#3 Iowa to Host #15 Wisconsin in Highly-Anticipated Senior Day Showdown

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
16/02/2024 23h56

In a thrilling clash between two top-ranked wrestling teams, the #3 Iowa Hawkeyes are set to host the #15 Wisconsin Badgers on Senior Day at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. With both teams boasting a combined total of thirteen wrestlers in the individual rankings, this match is expected to showcase several intense ranked matchups at various weight classes.

The Hawkeyes, who have had an impressive season so far with a 10-2 overall record, will be looking to bounce back after back-to-back losses to Michigan and Penn State. Their standing in the Big Ten Conference is currently at 5-2. Meanwhile, Wisconsin has been on a hot streak, winning their last three duals against Big Ten opponents. Their conference record is 3-3, and their overall record sits at 9-4.

The all-time series heavily favors the Hawkeyes, who have emerged victorious in the last 11 encounters against the Badgers. Wisconsin's last win over Iowa dates back to the 2006-07 season. However, the Badgers will be hoping to break this streak and secure a significant upset on Sunday afternoon at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

The highly-anticipated dual will feature notable matchups, including the 125-pound bout between Iowa's #4 Drake Ayala and Wisconsin's #3 Eric Barnett. Ayala, a redshirt sophomore, has performed exceptionally well this season, with his only three losses coming by a total of five points. Barnett, a fifth-year senior and two-time All-American, comes into the match with the experience and a prior victory over Ayala.

Another compelling clash will take place at 149 pounds, where Iowa's #11 Caleb Rathjen will face off against Wisconsin's #15 Joseph Zargo. Rathjen, a local standout, has secured his place in the Hawkeye lineup impressively. Zargo, on the other hand, has already qualified for two consecutive NCAA tournaments and holds a strong 15-4 record this season.

However, the marquee matchup of the dual is expected to be at 165 pounds, featuring Iowa's #7 Michael Caliendo and Wisconsin's #5 Dean Hamiti. Caliendo, a transfer from North Dakota State, has had an impressive season with a 15-2 record. Hamiti, a true junior and two-time NCAA Championships placer, carries a remarkable 21-1 record. This match will hold significant implications for both wrestlers' NCAA seedings.

The dual, set to start at 2:00 PM ET, will be broadcasted on the BTN cable channel, and fans can also stream it on the Fox Sports App with a cable subscription to BTN. Excitement is building as fans anticipate an action-packed Senior Day showdown between these two formidable wrestling programs.

Considering the firepower and depth in the Iowa lineup, the Badgers will have a challenging task ahead of them to secure an upset victory. Nonetheless, the senior day festivities and the atmosphere at Carver-Hawkeye Arena could potentially provide the spark for an exhilarating contest between these ranked teams.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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