Cullan Schriever drops ranked foe in season debut for Iowa men’s wrestling

IOWA CITY – University of Iowa’s Cullan Schriever endured waves of emotion.

Anger. Excitement. Optimism. Maybe even some relief after he was finally allowed to return to doing what he loves – wrestling, competing and having fun.

“It meant a lot to me,” Schriever said about his return to the starting lineup after serving a suspension connected to the gambling probe that has included multiple sports at Iowa and Iowa State University. “I’ve been through a lot these last several months.

“I got the green light, finally. Like (Iowa Coach) Tom (Brands) said, I just wanted to go capitalize on it. It really did mean a lot.”

Schriever received the nod at 133 pounds in his season debut and took advantage of the opportunity, beating 11th-ranked Angelino Rini and contributing to No. 2 Iowa’s 38-3 rout of Columbia University Friday night at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

“He’s been through hell,” said Brands, who repeated his disagreement with the way the sports wagering investigation has been handled. “He wanted the match. He made the most of it.”

Schriever was one of four 133-pounder who weighed in, which will continue until someone emerges as a clear No. 1. Schriever is definitely in that conversation and made his case to get back on the mat against the Lions.

“Schriever took a good step forward,” Brands said. “I love it.”

The junior from Mason City addressed the situation directly. Schriever said he broke rules, disagreed with the consequences and acknowledged it was something he can’t do as a student-athlete. Now, his lifelong passion has been reinstated.

“I don’t know if you want to call it a weight, but it feels like I’m free and that’s a really good feeling,” Schriever said. “I’m free and I love to compete. I love to be on the wrestling mat. I couldn’t do that before and now I can. I had a lot of fun.”

The last seven to eight months have been tough for Schriever. He noted that his entire college career hasn’t been easy but he stuck to it and has come out the other side.

“I think I’ve grown a lot,” Schriever said. “I’m honestly thankful all of this stuff happened. It made me a better person; a better wrestler and I almost feel I figured my life out a little bit throughout all the adversity.”

Schriever made his first appearance since a dual against Northwestern on Jan. 13. He posted a notable and thrilling victory. He scored a takedown 47 seconds into sudden victory-1 for a 9-6 decision.

The victory over a ranked foe provides a boost but Schriever isn’t caught up in ratings.

“The number to me doesn’t mean anything,” Schriever said. “I would be lying if I said I don’t feel better after being able to go out and do it because it has been so long, so getting it done when it matters out there, it does help with confidence.”

Rini notched the first takedown and ride out for a 3-0 lead after the first. Schriever felt Rini wither throughout the mat and maintained pressure, attacks and snaps. He tied the match with takedowns in the second and third. Schriever completed the comeback with a solid counterattack, dropping in on a shot and finishing the decisive takedown.

“Things weren’t going his way,” Brands said. “He dug himself out of a hole. There are some things you look for that are admirable qualities.”

Iowa (5-0) was offensive and aggressive against an out-manned foe. The Hawkeyes dominated the Lions (0-3) with nine wins, including seven technical falls. Iowa built a 37-3 takedown advantage and tallied 15 nearfall points without allowing any. Iowa finished with a 140-38 edge in match points.

Drake Ayala (125), top-ranked 141-pounder Real Woods, Patrick Kennedy at 174 and heavyweight Bradley Hill won by technical fall. Caleb Rathjen (149), Michael Caliendo at 165 and 197-pounder Zach Glazier scored double-digits and won by major decision.

“We have to be very steady,” Brands said. “We have to keep looking to put the best ingredients on the mat for this team. Whatever those ingredients are those are the ones that need to be on that mat.

“The charge was led by Drake Ayala. We had a guy that hasn’t been able to compete and he made the most of it. I’m damn proud of that.”

Iowa returns to action for the Soldier Salute tournament Dec. 29-30 at Xtream Arena in Coralville.

AT IOWA CITY

Iowa 38, Columbia 3

(Takedowns in parentheses)

125 pounds – Drake Ayala (I) technical fall Nick Babin, 18-3 (5,0); 133 – Cullan Schriever (I) dec. Angelino Rini, 9-6 SV-1 (3,1); 141 – Real Woods (I) technical fall Kai Owen, 17-2 (3,0); 149 – Caleb Rathjen (I) major dec. Richard Fedalen, 15-3 (4,0); 157 – Jared Franek (I) dec. Jaden Le, 9-5 (2,1); 165 – Michael Caliendo (I) major dec. Kyle Mosher, 18-5 (5,0); 174 – Patrick Kennedy (I) technical fall Garrett Bilgrave, 19-4 (6,0); 184 – Aaron Ayzerov (Col) dec. Aiden Riggins, 4-2 (1,0); 197 – Zach Glazier (I) major dec. Wehmeyer, 14-2 (4,0); Hwt. – Bradley Hill (I) technical fall Billy McChesney, 19-4 (5,0).

MEET STATISTICS

Takedowns – Iowa 37, Columbia 3. Reversals – Iowa 1, Columbia 0. Escapes – Iowa 5, Columbia 28. Nearfall points – Iowa 15, Columbia 0. Penalty points (awarded) – Iowa 3, Columbia 0. Riding-time points – Iowa 4, Columbia 1. Total match points – Iowa 140, Columbia 38. Attendance – 14,847. Officials – Jason Wedgbury, Curt Frost.

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com