In an exciting Big Ten showdown on Sunday, February 18, the Iowa wrestling team showcased their dominance against Wisconsin at the Carver Hawkeye Arena. The highly anticipated senior day dual featured a series of intense matches, some of which had potential ramifications for the upcoming Big Ten Championships and NCAAs.

The event kicked off at 125 lbs with a face-off between Iowa's #4 Drake Ayala and Wisconsin's #3 Eric Barnett. However, to everyone's surprise, it was Oklahoma transfer Joey Cruz who took to the mat for the Hawkeyes against Barnett. Despite Cruz's valiant efforts, Barnett emerged victorious with an 8-0 major decision, giving Wisconsin an early lead of 4-0.

At 133 lbs, Iowa's Brody Teske showed his mettle by technical falling Wisconsin's Nicolar Rivera with a score of 19-4. Teske's relentless attacks and takedowns secured a crucial victory, narrowing the gap to 4-5 in favor of Wisconsin.

The 141 lbs match was a highlight for Iowa as their #2 ranked wrestler, Real Woods, pinned Wisconsin's Felix Lettini in just 4 minutes and 35 seconds. Woods displayed exceptional skill on the mat, securing an impressive win and garnering six team points for Iowa. With this victory, Iowa surged ahead 11-4.

In the 149 lbs bout, #11 Caleb Rathjen of Iowa prevailed over Wisconsin's #15 Joe Zargo with an 8-1 decision. Rathjen's strategic counterattacks and solid riding helped him maintain control throughout the match, extending Iowa's lead to 14-4.

Continuing the Hawkeyes' dominance, #5 Jared Franek secured a major decision victory over Wisconsin's Luke Mechler at 157 lbs. Franek's lightning-fast takedowns and relentless pressure led to a convincing 17-5 win, bolstering Iowa's lead to 18-4.

At 165 lbs, #5 Dean Hamiti of Wisconsin put on a fierce battle against Iowa's #7 Michael Caliendo. In a high-scoring match filled with remarkable attacks and defense, Hamiti emerged victorious with a narrow 14-11 decision, earning Wisconsin important points. However, Iowa still maintained a comfortable lead of 18-7.

The 174 lbs match saw Iowa's #5 Patrick Kennedy overpower Cale Anderson of Wisconsin with a dominating tech fall victory. Kennedy's relentless offense and control on the mat allowed him to secure a decisive win, boosting Iowa's lead to 23-7.

In a closely contested match at 184 lbs, Iowa's Gabe Arnold managed to secure an 8-6 decision over Wisconsin's #18 Shane Liegel. Arnold's solid attacks and resolute defense earned him a hard-fought win, increasing Iowa's lead to 26-7.

Iowa's #12 ranked wrestler, Zach Glazier, further extended their lead with a commanding 13-4 major decision over Wisconsin's Josh Otto at 197 lbs. Glazier's exceptional technique and aggressive style of wrestling helped him secure the victory, pushing Iowa's lead to an imposing 30-7.

The final match of the day at 285 lbs saw Iowa's Bradley Hill dominate Gannon Rosenfeld of Wisconsin with an 11-3 major decision. Hill's powerful takedowns and control on the mat sealed the victory, concluding the dual with a resounding 33-7 triumph for Iowa.

With this dominant performance, the Iowa wrestling team showcased their strength and talent, setting the stage for a successful run in the upcoming Big Ten Championships and NCAAs. The Hawkeyes' strong lineup and exceptional performances across multiple weight classes bode well for their ambitions of securing conference and national titles.