Iowa Hawkeyes start Big Ten wrestling season at Purdue

Iowa begins a busy stretch of its early schedule.

The competition is expected to be a little tougher.

The third-ranked Hawkeyes open Big Ten action Sunday against Purdue, traveling to Holloway Gymnasium in West Lafayette, Ind., beginning at noon. The dual is Iowa's first against an NCAA Division I foe and kicks off a two-week span that includes meets at South Dakota State and at home against Iowa State.

'Every competition is important, so you look at our schedule and there is a reason why we do things,' Iowa Coach Tom Brands said. 'The biggest thing about this coming weekend is that we have to have urgency. We have to have our feet moving or we get hurt, beat or scored on.

'That's true in any match, but because the competition is getting maybe ratcheted up a bit we have to ratchet it up a lot of bit. It's that simple.'

Purdue is 4-1 so far, but doesn't have a wrestler in its probable lineup ranked nationally by trackwrestling.com. The opponent's credentials never matter to senior two-time All-American and returning NCAA finalist Thomas Gilman. He is always looking for bigger and better opponents and plans to treat them all alike.

'The way I'm training now, the way I've been training and the way I'm wrestling now I don't see any stiffer competition,' the top-ranked 125-pounder said. 'It might take me a little bit longer, it might take a little more energy or effort, but the outcome will be the same.'

The Hawkeyes (2-0) have four redshirt freshmen who could make their conference debut. Eighth-ranked 157-pounder Michael Kemerer, Joey Gunther (165), Cash Wilcke at 197 and heavyweight Steven Holloway are listed in the probable lineup. Wilcke, a two-time state champ for OA-BCIG, is 6-0 and will likely face freshman Christian Brunner, who is tied for the Purdue lead with 12 victories.

'I'm looking forward to it,' Wilcke said. 'Watched film on the kid. Definitely think I can get a win here. That is what you think every match, though.'

Wilcke said he eliminated some nerves at the Iowa City Duals, but likes his conditioning late in contests. He has also learned that he can open up and be more offensive early in his bouts.

'I don't have to wait until the end,' said Wilcke, who has a pin, technical fall and two major decisions. 'Just loosen up.

'I can wrestle free and loose the whole match and put it on them at the end as well.'

Holloway is 4-1, filling in for Sam Stoll, who is working his way back from knee surgery after last season. Stoll is on the probably lineup, even though it is doubtful to see him so soon. Brands said they are aggressive with rehab but don't rush wrestlers back into action.

'Stoll is day-to-day,' Brands said. 'He is tough and he is ready. He is progressing very well.'

Stoll said he has been working on his stamina ever since he could begin biking in the summer. He said he feels things improving each time on the mat. Communication has Brands and Stoll on the same page about a return to competition.

'I feel pretty good,' Stoll said. 'Obviously, there is a difference between bike conditioning and wrestling.'

Holloway has moved up from 197 a year ago. Stoll said they get along well and will give some occasional advice.

'Tough kid,' Stoll said of Holloway. 'He wants to get out there and win. He's probably no having as much success as he wants to right now, but I think he believes in the people he has around him.'

The Hawkeyes have had their way with the competition so far. Dominance can continue, but they will have to work harder for bonus points.

'We have to wrestle all three periods,' Brands said. 'We have to wrestle in all three positions and those are things that are cliche and all coaches say it and that's a pretty good universal philosophy, but they're all true.

'If you can do that I just described ...

against the best competition you have a pretty dang good team. That is what we're aspiring to.'

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