Upper Iowa’s Hopp hopes for All-American finish

A disappointing finish fueled a fire that has burned for an entire year.

Upper Iowa's Logan Hopp has worked for another shot at All-American honors since ending last season a win short.

Hopp was the Peacocks' lone qualifier for the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships Friday at the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Mo. The opening round of the two-day event begins at 11 a.m.

The 1-2 performance at the 2014 national tournament impacted the sophomore heavyweight.

'There is something I took away from it,” Hopp said. 'I never want that feeling of being that close and not getting the job done again.”

He has been set on reaching the awards stand. Hopp said he appreciates another chance, realizing they are limited.

'You only get four cracks at it, so you have to make the most of it,” Hopp said. 'Take it all in and hopefully get the job done.”

Upper Iowa Coach Heath Grimm has seen Hopp's drive to earn a medal. He has witnessed a more consistent wrestler in competition and training.

'He's focused,” Grimm said. 'He looks good. He's healthy and I like where he's at mentally and physically.”

Hopp's resolve is why he returned to the NCAA tournament. He suffered an opening round loss at the regional meet, battling back to place third with five straight consolation wins and earning an automatic berth.

'It was an emotional roller coaster, coming back and realizing that any loss could end my season,” Hopp said. 'I've already been through that situation and I don't plan on that happening again.”

Grimm said that the circumstances caused Hopp to take the mat with a 'chip on his shoulder” and is tough to wrestle when he does.

Grimm also said Hopp is as offensive as any other heavyweight. The former New Hampton prep owns a 31-6 record, starting the season with 12 straight wins. He has seven pins, a technical fall and a major decision.

'Logan can score points with the best of them,” Hopp said. 'He wants to put up 10 or more points a match, if he can.”

Hopp said he has trained for this moment all season. He understands vying for a national title and All-American honor is special. Grimm said he likes his wrestler's chances, opening with Shorter University's Andrew Ewers (26-4) and a possible quarterfinal bout with Kutztown's defending NCAA champion Ziad Haddad (26-0).

'He's worked his tail off,” Grimm said. 'He deserves it all. We're excited for him.”

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