No. 4 Iowa Secures 18-14 Victory Against No. 8 Iowa State in Cy-Hawk Wrestling Rivalry Dual

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ICARO Media Group
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26/11/2023 23h34

In a thrilling showdown at the Hilton Coliseum, the No. 4 ranked Iowa wrestling team emerged victorious with an 18-14 win against their arch-rival, No. 8 Iowa State. The Hawkeyes managed to extend their undefeated streak in the Cy-Hawk duals to an impressive 19 consecutive wins.

Throughout the dual, there were tense moments where it seemed like Iowa's winning streak could be broken. The Hawkeyes' renowned head coach, Tom Brands, faced some nail-biting moments as his team navigated close matchups and potential upsets.

However, the experience and coaching creativity of Brands and his team ultimately proved to be the difference. In a strategic move, they made a last-minute decision to field Patrick Kennedy, a 2023 NCAA qualifier, for his season debut at 174 pounds. Additionally, true freshman star Gabe Arnold was bumped up to 184 pounds. Both athletes delivered critical victories for the Hawkeyes, with Kennedy narrowly defeating MJ Gaitan by a score of 14-13 and Arnold securing a hard-fought 3-2 win over Will Feldkamp, his second victory against an All-American in as many weeks.

Zach Glazier sealed the win for Iowa with a gritty 7-3 victory over Julien Broderson at 197 pounds. The Hawkeyes also received crucial wins from Drake Ayala, Real Woods, and Jared Franek, though each victory was hard-earned and came with its own challenges.

Despite their defeat, Iowa State showcased their resilience and potential throughout the dual. Cyclones' wrestlers such as Evan Frost, Casey Swiderski, and Cody Chittum put forth commendable efforts but ultimately fell to their Hawkeye counterparts.

The dual marked an intense battle between two formidable wrestling programs, reflecting the rich history and tradition of the Cy-Hawk rivalry. The highly anticipated matchup was broadcasted on ESPN, making it the first regular-season dual to be featured on the channel, adding to the significance of the event.

As both teams now look ahead to the rest of the season, this Cy-Hawk dual serves as a testament to the fierce competition that awaits them on their respective paths towards the NCAA tournament. As the season progresses, both the Hawkeyes and Cyclones will undoubtedly continue to make their presence known in the wrestling world, competing for individual and team accolades.

The victory cements Iowa's standing as one of the top wrestling programs in the nation, while Iowa State's strong showing indicates their potential for success in the future. Wrestling fans can expect more exhilarating matchups and intense rivalries as the season unfolds.

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

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