Iowa Hawkeyes Triumph in Dual Matches

The University of Iowa wrestling team, currently ranked fourth, showcased an impressive performance on Friday night during the Journeymen Wrestling “Uncivil War” event held at Korf Gymnasium in Hannibal, Missouri. The Hawkeyes triumphed in two dual matches, first defeating Chattanooga 37-6, and then overcoming Utah Valley with a score of 33-7.

Iowa Hawkeyes Triumph in Dual Matches

Head coach Tom Brands highlighted the team’s readiness during these matches, stating, “If you are ready to score when the opportunity arises, you are going to be fine.” He noted that adjustments made between bouts led to sharper performances, particularly against Utah Valley, whom he credited as a stronger opponent than Chattanooga.

Match Against Chattanooga

The opening dual against Chattanooga saw the Hawkeyes winning eight out of ten bouts. Remarkably, they secured bonus points in seven of these matches, establishing a dominant trend early in the night.

• 125 pounds: No. 6 Dean Peterson defeated No. 18 Cooper Flynn by technical fall, 20-4.
• 133 pounds: Bryce Luna def. Joey Cruz, 4-1.
• 141 pounds: No. 9 Nasir Bailey earned a 4-1 decision over Hunter Mason.
• 149 pounds: No. 8 Ryder Block scored a technical fall against Yuta Otero, 20-5.
• 157 pounds: Victor Voinovich III won by major decision, 11-3, against Cavarius Liddie.
• 165 pounds: No. 3 Michael Caliendo pinned Tabian Camper in 1:55.
• 174 pounds: No. 4 Patrick Kennedy recorded a technical fall against Kamdyn Munro, 21-5.
• 184 pounds: Top-ranked Angelo Ferrari also achieved a technical fall against Landon Jones, 20-4.
• 197 pounds: Gabe Arnold secured a major decision, 17-4, over Kade Rule.
• 285 pounds: Ethan Vergara of Chattanooga won a decision over Easton Fleshman, 4-2.

Match Against Utah Valley

The second dual against Utah Valley witnessed a similarly strong outing from the Hawkeyes. They won eight matches again, gaining bonus points in five from these bouts.

• 125 pounds: Dean Peterson won a 7-2 decision over Bridger Ricks.
• 133 pounds: Geronimo Rivera evened the score for Utah Valley, defeating Joey Cruz, 8-3.
• 141 pounds: Nasir Bailey captured a ranked win with a 12-1 major decision over No. 17 Haiden Drury.
• 149 pounds: Ryder Block pinned Kayd Craig in just 53 seconds.
• 157 pounds: Voinovich III won against Mark Takara, 10-3.
• 165 pounds: Caliendo recorded his second pin of the night, taking down Zyon Trujillo in 1:52.
• 174 pounds: Patrick Kennedy had another strong performance, with a 20-5 technical fall over Tanner Lofthouse.
• 184 pounds: Angelo Ferrari remained undefeated, earning a 4-1 decision over Caleb Uhlenhopp.
• 197 pounds: Gabe Arnold won again, this time by a 4-2 decision over Kael Bennie.
• 285 pounds: Jack Forbes of Utah Valley defeated Easton Fleshman by major decision, 17-4.

With a total of 70 points scored across both matches and a strong focus on next-man-up mentality, the Hawkeyes displayed their depth and competitive spirit. Coach Brands emphasized the importance of every wrestler in the lineup, stating, “Whatever our best team is, we will put it together.”