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.
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.
Erekson is a lot more fun to watch that Matt Fields was, and I think that's the point of Brands Bros. wrestling.
ReplyDeleteI remember last year after a home meet, Tom Brands was talking about how every wrestler should want everyone at Carver to stay in his/her seat and not get up to go to the bathroom or get one of those humongous ice cream cones.
I agree with you 100%. Heavyweights aren't the most entertaining in the first place, but Erekson has a way. Although, I do recall after he lost at one of the meets...Fields was right there to chew him out.
ReplyDeleteGoing out on a limb here....Going up a weight class has probably had an effect on him. Coming from 197, I'm sure he's used to the faster pace matches, giving him a bit of an edge over other heavies.
ReplyDelete