Four University of Iowa Wrestlers Earn All-America Honors at NCAA Championships

In an impressive display of talent and skill, the University of Iowa's wrestling team added more accolades to their already impressive season. Real Woods, Jared Franek, Michael Caliendo, and Drake Ayala were all recognized as All-Americans at the 2024 NCAA Championships held at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Real Woods competed in the 141-pound weight class, finishing in fourth place. Throughout the tournament, Woods showcased his abilities, winning a decisive 4-0 match against Anthony Echemendia of Iowa State in the consolation semifinals. Despite a hard-fought effort, Woods fell short in the third-place match against Nebraska's Brock Hardy, losing 7-6. Nevertheless, Woods reflected on his successful collegiate career and expressed gratitude for the Iowa wrestling program and the experiences it provided.

Jared Franek competed in the 157-pound weight class and concluded the tournament in eighth place. In the consolation semifinals, Franek secured a major decision victory with an 11-2 win against Peyton Robb of Nebraska. Unfortunately, he was unable to secure victory in the seventh-place match, losing to Robb 11-2. Franek, a two-time All-American, expressed his satisfaction with the Iowa experience and the mentorship he received from noteworthy wrestlers such as Alex Marinelli, Kaleb Young, Jaydin Eierman, and Spencer Lee.

Michael Caliendo participated in the 165-pound weight class and also finished in fourth place. Caliendo began his tournament run impressively, securing a 9-2 victory against Oklahoma State's Izzak Olejnik in the consolation semifinals. However, he faced a tough challenge in the form of Missouri's top-seeded Keegan O'Toole in the third-place match, ultimately coming up short with a score of 12-8. Caliendo remarked on his experience at Iowa, expressing gratitude for the resources that played a significant role in his success.

Drake Ayala, the fourth All-American from the University of Iowa, is set to compete in the 125-pound finals against Richard Figueroa of Arizona State. As the third seed, Ayala will have a chance to add another accolade to the Iowa wrestling program's impressive season.

The NCAA Championships have showcased the exceptional talent and dedication of the University of Iowa's wrestling team. The wrestlers' performances throughout the tournament have solidified their status as some of the country's best in their respective weight classes. The finals matches will be televised live on ESPN, giving wrestling enthusiasts an opportunity to witness the remarkable skill displayed by these athletes.

As the competition comes to a close, the University of Iowa wrestlers can take pride in their hard-earned All-American honors. Their achievements serve as a testament to their dedication to the sport and the i