Optimistic Brennan Swafford continued to work for chance to step into Iowa men’s wrestling lineup

IOWA CITY — Brennan Swafford remained positive.

The redshirt senior knew he was capable of stepping into the University of Iowa men’s wrestling lineup, even when injury and aggravation occurred. His vision never blurred and he saw it to fruition.

“I’ve always believed in myself that I could do this,” Swafford said. “There have been hard times in the past where I was really close and then it was taken, and by someone who deserved it.

“I’ve tried to stay as optimistic as possible. There have been frustrations along the way but at the end of the day I think I’m at my best when I’m being optimistic and believing in myself because getting down on yourself isn’t going to get you where you need to be.”

Swafford’s winding path has led to the 184-pound spot to open the season and he was listed in the probable lineup for his Carver-Hawkeye debut against No. 19 Oregon State Sunday at noon (B1G+). The two-time NAIA champion for Graceland has wrestled in stressful and high-profile competitions, allowing him to handle the energy of a sold-out Hawkeye crowd.

“Carver is going to be very high-pressured,” Swafford said. “I’ve never wrestled in it but I don’t think it will be that be that big of a challenge for me to adjust to that because I already have a lot of experience in those types of environments. I think I will adjust pretty good.”

Swafford was a two-time state finalist and a three-time state medalist at Mediapolis, finishing with 128 career pins, which ranked 20th in state history when he graduated. He spent three seasons at Graceland, earning NAIA All-America honors with consecutive national titles in 2020 and 2021. He learned to become more coachable and increased his mental toughness with the Yellowjackets before transferring to Iowa before the 2021-22 season.

Iowa Coach Tom Brands said Swafford is a journeyman.

“He wanted to wrestle Division I,” Brands said. “He’s a Hawkeye. He’s in the twilight of his academic career. He doesn’t have to be here this year and he is here.

“All those things are great characteristics and someone that you want in your wrestling room, making you better, making the people around you better.”

Swafford was 14-7 in his first season, competing in open tournaments. Last season, he went 2-0 at the Soldier Salute in Coralville and defaulted out due to injury. Swafford underwent surgery and maintained a constant and disciplined approach to get better.

“It was a grind in a different way where I had to focus more on recovery for a while and keep my mindset in the same place as what it was,” Swafford said. “Focus on winning a national title this year. Just staying consistent is the biggest thing, coming in every day and improving.”

Swafford is an art major with aspirations in video game designing. He was an all-academic Big Ten performer last season and a member of Iowa’s Dean’s List in the spring of 2022. Academic pursuit can transfer to his athletic one.

“I think some of the creative stuff that I do helps me on the mat in a way because it helps you open your mind up a bit,” Swafford said. “Research things in a different way.”

Swafford is 6-0, including six bonus-point victories. He has two pins, two technical falls and two major decisions. He kicked off the season with a 15-4 major decision over Nathan Haas in Iowa’s 40-0 win over Cal Baptist.

“He comes from a wrestling family,” Brands said. “Probably undersold himself going to a smaller school. That’s not to say that his career and accolades aren’t distinguished, which they are, but he’s given it his all. He’s throwing his hat in the ring in the Division I circus and we love Brennan Swafford as a Hawkeye.”

Swafford could possibly be one of eight wrestlers to make their CHA debut. He expects a large group of supporters from his hometown.

“I would assume so,” Swafford said. “They’re a rowdy group, so I’m sure we will see a lot of Mepo people there.”

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