Cy-Hawk Series Dual: Potential for heated, hard-fought men’s wrestling dual between Iowa, Iowa State

Drake Ayala doesn’t have any wild memories or cool stories about Iowa and Iowa State wrestling duals.

Sure, he watched many Cy-Hawk Series matches but nothing stood out to hm as an aspiring Hawkeye in Fort Dodge. Ayala certainly understands the significance of one of college wrestling’s most storied series.

“I’m an Iowa kid,” Ayala said. “There’s nothing better than this. This is what you dream of as a kid, and it’s my third one, so I’m excited.”

Third-ranked Iowa travels to No. 6 Iowa State for their 89th all-time meeting Sunday at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, beginning at noon on ESPN. The Hawkeyes have won 20 straight duals in the series, own a 19-0 record against the Cyclones under Coach Tom Brands and have won all 14 meetings since the inception of the Dan Gable Traveling Trophy.

Iowa State has one of its best lineups for a dual that could see a battle between ranked wrestlers at every weight.

“We’re getting ready for the next thing,” Brands said. “It’s getting highlighted, underlined and circled in red. And we’re getting ready.”

The Hawkeyes (5-1) will head into a heated Hilton with the Cyclones (1-0) and their fans hungry for their first Cy-Hawk win since 2004 and the first home win in the series since 2003. Ayala enjoys the challenge of an unfriendly atmosphere.

“To be completely honest with you, I love going into enemy arenas,” said Ayala, who is expected to face All-American Evan Frost at 133 pounds in one of the premier matchups. “I love it. There’s just something about who I am. It’s super fun going into a hostile environment where everybody’s cheering against you.

“It’s a pretty cool experience, whether you’re in Stillwater (Okla.), Ames or State College (Penn.).”

Iowa’s Michael Caliendo grew up in Illinois but said he was always a Hawkeye fan. He was well aware of the Cy-Hawk rivalry. Caliendo will be making his third appearance in this event, posting a 1-1 mark and facing No. 26 Connor Euton for the second straight season. He defeated Euton, 12-7, a year ago.

“It’s fun,” Caliendo said. “Everyone comes out to wrestle. Everyone’s on top of their game and the crowd is always there.”

This year’s version has many fresh faces. Transfers dot both lineups. Iowa State have Stevo Poulin (125) and Vinny Zerban (157) from Northern Colorado and 197-poundert Rocky Elam, who was a four-time All-American at Missouri. Iowa has former University of Arkansas-Little Rock duo Nasir Bailey (141) and Jordan Williams (157), Dean Peterson, a former Rutgers national qualifier at 125, and 197-pounder Massoma Endene, who was a three-time NCAA Division III champion at Wartburg in its probable lineup.

“I think they are all aware and with the media that’s put out, the back and forth, how easy it is to contact your former teammates and how much communication is shared because somebody sends me a text and then I send it to 25 of my buddies and then they send it to 25 of their buddies,” Brands said. “I don’t think the significance is lost on anybody.”

ESPN is carrying the dual live for the second time, providing a large spotlight on the sport and both programs. Time for both teams to put on a show.

“It’s reach as far and wide as it possibly can all the time,” Brands said. “We just keep doing what we do. When it’s for all the marbles on November 30 then media’s going to be interested in showcasing it. Love it.”

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com