Massoma Endene’s long road leads to Iowa men’s wrestling lineup

IOWA CITY – Massoma Endene has traveled a long and winding road during his college wrestling career.

A journey he started as more of a passenger along for the ride, following his best friend to Iowa Lakes Community College. But, when he earned All-American honors his freshman season, he took the wheel, altered course and has been driven to be the best.

“When I was at Iowa Lakes, I was an All-American and took seventh my first year,” Endene said before the season at Iowa’s annual media day. “That’s when it really changed.

“I'm still doing it because I just like wrestling but I think my second year going up to 197 (pounds), I really started to feel more like myself, cutting less weight and just started having fun with it. I started learning new techniques that really worked for me.”

Endene was a two-time All-American and a national finalist for the Lakers, won three NCAA Division III titles at Wartburg and is the starting 197-pounder as a graduate transfer for University of Iowa.

He is expected to face fourth-ranked Mac Stout when No. 3 Iowa hosts No. 19 Pittsburgh Friday night at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

“That's a big match on Friday night,” Iowa Coach Tom Brands said. “That’s a circled, highlighted match on Friday night. That doesn't mean that you put pressure on yourself, but that's probably a highlight match when you're talking about the rankings and stuff.”

Endene has dismissed any pressure that might accompany, joining the Hawkeye program. He started the trek with modest expectations. Endene has the open road in front of him and he’s in control.

“I have my goals set, but I'm not going to allow that to weigh me down to have pressure on my back or whatever,” Endene said. “I'm doing what the coaches tell me to do, have my goals set, and I'm doing everything I can to reach those goals.”

Endene’s path is about to take another hard turn in January. He said his girlfriend, Sara, is expecting a child. The due date is Jan. 24, a day after Iowa travels to No. 5 Nebraska. He said he is excited for fatherhood and the new role has influenced his perspective.

“It’s going to be the biggest blessing of my life,” Endene said. “After wrestling done, my wrestling career could be done today and I would be content with my career but having a child nothing will beat that.

“Accolades and all that are going to go away. I’m going to have a child that looks up to me as a superhero. That’s going to be the most impactful thing in my life.”

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Endene, a member of Team USA U23 men’s freestyle World teams and Pan-American champion, was 75-1 during his career at Wartburg, winning his last 62 matches. He claimed three straight NCAA Division III titles, receiving or sharing American Rivers Conference MVP honors all three seasons.

Wartburg Coaches Eric Keller, Landon Williams and Elard Coello deserve credit for his development, according to Endene. He said Williams helped his mat wrestling, trying to get out from underneath Williams, who was a dominant rider during his competitive career. Coello worked with him the most, making himself available for workouts in the morning, afternoon and late at night.

“I've taken myself to a certain place but they were instrumental to where I am today,” said Endene, who added, “Putting so much time into us. They really cared about me on a whole different level. They were huge part to my success and Wartburg is a place that always hold a special place in my heart.”

Wartburg was special enough that he returned after he considered transferring to Wisconsin last season. It’s a good thing because he has fit in right at home with the Hawkeyes.

“Talking to (Iowa associate head coach) Terry (Brands), his faith aligns with mine and many guys on the team … and that’s something that I wanted to surround myself with,” Endene said. “The team is a family. We hang out all together and it's a great place to be.”

Stephen Buchanan won the 197 NCAA title last season for Iowa and left some giant shoes to fill but he is still training with the Hawkeye Wrestling Club. Buchanan has been an invaluable resource. Not only to train with but to help with the transition. Buchanan started his career at Wyoming, went to Oklahoma and finished with a national championship at Iowa.

“Buchanan is definitely someone I can work with,” Endene said. “Similar situation.

“We've been to a lot of different schools, so just being able to come into a program and learn how to adjust to a program is someone I can talk to, piggyback off of (him).”

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The Hawkeye wrestling room is different than anything he has experienced. Angelo Ferrari, who was named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week and moved up to No. 1 in the national rankings, is among the workout partners, presenting different styles and situations in practice.

“It's not as easy to score on people,” Endene said with a laugh. “We're in the best university. Everyone here is good. You're here for a reason. Everyone here knows how to defend legs, ride on top, (and) how to get out of the bottom.”

Doubters don’t affect Endene, ignoring anyone that questions whether his success will carry over to the D-I level. He just takes it in stride and focuses on getting better. He’ll let results do the talking.

“I really don’t say much about it and keep coming in here and working because that’s all I can do,” Endene said. “Whenever the time comes to go out there and prove myself, I’m just going to do that.”

Endene made an instant impact, winning his first matches in a black-and-gold singlet. He went 4-0 at the National Duals Invitational last weekend, pinning Missouri’s No. 15 Evan Bates in 2:20, posting a 14-4 major decision over Illinois’ Cade Lautt and clinching the win over No. 4 Oklahoma State with a 4-3 decision over No. 10 Cody Merrill. He also grabbed Iowa’s last win against Ohio State.

“He’s scoring points,” Brands said. “And we got to keep that going. We’ve got to keep a good thing going.”

The long road continues.

Comments: k.j.pilcher@thegazette.com