Beatty on the mend

University of Iowa 197-pounder Chad Beatty is recovering from a foot injury suffered during his third-place match at Northwestern's 47th Annual Midlands Championships last week at Evanston, Ill.

In a phone interview last night with The Gazette, Beatty confirmed he suffered a fracture (a lisfranc fracture) and he has undergone surgery to repair the injury.

"It was a pretty significant injury," Beatty said. "Surgery went well," adding that the recovery is already starting.

Beatty was optimistic that he'd be able to return by the end of the season, likely in time for the Big Ten tournament on March 6-7 at Ann Arbor, Mich.

"I should still be able to go for March," Beatty said.

Beatty was wrestling Wisconsin's Trevor Brandvold in the third-place match when the injury occurred. Beattywas in the top position withtime winding down and owning a 6-3 lead when it appeared both wrestlers rolled over his foot. Beatty howled in pain and then laid on the mat. He was treated and then allowed to finish the bout for the 6-3 win.

"I was just scared more than anything," Beatty said about his reaction and the possibility of losing the remainder of his final season.

Beatty did take his spot on the awards stand after an Iowa trainer and a member of Northwestern's training or medical staff attended to Beatty as he sat in the hall, icing his right foot. Coach Tom Brands was nearby as they made mention of a metatarsal injury. Beatty looked disappointed, but the Hawkeye senior gained a positive outlook when hearing he'd likely be able to come back.