Clark and Gilman battle for 125-pound spot

IOWA CITY - Two quality wrestlers, but only one open spot.

Cory Clark and Thomas Gilman don't care. They are focused on beating the best in the country, even if that means having to overcome one of them just to be a starter.

The University of Iowa red-shirt freshman are vying for the 125-pound position in the lineup, filling the big shoes left with the graduation of two-time NCAA champion Matt McDonough. Either of the nationally-ranked lightweight preps will be a suitable replacement this season.

Iowa Coach Tom Brands anticipated them being at the same weight to start their careers with the vision one would grow into a bigger class.

"They're even," Brands said at the Hawkeyes' annual media day news conference at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. "We like them both. They're a little bit different in their styles. We knew when we recruited them we had two 125-pounders, but we also knew we had two of the best kids in the country, and it wasn't an issue and it's not an issue now. It's good for us."

They have a similar reaction to the competition to be the top wrestler at 125. Both are focused on their own progress and not with each other.

"There's not a whole lot for me to say other than we both want to win a national title and we're both going to do whatever we can," Clark said. "I don't know if he's gunning to beat me or beat the whole world. I know what I'm gunning for and I'm not just focused on him. I'm wrestling to get better and improve."

Gilman said the focus is to keep pushing forward in practice and putting in the effort. Things will work out with their performances.

"I just have to keep getting in here every day and keep working hard," Gilman said. "It doesn't matter what's going on in my head, his head or Tom's head. It matters what is happening on that mat."

Brands said both are effective with the way they wrestle. Clark is a little more wide open, while Gilman is more controlled.

"Both have good skills, both are serious about wrestling, both are coachable," Brands said. "Attitudes are the same. They work hard at the sport."

Iowa senior Tony Ramos said he's trying to serve as a mentor to younger wrestlers, including Clark and Gilman.

"I work with both of them," Ramos said. "In the mornings, I work with one. I live with Clark. He's a different cat. You definitely have to keep your eye on him."

Clark, a four-time Iowa state champion at Southeast Polk, is ranked as high as fourth in preseason polls, going 20-2 at 125 and 133 during his red-shirt campaign. He garnered attention last season nearly beating McDonough in a wrestle-off and then defeating eventual NCAA champion Jesse Delgado of Illinois in the UNI Open last December. Clark is excited for his opportunity to be in the Hawkeye lineup.

"It's something I've been looking forward to," Clark said. "Now it's here and I just have to get after it and get what I want."

Whoever steps in will inherit some huge expectations, replacing McDonough. Clark is not impacted by outsiders' views, because he demands more from himself than anyone.

"Most of them are the same expectations I already have, regardless of what other people think," Clark said. "Whether people think I'm going to get beat out, fourth or first, obviously my goal is to win a national title."

Gilman was also impressive going 23-5 at 125 last season. He also earned a spot on the U.S. FILA Junior World Team at 121 pounds. His experience helped him make adjustments that are starting to feel more comfortable.

"It was amazing," said Gilman, a standout for Omaha Skutt High School. "It modified my mindset. It solidified a lot of things."

Clark had already committed to Iowa when Gilman made the decision. He was fazed by another high-caliber wrestle to battle daily, believing the Hawkeye room was the place to achieve his dream.

"It's the best place to be," Gilman said. "It doesn't matter who's here and who's not here. It's giving me the best opportunity to accomplish my goals and those are world and Olympic medals."

Gilman said he is pretty motivated and competition with Clark pushes him that much more. He doesn't mind training with Clark, even though they are fighting for the same spot.

"I try to go with him as much as possible, because he's one of the best guys in the country," Gilman said. "He's probably one of the best guys in the world. You try to go with those kind of guys."