Cyclones continue to endure rough season

The Iowa State Cyclones have suffered through a rough season and the postseason hasn't treated them any better.

The Cyclones posted a 2-3 mark in the first round Thursday in the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. After placing fifth in the Big 12 Conference tournament and ending the regular season with a 9-10, the Cyclones aren't expected to be a factor in the team race.

A different story exists individual with top-seeded 174-pounder Jon Reader. He is on a trek for a national title and claimed one of the wins along with Jerome Ward, seeded 11th at 197, for Iowa State. Reader improved to 35-0 entering the second round, dominating Michigan's Justin Zeerip, 13-3. Ward escaped in the final minute for a 4-3 victory over Ohio University's Erik Schuth. Chris Drouin (141), Cole Shafer (184) and heavyweight Kyle Simonson were handed opening round losses.

“Jon wrestled like he is on a mission,” Iowa State Coach Kevin Jackson said. “He was in control the entire time against a guy who is difficult to score on. Overall you can't be happy with a 2-3 record in a round.”