Assistant Coach: Doug Schwab
Volunteer Assistant Coach: Mike Zadick
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Jared Frayer
Administrative Assistant: Luke Eustice

It's interesting because Tom Brands doesn't sit and watch every match. Usually only two coaches can be on the mat, so they all take turns - which shows an element of team work, I'd say.
There are a ton of alumni who come back and practice every week with the wrestlers. And some of these...helpers, if you will, also compete in freestyle matches. The coaches actually compete in the freestyle matches too, some of them anyways. In fact Volunteer Assistant Coach Mike Zadick won a national title at the freestyle championships in Las Vegas last weekend. In case you missed out on that, here's an article.

It's also interesting that Doug Schwab and Jared Frayer are in the same weight class as Brent Metcalf. It'll be interesting to see down the road if they ever end up competing for the national title against one another.


It's interesting in that aspect - when teammates end up competing against each other. I thought Coach Brands would have some insight on this because of his twin brother and all. So I asked him whether he looked at Terry more as a brother or as a teammate. This was his answer:


COACH BRANDS: "I mean you’re loyal to blood first so when it came right down to it, but against each other it wasn’t he’s my brother it doesn’t matter if I win or lose. Here’s a guy trying to take away something that I want and my god he’s gonna pay. That type of thing. A lot of different relationships out there in the world – and ours’ was unique in that way – very loyal but also very competitive when it came right down to it. In the end, that’s definitely what has served us best. We made the finals in several tournaments together – never forfeited or were co champions – never. It was as important to win that tournament whether it was your brother or not and then when it was over you went back to work with him again. And that’s a unique relationship but it served us very well because when it comes down to whether you do the right thing every time…this guy does the right thing every time. And even if the decision is wrong, you’re disciplined enough that you run it through your head enough that you know that at least you gave it your best shot to make it right. There were no short cuts. I believe that’s pretty unique. "


With Brands, you never get a one word answer.


Bottom line though, Iowa has a great wrestling program and part of that is because of the coaches and the helpers who come out and dedicate themselves to the team.

Anymore questions?

Photo is one I took at NCAAs...Mike Zadick and Tom Brands

Freestyle, folkstyle, olympic...what's the difference?

Although the official collegiate wrestling season is at a stand still, many wrestlers don't take a break. Some of them may be training for Olympic trials while others might be competing in freestyle competition. In order to grasp the differences in these styles of wrestling, I've layed out the main differences - starting with folkstyle itself.

Here's the breakdown:

United States College Wrestling (Folkstyle Wrestling)

• Developed in the US
• Used by college and high school athletes
• A pin in this competition is qualified as teh shoulders touching the mat for at least one second
• Near falls are awarded two to three points
• Riding time earns an additional point in collegiate matches only
• NCAA Collegiate period is one period of three minutes followed by two periods of two minutes (for a 7 minute bout).
• High school matches are three two-minute period
• Winner is determined by the most points at the end of the match (or a pin)

Olympic Style Wrestling

• 1 period of 5 minutes
• Win by a pin or the individual with the most points in a match
• Winner must have a minimum of 3 points or the match goes into overtime ( a maximum of 3 minutes) If it's still tied or the 3 point max hasn't been met, officials will determine the winner of the match.

Freestyle Wrestling

• Allows wrestlers to use their entire bodies with not as much limitation
• Wrestlers are not required to wear headgear
• Three two-minute periods.
• Winner of two out of three periods takes the victory or a wrestler can win by a pin

Greco-Roman Wrestling

• The biggest difference in this style of wrestling is that wrestlers can only use "holds above the waist." Which means they can't use their legs to defend or takedown their opponent.
• Very similar to freestyle

It's clear that in high school and college, athletes are broken down by weight class. High school ranges from 103-hwt and college goes 125-hwt.

In freestyle, wrestlers are broken down by sex, age groups and weight classes:

School boys - 14 to 15 year olds (64 -190 lbs) (13 year olds with parents' consent)

Cadets - 16 to 17 year olds (86-220 lbs) (15 year olds with parents' consent)

Juniors - 18 to 20 year olds (100-260 lbs) (17 year olds with parents' consent)

Seniors - 20 years and older (110-260 lbs)

Some freestyle competitions also have a "Veterans" category for men 35 and older.

Women freestyle:

School girls - 14 to 15 year olds (62 - 140 lbs)

Cadets - 16 to 17 year olds (79 - 150 lbs)

Juniors - 18 to 20 year olds (88 - 160 lbs)
Seniors - 20 years and older (97 - 160 lbs)

For more in-depth information go to:

http://www.mtlsd.org/district/athletics/wrestling/stuff/understanding%20wrestling.pdf

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freestyle_wrestling

Photo by Sports Illustrated. Tom Brands during freestyle competition at the Olympics.

An Alternative Perspective

I thought this was kind of interesting - a little bit of a different perspective on Iowa Wrestling. It's an Anti-Hawkeye wrestling video.

Metcalf back on the mat

Iowa's Brent Metcalf was back on the mat this weekend at the freestyle U.S. Nationals in Las Vegas last night.

He's been back on the mats since the day he lost in the finals at the NCAA Wrestling Championships though. I talked to Tom Brands on the phone earlier this week and he told me that he's been seeing him in the practice room every day. I should be attending practice on Tuesday, so we'll see if I can spot any new techniques he's trying out.

Anyways, unfortunately instead of regaining his dominating stud persona, Metcalf ended up losing.

He was the 7th seed at 145.5. A former Iowa State NCAA Champion, Trent Paulson took the victory.

But keep your heads up, Hawkeye fans. This is freestyle. Metcalf will be back next year. And he's motivated.

Check back soon for information on what exactly freestyle wrestling is...

For more information on the freestyle U.S. Nationals that took place this weekend, check out Andy Hamilton's article:
http://www.press-citizen.com/article/20090412/HAWKS0110/904120326.

KCRG Wrestling Package

So I don't think John Sears wants me to embed his Iowa Wrestling Sound of the Year package into my blog. I've been trying for like a week...and I'm finally giving up.

I think it's a worthwhile watch though, so check it out: http://www.kcrg.com/sports/42059202.html

No Compromising = No Go

With money at the heart of the issue, players and owners became that set of divorced parents, stubbornly fighting for child custody.

There was no other choice than for the players to go on strike. And so they did. The baseball season ended in August of 1994 and there was no World Series for the first time in ninety years.

The issues that lead to the strike didn't spring up out of no where. It was a building process, or more accurately a falling one. The relationship between the two sides (players and owners) simply, wasn't there.

Even when reasonable offers were made, neither side would budge. No compromising would take place, and the season would come to a short-lived close.

Could it have been avoided though? If owners and players had not faltered decades earlier, when free agency was being compromised maybe things would be different. Then, when issues such as the salary cap came around, both sides would have taken less stubborn stances, especially considering the '94 season.

In the book Lords of the Realm, John Helyar states, "It featured some of the most stunning performances seen in years." And he then goes on to list the amount of homeruns scored by players such as Matt Williams and Ken Griffey Jr. and the stats being held by great hitters such as Tony Gwynn and Ted Williams.

But no one can go back and change the past. Helyar also writes, "Who cared about how long-deceased owners had done Marvin Miller wrong? 'They wanted to go back to what was done wrong in 1976,' said Drayton McLane. 'You can learn from history and all, but we need to deal with where the game is at today, in 1994.'"

With no way of going back and a no-go from the players on a salary cap, the strike persisted. The problem with the salary cap was that players didn't feel they'd have that guaranteed spot and their salaries could be cut.

Revenue sharing was idealized, but it didn't matter what possible solutions were proposed, no one was willing to budge. Revenue sharing would have put tax on those teams with a larger income, which would go towards the small market teams to even out the money spent and to ensure that the competition would remain at the same level.

So between the salary cap and revenue sharing there was no logical negotiations at this point because of the fact that the relationship between the owners and players was already shot.

On top of all this - because the owners had fired Commisioner Fay Vincent there was no one to moderate the possible solutions between the two sides and ensure that a fair and professional decision was made.

If ever a divorced couple fighting a case goes to court with no judge, in the end, a compromise would never be made.

The strike was inevitable.

In the Mind of the Wrestlers

Through a photo assignment I had the chance to speak with a sports counselor. His title is somewhat misleading (he does much more than just counsel athletes), but he knows his wrestling and he's a big fan of Dan Gable and Tom Brands - so we had much to discuss.

He too, attended the NCAA Championships. So our first order of discussion was this: Brent Metcalf? How did that even happen?

He doesn't work with Metcalf, but he explained to me that Caldwell was breaking Metcalf down mentally, takedown by takedown. By the time, Metcalf got his own takedown, it was too late. Mentally he was already off the mat. But he didn't give up completely. I don't think a day will ever come where Metcalf gives up completely, but his mind was drifting.

How did it get there though? If Caldwell was lucky on the first takedown, that was basically all he needed.

And this is what I gathered from Mr. Adams:
Metcalf doesn't lose. That's the problem. He doesn't know how to be behind. He doesn't know how to be taken down. And he definitely doesn't know how to respond to thousands in the crowd cheering at his loss.

He doesn't know how to lose because he doesn't lose. Even in the wrestling room, he dominates the outstanding wrestlers who come to Iowa and the outstanding wrestlers who stay at Iowa to help coach and train.

Many wrestlers come to the UI undefeated in high school, with four-time state championship honors. Once they step onto a mat with former Olympic Champions, their winning days are over. It breaks that "I don't know how to lose" mentality. But apparently, Metcalf's wasn't broken.

Interesting.

So what's inside the head of junior Ryan Morningstar, who took third at NCAAs? Two words: Overtime Pressure.

Apparently this guy has worked with Morningstar, and although everyone else's hearts are jumping out of their chest during his matches - it doesn't even phase him. Because he's been in that position many times and he practices it, he's able to stay focused. Contrary to the rest of the season, he demonstrated at NCAAs that he's able to pull through.

Incredible.

Honors

With a second straight NCAA title, head wrestling coach Tom Brands was named Big Ten Coach of the Year.

And his wrestlers received some acknowledgement as well:

Brent Metcalf was named the Big Ten Championships Outstanding Wrestler.

All-Americans included Metcalf, Daniel Dennis, Ryan Morningstar, Phil Keddy and Dan Erekson.

Although the NCAA Championships wasn't a fairy tale ending for Jay Borschel or Brent Metcalf, both were among the nine wrestlers in the Iowa program to be named Academic Big Ten Honorees this week.
The others included:
Senior Nick Kolegraff
Sophomore J.J. Krutsinger
Junior Dan LeClere
Senior T.H. Leet
Sophomore Joe Moore
Sophomore Blake Rasing
Sophomore Ethan Sebert

Day in the Life

My guess would be that this was taken BEFORE Metcalf's NCAA Championship loss. But it's somewhat interesting to get inside the head of a wrestler...at least partially. There could have been more interesting subjects and more in depth to really get in to his head...but he's still a college student. Where do you draw the line?

Anyways, in case you're interested...here's a look at the day in the life of Brent Metcalf. (Compliments of ESPN.)

Still Recovering from NCAAs

Iowa 149-pounder Brent Metcalf apologized for his actions during the championship of the NCAA Wrestling Championship last weekend. I still don't think Metcalf's "shove" was anything more than a takedown at the end of a match.

For a full article, click here.

Check out my full coverage photo slideshows:

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3

If you missed it...you missed out

Photo by Julie Koehn/The Daily Iowan

I was fortunate enough to have front row tickets to the Metcalf-Caldwell "push". I stood on the floor, my elbows propped up on the stage. Click. Click. Click.

Clearly, Darrion Caldwell was dominating during the 149 championship round at Scottrade Center in St. Louis for the NCAA Wrestling Championships this past Saturday. I'm not sure what was going on with the Hawkeyes solo possible champion...but Brent Metcalf was not his usual self. And at a time when he's usually the one ripping on the underdog, he was being destroyed. And fatigue was written all over his face.

Caldwell is the most unclassy winner I've ever seen. I'm all about jubilation at the end of a match. As a photographer, I only hope for the jubilant shot and often find myself irritated when wrestlers show no emotion after a win. Caldwell, however, was demonstrating an unnecessary celebration, which started too early.

In case you missed it, with seconds remaining on the clock Caldwell took off from Metcalf and performed a roundoff back tuck- an impressive move by a cheerleader. Metcalf, the animal who he is, took off after him - clearly hoping for a final takedown and any chance to gain a sudden victory over the cocky North Carolina State grappler. As Caldwell transitions from roundoff to his back tuck - Metcalf reaches him and his hands are placed on Caldwell - just enough to discombobulate Caldwell's form, and send him to the ground.

Boos filled the arena, as I stared through my lens, wondering if what I had just seen was real. I shook my head and looked at the score...sure enough - our champion had lost.

People say Metcalf is at fault for going after the tumbler. Do you blame him though? He appeared to be legit going for a takedown when there was still time on the clock. But it was only seconds - which made it questionable. Had I been up there wrestling, I woulda ran after him for not only a takedown...but probably a punch in the face. Metcalf turned from him after the "push". He proceeded to shake his hand, without a word. And then jogged off the stage in defeat.


Moments later it was announced that one point would be deducted from Iowa's team score because of Metcalf's unsportsmanlike conduct. Unsportsmanlike conduct?? He was merely going for a final takedown at the end of the match. It's not his fault Caldwell was taking the roll of a cheerleader. A cheerleader for himself.

In case you missed it:



Metcalf Loses But Iowa Wins...

Iowa Basketball Team Lacks Support

"What game?" UI freshman Emily Denison asked, while chatting on Facebook at a computer in Burge Hall on Thursday, sporting Iowa sweatpants and a yellow Hawkeye t-shirt. She wasn't the only one to pose the question either.

10th seed Iowa plays in the Big Ten Tournament against Michigan at 1:30 p.m. today in Indianapolis. But Denison said she has more important things to do like study, sleep or get drunk. And she isn't alone with that mentality. Other students have class, work or plan to leave the Iowa City area early for spring break.

"I've got a lot of stuff to do," UI freshman Mason Wiekert said, noting that his schedule does not allot time for a team whose 5-13 in the Big Ten, even though it is his school.

"If they were doing well," Wiekert said. "I would make an effort to watch it."

Even with the record, UI sophomore Trevor Asmussen made it to the Purdue game this year, so he wouldn't say they're an unworthy team to watch.

"It's [the season] had its ups and downs. They're a young team so there's building to do there," he said. But Asmussen, like many other UI students, doesn't plan on watching the game either.

"I didn't even know there was a game today," Asmussen said, walking away in his gray Iowa shirt, embraced inside a black jacket with an embossed Hawkeye on the front and Iowa shorts to complete his attire.

Although many students walk around campus wearing the Hawkeye emblem proudly, that doesn't necessarily mean they're boasting their team or supporting the players.

UI senior Brendan Stiles works as the sports editor for The Daily Iowan, and thinks some people might be deterred from the game because of the time of day. He picks up the front page sports section of today's edition which poses a five column headline bridging over a four column photo of Cyrus Tate and two articles on today's game. He shakes his head, not knowing how students don't know about the game.

"Apparently there's no Iowa basketball fans," Stiles said, surprised with the lack of interest in today's game. "I think the people who have been paying attention to the team know that they've been close in every game. It hasn't been a bunch of blow outs."

Whether they have fans watching or not, Iowa will compete with the 9-9 Wolverines for a shot against Illinois tomorrow night.

"That's the beauty of sports," Stiles said. "You don't know what's going to happen."

Sources:
Emily Denison
Dain Whitacre
Mason Wiekert
Trevor Asmussen
Brendan Stiles

Blog Challenge - Top 5 Craziest Wrestling Parents

Here's the top five craziest wrestling parents I could find on youtube. Some of the kids are pretty young...and you wonder how they can stand parents like these. I'm curious if anyone has ever experienced having parents like this. And if so, how did you deal?

5. The video's not the greatest, but props to the kid who has to listen to his mother during the whole match.

4. This wrestling mama clearly knows her game. Too bad we can't see the action from the front.

3. I'm not sure this mom knows what she's talking about...but she's got a big mouth.

2. This mom has ants in her pants.

1. And above all, the father who always has to get involved.



What do you think Iowa wrestlers' parents are like? Do you think Brent Metcalf's father went around throwing wrestlers off him when he was a kid?

Big Ten Wrestling Finals: LIVE from my couch

FINALS

Hwt. Dan Erekson is up against Kyle Massey (WI)
No. 1 vs. No. 3 seed
No. 18 vs. No. 7

Erekson gets on top pretty early in the first quarter for two points in a takedown.
Erekson's going to keep Massey downa nd he's definitely gaining riding time on him.

Second period starts and Erekson takes the bottom. Escape Erekson - one point.
Erekson gets a takedown - 2 points.
I'd call this a day - Erekson is clearly dominating over Massey and Massey's not doing anything about it.

With the beginning of the third period, Erekson has a 6 point advantage including his over 2:00 in riding time. There's no way Massey can catch him in riding time now. Massey is still on the bottom. The only way he could pull this off is to somehow flip him on his back. But the control that Erekson's got....not likely.
Massey did just get an escape though. I don't think one point on the scoreboard's going to do it for him though.

Massey tried to shoot but nope, takedown Erekson.
Escape massey
Holy crap, Erekson's got him almost on his shoulders. But Massey pulls through and Erekson wins the bout 10-2.

184-pounder Phillip Keddy is up against Jake Herbert (Northwestern)
No. 3 vs. No. 1

Early on Herbert and Keddy both look like animals going after the takedown.
Two points for Herbert after a takedown.
Two more points for Herbert - takedown.
Keddy is struggling underneath. Herbert bodyslams Keddy. And Keddy jumps up on his feet.
Dang, Herbert is body-handling Keddy...but Keddy is still fighting.
End of first period and the sweat is just pouring from Keddy's face.

Seriously, Keddy looks like he just stepped out of the shower.
And he did, escape Keddy for one point.
I wonder how Herbert can even hold on to Keddy, he is seriously dripping.

Third period.
It would be huge if Keddy somehow got control of this guy and layed him on his back.
Herbert is bleeding. When I was in high school, a lot of times the breaks would come for the guys who were wusses and needed a break. Herbert pointed out the blood dripping. But I don't know that I'd still go as far to call him a wuss.
Escape Herbert.
OH Jeez. Keddy is trying to hold on. He's Holding on, holding on. And no points.
Announcers are saying Keddy's got a tank on his back. And he does.
Keddy goes for the takedown...He's got his leg...Herbert is now in a front hurdler position - which is a great cheerleading jump by the way.
Keddy has 30 seconds and he's down 5-1. Herbert's tired but Keddy's still going after him.
Keddy goes for the takedown but Herbert gets on top for 2 points.
And Herbert takes the victory - 8-1 with riding time.

So I had to go to a meeting at 3:00 for work. I DVRed the final two matches though - so here is live for me. Only this time, I'm in the recliner.

165-pounder Ryan Morningstar is up against Andrew Howe (WI)
No. 3 seed vs. No. 1 seed

Morningstar needs to shoot.
Wow entertaining first period...no points. Lame.

Morningstar's underneath so he should at least get an escape here.
ONE point Morningstar - Escape. At least he's got a one point advantage here. But to be considered a Big Ten Wrestling Champion he needs to do something here.
Howe's circling around him...but Morningstar pulls out.

Third Period.
I wonder what Morningstar is thinking right now. Howe just escaped for one so the two are tied.
Howe has Morningstar's leg but Morningstar keeps the other one out of reach and no points are scored. Tied at the end of the third and we're going into overtime. Morningstar has advantage but the two are back on their feet.
Morningstar is on top and needs to holdon because as of now Howe has the riding time advantage. Do not let your leg get caught or you are going to get a reversal.
Howe's out and has an escape.
Morningstar has eight seconds riding time advantage and he doesn't come out of it and then he lets it go. That was lame.
Morningstar loses to Howe in overtime, 2-1.

149-pounder Brent Metcalf is up against Bubba Jenkins (Penn)
No. 1 vs. No. 2
Both are undefeated this season.

I've got my box of chocolate chip cookies to get through this match.

Metcalf knocks Jenkins on his back and I think it's over...but they are out of bounds.
TWO points for Metcalf -takedown!
Jenkins does not look like he came here knowing who he was wrestling.
ONE point for Jenkins - Escape
There goes Jenkins doorag...who wears those during wrestling matches anyways?
HOLY CRAP...Metcalf has Jenkins on his back after a takedown...and he is just looking at the ref to slap the mat.
Lucky for JEnkins time on the clock runs out on the first quarter.
Metcalf is a stud.

ONE point escape for Metcalf.
It's 7-1 by the way.
TWO points for Metcalf - takedown
Metcalf shows no sign of being tired...Jenkins how ever is sprawled out flat underneath him.
Metcalf is like an animal...he's devouring this guy like he's his prey. HOLY SHIT!!!
That is a pin for Metcalf!


Iowa has four wrestlers in the final round of the Big Ten Wrestling Championship. As a team, Iowa leads with 124 points, with Illinois as the closest trailor at 104.5.

Going to the Finals are Brent Metcalf, Ryan Morningstar, Phillip Keddy and Dan Erekson.

Nine of Iowa's wrestlers advanced to the semifinals yesterday - only Ballweg at 157 didn't make it in.

Semifinal results:
125 — (3) Angel Escobedo (IN) dec. (2) Charlie Falck (I), 4-0
133 — (5) Reece Humphrey (OSU) dec. (1) Daniel Dennis (I), 5-2
141 — (2) Kyle Russell (M) dec. (3) Alex Tsirtsis (I), 8-6 TB
149 — (1) Brent Metcalf (I) major dec. (4) Kyle Rushcell (W), 16-4
165 — (3) Ryan Morningstar (I) dec. (2) Colt Sponseller (OSU), 2-1 TB2
174 — (3) Quentin Wright (PSU) dec. (2) Jay Borschel (I), 11-10
184 — (3) Phillip Keddy (I) dec. (2) Mike Pucillo (OSU), 5-2 TB
197 — (2) Tyrel Todd (M) major dec. (3) Chad Beatty (I), 12-2
HWT — (1) Dan Erekson (I) dec. (4) John Wise (IL), 6-4

To read about yesterday's sessions click here for The Daily Iowan coverage.

Wrestlers' Perspective

( Daily Iowan video feature )

Video in QuickTime format, click here for free player download

Big Ten Brackets - Session 1

Click HERE for a link to the brackets.

Iowa's session one looks like this:

125 - Charlie Falck (2) vs. Mike Watts (7) MI
133 - Daniel Dennis (1) vs. Carson Beebe (8) PU
141 - Alex Tsirtsis (3) BYE
149 - Brent Metcalf (1) vs. David Cheeza MSU
157 - Matt Ballweg vs. Ben Jordan (8) WI
165 - Ryan Morningstar (3) BYE
174 - Jay Borschel (2) vs. Travis Rutt WI
184 - Phil Keddy (3) vs. Jack Decker PSU
197 - Chad Beatty (3) BYE
Hwt. - Dan Erekson (1) vs. Alan ODonnell (MSU)

(Numbers represent seeds.)

Big Ten Championship

Iowa's getting ready for the Big Ten Wrestling Championship at Penn State starting tomorrow. The Finals will be televised on the Big Ten Network on Sunday at 1 p.m. (Don't forget to turn your clocks ahead for Daylight Savings Time...or you'll miss the big finals!)

Some of you may have heard the rumor that former 133 pounder Joe Slaton might be filling in for 157 pounder Matt Ballweg. I talked with DI wrestling beat reporter Ryan Young about this rumor - who informed me that it was all speculations. He asked Brands about bringing backups and Brands said "Those extra bodies are more for support role and warm-ups,” adding, “We know who our 10 guys are.”

So no Slaton there. But check back later for the brackets.

2009 Big Ten Preliminary Seeds

The Big Ten Wrestling Championship will be held Saturday and Sunday at Penn State. Here are the seeds:

125 lbs.
1. Brandon Precin, NU
2. Charlie Falck, IOWA
3. Angel Escobedo, IND
4. Brad Pataky, PSU
5. Zachary Sanders, MINN
6. Nikko Triggas, OSU
7. Michael Watts, MICH
8. Bernard Futrell, ILL

133 lbs.
1. Daniel Dennis, IOWA
2. Franklin Gomez, MSU
3. James Kennedy, ILL
4. Jayson Ness, MINN
5. Reece Humphrey, OSU
6. Jake Strayer, PSU
7. Zac Stevens, MICH
8. Carson Beebe, PUR

141 lbs.
1. Zach Tanelli, WIS
2. Kellen Russell, MICH
3. Alex Tsirtsis, IOWA
4. Mike Thorn, MINN
5. J Jaggers, OSU
6. Keith Sulzer, NU
7. Ryan Prater, ILL
8. Andrae Hernandez, IND

149 lbs.
1. Brent Metcalf, IOWA
2. Bubba Jenkins, PSU
3. Lance Palmer, OSU
4. Kyle Ruschell, WIS
5. Jake Patacsil, PUR
6. Andrew Nadhir, NU
7. Nick Walpole, IND
8. Eric Terrazas, ILL

157 lbs.
1. Michael Poeta, ILL
2. Jason Welch, NU
3. Kurt Kinser, IND
4. Tyler Safratowich, MINN
5. Jason Johnstone, OSU
6. Aaron Hynes, MICH
7. Anthony Jones, MSU
8. Ben Jordan, WIS

165 lbs.
1. Andrew Howe, WIS
2. Colt Sponselier, OSU
3. Ryan Morningstar, IOWA
4. Roger Smith-Bergsrud, ILL
5. Luke Manuel, PUR
6. Dan Villamont, PSU
7. Paul Young, IND
8. Rex Kendle, MSU

174 lbs.
1. Steve Luke, MICH
2. Jay Borschel, IOWA
3. Quentin Wright, PSU
4. Dave Rella, OSU
5. John Dergo, ILL
6. Trevor Perry, IND
7. Robert Kellogg, NU
8. Ian Hinton, MSU

184 lbs.
1. Jake Herbert, NU
2. Mike Pucillo, OSU
3. Phillip Keddy, IOWA
4. Jordan Blanton, ILL
5. A.J. Kissel, PUR
6. Anthony Biondo, MICH
7. Nick Palmieri, MSU
8. Eric Bugenhagen, WIS

197 lbs.
1. Dallas Herbst, WIS
2. Tyrel Todd, MICH
3. Chad Beatty, IOWA
4. Gordon Bierschenk, MINN
5. Patrick Bond, ILL
6. Matt Powless, IND
7. Logan Brown, PUR
8. John Schoen, NU

HWT
1. Dan Erekson, IOWA
2. Ben Berhow, MINN
3. Kyle Massey, WIS
4. John Wise, ILL
5. Nate Everhart, IND
6. Corey Morrison, OSU
7. Edwin Phillips, MICH
8. Chris Kasten, PUR

For more information on the Hawkeye seedings visit: Hawkeyesports.com.

Suspension

What's up with Montell Marion? Maybe he's under a lot of pressure and rage is his way of dealing with it. Or maybe he just finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Either way, Brands doesn't deal with wrestlers getting into legal issues.

In case you hadn't heard - Marion (a redshirt freshman from Des Moines, who won two state champions) has been suspended from the wrestling team after being involved in vandalizing two cars. And it's not his first legal incident.

What are your thoughts? I mean, he is at 133 and clearly Daniel Dennis and Joey Slaton have that weight class under control.

Articles on the topic from:
Des Moines Register
Wrestling Talk
Press Citizen
The Gazette

Rework the Rankings

The following is how Iowa wrestling beat reporter Ryan Young would rank the team - both physically and mentally. When I saw this comment, I contemplated commenting also - but instead decided it was worthy of a post itself since I disagree - slightly.

Ryan's Ranking:

1. Keddy
2. Metcalf
3. Dennis
4. Falck
5. Beatty
6. Tsirtsis
7. Borschel
8. Morningstar
9. Erekson
10. Ballweg

My Ranking:

1. Metcalf (No. 1)
2. Keddy (No. 3)
3. Dennis (No. 2)
4. Tsirtsis (No. 2)
5. Falck (No. 4)
6. Borschel (No. 4)
7. Morningstar (No. 3)
8. Beatty (No. 19)
9. Erekson (No. 7)
10. Ballweg

So what's the reasoning behind the disagreements? First of all, I agree that Keddy is incredible to watch and you can tell the mentality is there. BUT he did just lose to top ranked Jake Herbert. Despite the improvement in the matches from Midlands, losing to Herbert by one point is something that Brent Metcalf would never allow...which makes him no. 1 on my list.

I flipped Tsirtsis and Falck around and sent Beatty down towards the bottom. I don't disagree with you that Charlie Falck isn't a stud because he's a doer. He's struggled a couple times this season, though, getting himself in the wrong position at the wrong time. His bounce back from losing against Minnesota was to beat defending NCAA Champion Angel Escobedo - that shows mentality. However, two days later he allowed himself to be pinned against now no. 3 ranked Brandon Precin of Northwestern. What's up with that?

Although Tsirtsis posted a loss against a former teammate at Indiana (his second dual loss this season), he would never allow himself to be pinned. This gives him the upper hand when compared to Falck.

Ranked at 19 and sitting out for several matches, Chad Beatty is moved just below Borschel and Morningstar who have both shown vast improvements from last season and impressive rankings. Although they might not always give a physical show like Metcalf and Keddy, they seem to find themselves neck-in-neck on the scoreboard and usually end up winning the bout - giving the crowd unpredictable entertainment.

What do you think?

UPDATE TODAY: For a list of updated team and individual rankings visit InterMat.

For recaps of the season go to Hawkeyesports.com.

Photo by Julie Koehn/The Daily Iowan.

Metcalf: Big Ten Wrestler of the Week

149-pounder Brent Metcalf was named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week this week.

The defending Big Ten and NCAA Champion's accomplishments this season include:

• No. 1 in the nation
• 29-0 record
• 15 pins
• Scored bonus points in 27 matches

I'd say he qualifies as the Big Ten Wrestler of the Season.

For more information go to Hawkeyesports.com.

Video provided by Big Ten Network.

Regular Season Ends

Iowa wrapped up its regular season with a 24-0 record this weekend on the road against Indiana and Northwestern.

It wasn't a complete shut out against the Wildcats though.

After beating No. 3 Escobedo in Indiana Friday night, No. 5 Charlie Falck at 125 pounds, found himself on his back to Northwestern's No. 4 Brandon Precin.

Another disappointment from the Hawks' end came from 184-pounder Phil Keddy who wrestled No. 1 Jake Herbert. Apparently, it was a close match between the two - Keddy with just a one point deficit, 3-2. No videos have been posted thus far, however, the following is a video of Keddy and Herbert's match at the Midlands where Herbert dominated with a major decision 15-1. Clearly, this is an improvement for Keddy and he will likely be facing Herbert at Big Tens and NCAAs in the upcoming weeks. Keddy, who is ranked no. 3 has only lost against Herbert this season and holds a dual competition record of 23-1.

I'll keep an eye out for their match from yesterday. Until then, let me know what you think about Herbert's dominating style.

Highlights

It's no surprise that it wasn't a close match between Iowa and No. 18 Indiana on Friday - but that doesn't mean that there were no surprises.

After losing against No. 8 Zach Sanders (Minnesota) last Sunday, senior 125-pounder Charlie Falck (No. 5) pulled out an upset against No. 3 Angel Escobedo. Escobedo won both the Big Ten and NCAA Championships last year. This is obviously a big win for Falck who will wrestle No. 4 Brandon Precin at Northwestern today. Precin has a 23-2 record.

On the flip side senior Alex Tsirtsis lost in an upset against former high school teammate Andrae Hernandez. Hernandez, who is unranked, pulled out two points to beat the No. 2 141-pounder in double overtime to win, 3-1. I'm not sure if this was mentally a challenge for Tsirtsis or what. I guess, I can't imagine competing against former teammates myself, but it's part of the game. He better pick it up before the final season dual today against Northwestern.

Iowa forfeited the heavyweight match. I'm not sure what that was all about. I guess we'll see if Dan Erekson is going to be back today or if he's waiting until Big Tens in a couple of weeks. Either way, redshirt freshman Jordan Johnson had been filling in the last couple of duals.

For information on how all Iowa wrestlers did visit Hawkeyesports.com.

Photo courtesy of Hawkeyesports.com.

Brands' Moment

( Daily Iowan video feature )

Do you think it's realistic that Coach Brands was disappointed with the results of the Minnesota meet? Any thoughts on how the weekend on the road is going to go, closing up the regular season?

Iowa vs. Indiana (no. 18) tonight

Iowa vs. Northwestern (no. 19) Sunday

Video by The Daily Iowan

Since you asked...

With the Iowa wrestlers bringing in two more wins from Carver-Hawkeye Arena this past weekend, they remain undefeated as they roadtrip to Indiana and Northwestern for the final Big Ten duals of the season.

Since you brought it up though, do Iowa fans - students in particular - take advantage of the no. 1 ranked wrestling team when they host a dual?

If you think about it, they're bringing more to the table than just a regular match:

• Multiple ranked athletes in the nation competing


• Entertaining coaching staff


• Free admission for students

You'd think that would be enough. The unranked Iowa men's basketball team, who is 3-10 in the conference, has been selling tickets for $10 to get fans to come. And somehow they manage to lure more students to Carver than the wrestling team that is 22-0.

I think most students don't have the knowledge of the sport - and without that I don't think you can really appreciate the accomplishments of both the individuals and the team as a whole.

I suppose if you're high school didn't have a wrestling program, you might not have any reason to be into it. But Iowa high schools especially, thrive on wrestling.

Everybody went to state wrestling when I was in high school. Speaking of which, it's going on right now. I wonder how many champions will end up as Hawkeyes next year.

If you're interested in the IHSSA State Wrestling Tournament click here.

Any other thoughts on why students would rather attend a 3-10 basketball team over a 22-0 wrestling team?

Photo courtesy of www.skyscrapercity.com.

Live with the Boarder Brawl

No. 1 vs. No. 11
Final dual at Carver Hawkeye Arena
Attendance: 10,095
Senior Day
Fan Appeciation Day
It's the "Boarder Brawl."

125 - Falck (4) vs. Sanders (8) (5-4)
Falck up 4-3 with thirty seconds left and in the last 13 or so seconds Sanders scored a takedown.

Minnesota (3) Iowa (0)

133 - Dennis (1) vs. Ness (5) (9-7)
1st Period
Takedown Ness
Escape Dennis
Takedown Dennis
2nd Period
Escape Ness
Takedown Dennis
Escape Ness
3rd Period
Takedown Dennis
Escape Ness
Takedown Ness
Escape Dennis

Minnesota (3) Iowa (3)

141 - Tsirtsis (2) vs. Thorn (8) (2-1)
1st Period
2nd Period
Escape Tsirtsis
3rd Period
Escape Thorn
Tsirtsis riding time

Minnesota (3) Iowa (6)

149 - Metcalf (1) vs. Grygelko
1st Period
Takedown Metcalf
3-point near fall Metcalf
Escape Grygelko
Takedown Metcalf
Escape Grygelko
Takedown Metcalf
3-point near fall Metcalf
2nd Period
Escape Metcalf
Takedown Metcalf
22 seconds left Pin Metcalf

Minnesota (3) Iowa (12)

157 - Ballweg vs. Safratowich (8-2)
1st Period
Takedown Safratowich
2nd Period
Escape Safratowich
Takedown Safratowich
3rd Period
Escape Ballweg
Takedown Safratowich
Escape Ballweg
Riding time Safratowich

Minnesota (6) Iowa (12)

165 - Morningstar (3) vs. Glasser (9-4)
1st Period
Takedown Morningstar
3-Point near fall Morningstar
2nd Period
Escape Morningstar
Takedown Glasser
3rd Period
Escape Glasser
Takedown Morningstar
Escape Glasser
Riding Time Morningstar

Minnesota (6) Iowa (15)

174 - Borschel (4) vs. Young (10-3)
1st Period
2nd Period
3rd Period
Escape Borschel
Takedown Borschel
Escape Young
Takedown Borschel
Escape Young
Takedown Borschel
Escape Young
Takedown Borschel
Riding Time Borschel

Minnesota (6) Iowa (19)

184 - Keddy (3) vs. Yohn (10-6)
1st Period
Takedown Keddy
Escape Yohn
Takedown Yohn
Reversal Keddy
Escape Yohn
2nd Period
Escape Keddy
3rd Period
Escape Yohn
Takedown Keddy
Escape Yohn
Takedown Keddy
Riding Time Keddy

Minnesota (6) Iowa (22)

197 - Beatty (18) vs. Bierschenk (5-4)
1st Period
Takedown Beatty
Escape Bierschenk
Takedown Beatty
2nd Period
Escape Bierschenk
Takedown Bierschenk
3rd Period
Escape Beatty

Minnesota (6) Iowa (25)

285 - Johnson vs. Berhow (11-9)
1st Period
Technical violation against Hawkeyes
Takedown Johnson
Escape Berhow
Takedown Johnson
Escape Berhow
2nd Period
Escape Berhow
Escape Johnson
Takedown Berhow
Tech violation against Minnesota
Escape Johnson
3rd Period
Escape Johnson
Takedown Berhow
Escape Johnson
Takedown Berhow

Minnesota (9) Iowa (25)

V-Day Separates Final Home Duals

The Hawks are preparing to host two conference duals in the next few days - but that's not the only thing happening this weekend.

In case you missed the heart-shaped pizza advertisements on TV, the aisles of boxed chocolates in every store or the enormous stuffed animals with oversized lips hanging off the shelves, Valentine's Day is in two days.

That's the day after Iowa faces no. 25 Purdue. And the day before they host no. 11 Minnesota.

I'm not so sure it's fair to have a holiday like V-Day during wrestling season for a number of reasons. If you're dating a wrestler, here's some things to think about.

First of all, chances are he's going to be crabby. I dated a wrestler in high school and learned that life is much easier if you don't talk to him when he loses, when he's trying to maintain weight or when his coach has been harpin' on him. In fact, during the season you'll feel like the relationship is going well if you're not communicating at all - especially with Big Tens and NCAAs just around the corner. So throwing a lovey dovey holiday in the midst of it all...ugh.

Secondly, most people on V-Day go out to eat or have a romantic dinner. That's like a slap in the face. How can you go out to eat when you're trying to maintain weight? Especially for the Iowa boys who have to turn around and make weight on Sunday when they host the "boarder brawls."

If he won on the road this past weekend you might get lucky with a dozen long stem roses. But what are you going to buy him? A box of chocolates? Another slap in the face.

If he loses against a Purdue opponent on Friday - you might as well forget that Saturday even exists because chances are Valentine's Day will be the last thing on his mind.

And if he does win on Friday, you don't want him to be too soft for Sunday.

Really, you can't win. Unless of course your boy is Brent Metcalf, who is 25-0 for the season and on a 5-pin winning streak. Then I'd say, just keep him away from the chocolates.

If you think about it though, V-Day is just an excuse for flowershops to jack up prices and women to test men on their ability to surprise.

So don't feel too bad if he's only concerned about beating the 25th and 11th ranked teams this weekend.

Photo: Brent Metcalf shows the usual love he shows all his opponents. Courtesy of www.themat.com.

Daniel Dennis: Under Control

Interview with 133-pound Daniel Dennis after the Bucknell meet




At first when I noticed junior Joe Slaton was out of the lineup at 133, and Daniel Dennis was in his place, I wasn't sure how I felt about that.

Coming out of the 07-08 season, Slaton placed second at NCAAs and third at Big Tens. The all-American posted a 31-5 collegiate match record. So where is this junior who could potentially be clenching that first place trophy at 133?

It's called weight control.

Many may have watched as Slaton struggled uncontrollably during his match against Nick Fanthorpe during the Iowa State meet in December, to be defeated 12-2.

So someone had to step up to the plate, and it just so happened to be junior Daniel Dennis.

He's not from Cedar Rapids, Iowa and he hasn't made an appearance at the Big Tens or NCAAs. But he has just been named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week. And that's got to count for something.

The Ingleside, Ill. native took victory over defending Big Ten champion Franklin Gomez, 3-2, at Michigan State during the Hawkeyes first Big Ten road trip this past Friday. He then went on to beat no. 9 ranked Jake Strayer at Penn State on Sunday, 6-3.

Dennis, who is now 21-2 in collegeiate matches and 4-0 in Big Tens, has climbed his way to be ranked no. 1 by W.I.N. Magazine and in the Intermat/NWCA/NWMA polls.

I don't know what I was worried about, but Dennis has it under control.

Click here for a story on Slaton's weight control.

Video courtesy of SCOUT.com.

Check out Mark Perry's final match as a Hawkeye. Everyone remembers what happened at the NCAAs with Perry last year in his final bout with Eric Tannenbaum. He screamed in pain after being in a position that joltled his already injured knee, and ended up winning the match, 5-2.

Now, Perry is seeing Iowa from a different side. The former 165-pound two time NCAA champion is now an assistant coach for Penn State - Iowa's next Big Ten match up, which is held tomorrow.

Injuries Galore

It seems like just about every time they turn around, someone else is getting hurt.

Last night Iowa wrestled unranked Michigan State for their first Big Ten road meet. Although the Hawks did what they showed up to do, winning 22-15, it wasn't exactly that dominating mentality - especially for it being an unranked team.

Can they have a few excuses though?

• In the line-up they still have Colby Covington in for Jay Borschel...and he lost at 174.
• Iowa hwt. Dan Erekson couldn't finish his match last night due to a leg injury.

Okay, so that's only two. But don't forget that 125-pounder Charlie Falck was injured earlier in the season...luckily he's back out dominating every match of the way. And 197-pound Chad Beatty's back after a shortened absence as well.

I'm not sure we can come up with a good excuse why 157-pounder Matt Ballweg lost, again. And third ranked Ryan Morningstar was also defeated at 165 in a 5-4 upset against Michigan State's senior Rex Kendle...that shouldn't have happened.

It was a big day for Iowa's 149-pound Brent Metcalf who posted his fourth consecutive pin against David Cheza. It was also a good day for Iowa 133-pounder Daniel Dennis who defeated No. 6 Franklin Gomez, who is now 13-2 for the season.

If this is the work the Hawkeyes produce at an unranked Big Ten bout, I wonder how tomorrows dual against No. 22 Penn State will go.

Metcalf or Jenkins?

Does Penn State's No. 2 ranked 149-pounder Bubba Jenkins have a chance against No. 1 Brent Metcalf?

2008 Iowa vs. Penn State Dual Match: Brent Metcalf vs. Bubba Jenkins



If you ask me, Jenkins odds are slim to none. Although the junior all-American has posted 19-0 for the season he has sat out the last three duals with an ankle injury that he obtained against Indiana on Jan. 23.

So it's entirely possible that Jenkins won't be back on the mat when No. 22 Penn State hosts Iowa on Sunday. But if he is, he's got quite the match ahead of him.

Jenkins is clearly a tough guy - see his previous matches against Metcalf. But coming off of nursing an ankle, especially if it's weakened even a little more during Penn State's bout against Ohio State on Friday. Jenkins hasn't put his wrestling shoes back on since the injury, nor has he been able to take the starting stance. With that in mind, and the fact that he may have weight issues with a much more layed back work out this past week - the odds are definitely with Metcalf.

Let's say Jenkins does make weight and appears to be 100% ready to compete. I'm going to go with a win for Metcalf by a fall in the third quarter. Metcalf is not only on a match winning streak right now, he's also on a pinning streak. I'll give Jenkins the benefit of the doubt for most of the match, but I think he'll break in the third quarter and Metcalf will roll him on his back.

2008 NCAA Finals: Brent Metcalf vs. Bubba Jenkins

Hawks Dominate...again

Surprise, surprise. Iowa dominates, yet again. In the third meet hosted at Carver this week, 5,525 fans watched as Iowa stomped Bucknell last night, 40-3. Even though the Hawks have taken victories in the last 32 dual matches (18-0 for the season), surprises surface each time those boys take the mat.

1. With a new haircut, Head Coach Tom Brands took his 70th career win.

2. 149-pound stud, Brent Metcalf, performs his third consecutive pin against Kevin LeValley for his 55th straight win (going 24-0 in the season).

3. 141-pounder Alex Tsirtsis takes the mat for only 1:22 before taking a fall over Adam Healey. Impressive timing, as he had him on his back 15 seconds into the match. But what makes it even more impressive is Tsirtsis has been taking this week easy after having a wisdom tooth pulled on Monday.

4. At 157 pounds, Iowa's Matt Ballweg wins after a 6-match losing streak. It was his 20th career win, which came from Tyler Riccio who he defeated, 8-0.

5. So who put up the three points on the scoreboard for Bucknell? 174-pounder Colby Covington took the place of 4th ranked Jay Borschel in the line-up. Borschel had anthroscopic knee surgery on Thursday night. Borschel plans to continue at practice this week and be back on the mat soon.

Covington lost in a 7-2 decision to Shane Riccio.

And that's a wrap.

Articles for thought:

From the PC - Hawkeye Wrestlers Belt Bucknell

From the DI - Wrestlers Batter Bucknell

From Hawkeyesports.com - Hawkeyes Pound Bucknell

Riding Time Piles Up...

Photo of Head Coach Tom Brands courtesy of Hawkeyesports.com.

Out of the Shadows

What really drives the decision to be appointed Big Ten Wrestler of the Week? Apparently, beating two guys ranked at a higher status, is a place to start.

Iowa junior heavyweight Dan Erekson was named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week. The 11th ranked Eagle, Ind. native added points to the scoreboard during both meets this weekend as he took victory over Wisconsin's Kyle Massey (7th) and Illinois' John Wise (9th).

With a record of 16-5, Erekson comes out of the shadow of former heavyweight Matt Fields who posted a 32-8 record and placed third at Big Tens and fifth at NCAAs last season.

Erekson redshirted last season after competing at 197 during the previous years. He went 13-9 in 06-07 and 19-19 in 05-06.

I had an interesting conversation with Tom Brands about redshirting at the end of last season. He explained to me that redshirting in wrestling is different than in other sports. He said that its situational depending on the wrestler and the maturity levels differ as each individual progresses from high school to college competition.

"Without a redshirt, I wouldn't have had the growth," Brands said about his own experience as a Hawkeye grappler.

So far it looks like being on the outside looking in last year, Erekson has been able to apply some of what he learned as he continues to improve this season.

Photo courtesy of Hawkeyesports.com.

On and Off the Mat

My name is Julie Koehn and I grew up in small town Iowa where wrestling was THE sport to follow. Wrestlers were the most dedicated athletes, the stands were always full, the coaches were entertaining and everybody skipped school to attend State Wrestling at the Barn.

So naturally, when I came to Iowa the same year Tom Brands took over the head wrestling position, replacing the legendary Dan Gable, I was hooked.


It's undeniable that Iowa has the number one wrestling program - with a main line-up that is dominated by juniors and includes an NCAA Champion, a handful of all-Americans and several who have experienced competing in both the Big Ten and NCAA Championships - not to mention many whom have already redshirted, giving a new perspective from the outside.


Through this blog I will keep readers up-to-date as the Brands brothers guide the team towards another Big Ten and NCAA Championship season, on and off the mat. When the season comes to an end, we'll look at recruiting and what wrestlers do during the off season.

The most recent line-up includes:

125 - senior Charlie Falck
133 - junior Daniel Dennis
141 - senior Alex Tsirtsis
149 - junior Brent Metcalf
157 - sophomore Matt Ballweg
165 - junior Ryan Morningstar
174 - junior Jay Borschel
184 - junior Phillip Keddy
197 - junior Chad Beatty
Hwt. - junior Dan Erekson

Weekend Wind Up

It was a big weekend for the No. 1 ranked Hawkeyes as they hosted Wisconsin on Friday night and Illinois on Sunday - posting their 30 and 31st straight wins.

With a 24-12 win against Wisconsin and a 32-4 victory over Illinois, Iowa dominated at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

But what really grasped the attention of just under 7,000 fans who were in attendance as the No. 15 Badgers battled with the Hawkeyes...was the battle between the coaches.

I'm not gonna lie, I missed it live myself. But from the looks and sounds of things, there was a heated debate after the 165-pound match between Iowa's Ryan Morningstar and Wisconsin's Andrew Howe, which ended in a 4-3 victory for Howe, following double overtime.

Personally, I would never find myself in even a remotely neutral argument against that particular set of twin brothers. I've seen intensity build up as the two eye a match. Their gestures begin with a slow, but steady rock in their chairs. Depending on what's happening on the mat, a variety of actions begin to unfold...let's just say in unison, both are intense.

I'm not exactly sure what was going through Barry Davis' mind when he repeatedly made his way up to the score table, and when the argument began with the brothers. I'm not sure he knew what was going through his own mind - especially when Gable joined the bout. According to Davis, there was no argument.

"I said here's the deal -- we won the match. Bottom line, we won the match. We had riding time, we won the match. It's that simple. I don't know what they were talking about," Davis told the Press-Citizen.

If I were him, I would have turned around with my tail between my legs as soon as the three had approached.

Needless to say, Tom Brands was doggone mad.

To read for yourself, check out:
Wrestlers Skunk Badgers in Heated Match
Rage on the Wrestling Match
Coaches Get Steamed, Hawks Top Wisconsin
Hawks Roll Over Badgers