Iowa head wrestling coach Tom Brands is in a tough situation this week as far as how he gets his squad prepared for the home finale against Wisconsin on Sunday.
But because the Badgers are in rebuilding mode, Iowa will likely go back to the training room and focus more on what work needs to be done individually.
"More than anything, it gives us an opportunity to train a little bit," Brands said. "It's hard when you have a team that needs rest, but also needs a lot of work. This one we can train through a little bit, plus, it's a full week."
The Hawkeyes come into the dual ranked No. 5 in the nation and coming off a big win over then No. 3 Minnesota on Sunday. Iowa is 10-3 overall and 5-2 in Big Ten Conference action. Wisconsin is 5-8 overall but has yet to win in the Big Ten.
Still, Brands wants to send out his eight seniors who will be honored on Senior Day and also wants to give his hardcore, loyal fans a good showing.
"Every time out is important. Our fans want a show," Brands said. "It doesn't matter that Wisconsin is coming in the way they are -- we have to put on a show and honor the seniors."
The Hawkeyes should have not have any trouble winning the dual. The only matchup featuring two ranked wrestlers will be at 165 where redshirt freshman Mike Evans will take on Badger senior Ben Jordan. Evans is ranked anywhere from 6-9 and 19-4 on the season, while Jordan is ranked 10-13 and 20-6 this year.
Evans played a big role in Iowa's win over Minnesota as his win by fall over Cody Yohn ended up being the difference. Brands also has been impressed with the recent success of redshirt freshman Nick Moore, who comes into Sunday now ranked No. 16 in one poll.
"We know both those guys are capable," Brands said. "(Mike) Evans has shown it, and we know what (Nick) Moore is capable of."
Wisconsin features five true freshmen in its 10 weight classes. And those freshmen are a combined 18-46 this season. Jordan is actually the only grappler for Wisconsin who currently has a winning record.
Iowa has dominated the series against the Badgers, winning three straight and 35 of the last 36 matches. Overall, Iowa leads the all-time series 73-8-3. And the last time Wisconsin won inside Carver Hawkeye Arena was 2007.
Brands announced this week that it is not a guarantee that the Hawkeyes will get sophomore Derek St. John back this season, which makes the development of Moore that much more important. St. John, an All-American last year, is 11-1 this season but has been sidelined most of the year with a knee injury. Moore has been his replacement at 157.
Brands also said that the current lineup is not officially what the Hawks will roll with come tournament time. Based on performances, the lineup has not been solidfied.
"I'm not sure we've seen our best personnel in the best weight classes, especially when you evaluate the performance" Brands said. "We have to make progress, it's time. It's February, we have to make progress."
The dual between No. 5 Iowa and the Badgers begins at 1:05 p.m. Sunday's action will be broadcast live by Mediacom with Rob Brooks calling the action.
The eight seniors who will be honored before the match include starters Montell Marion, Vinnie Wagner and Blake Rasing as well as reserves Brodie Ambrose, Tyler Clark, Stew Gilmor, Tyler Halverson and J.J. Krutsinger.
Notes: Junior Matt McDonough is now the unanimous No. 1 ranked wrestler at 125. He is 22-1 this season and has won 15 straight matches. He is 86-4 in his career. ... Other ranked wrestlers include No. 4 Tony Ramos at 133, No. 6 Marion at 141, No. 16 Moore at 157, No. 6 Evans at 165, No. 6 Ethen Lofthouse at 174 and No. 18 Rasing at heavyweight.
Comments