Nelson Brands enjoys new role as Iowa City Regina boys wrestling coach

IOWA CITY – Nelson Brands cannot pinpoint the moment he wanted to delve into coaching.

He does recall being drawn to the gratification that accompanied his close work with club wrestlers that he didn’t experience teaching clinics.

“It was always fun but I didn’t really get that enjoyment,” Brands said. “I started doing club where I see these kids get better from week to week. There is something special about that.

“Now, with a high school team, you have guys you get to see dang near every day of the week and you get to see them for an extended period of time on the weekends and Thursday, it’s just so fun. The community and camaraderie you build is special.”

Brands is in his first season as Iowa City Regina’s head coach and has led the Regals to a winning dual record and two top-five tournament finishes, following their home tournament and entering the holiday break.

“I love it,” said Brands, who has been an avid mountain climber. “I can’t say anything bad about the kids. They all work hard. They all want it. They’re all coachable. They all want to be the best version of themselves and I can’t ask for more.”

Brands had a storied career as a wrestler, winning three Class 3A state titles for Iowa City West from 2016-18. Not only was he a four-time Mississippi Valley Conference Super Meet champion but he is the lone wrestler to be voted the tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler all four years. Brands was an All-American and two-time NCAA qualifier for the University of Iowa, placing fifth in 2023.

The new role comes with a new perspective. Brands’ excitement was nearly palpable, watching the Regals progress and cheering on their personal achievements.

“Being the one in the corner instead of the one of the center is different but it’s kind of the same,” Brands said. “It’s a lot more fun because I think it is more satisfying watching my guys win than it was getting my hand raised. I’m dead serious. I’ve heard that from other coaches, too.

“It’s super fun watching and seeing the kids with a smile on their face when they hop off the mat.”

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Regina Athletics Director Taylor Hotek connected with Brands, looking for a replacement of former coach Drew Bennett, who was a Hawkeye teammate with Brands. Hotek said he was excited from the first conversion, realizing Brands’ passion for teaching life lesson through wrestling.

“He understands the culture and expectations that come with coaching at Regina,” Hotek said. “His connection to one of the most historic and successful college wrestling programs in the country is certainly helpful, but what truly makes him the right fit is who he is at heart.”

Brands has been exposed to elite coaching his entire life. He wrestled for late Hall of Fame coach Mark Reiland in high school. He wrestled for his uncle and Iowa Coach Tom Brands and his dad, Terry Brands, the Hawkeyes’ associate head coach.

They have had a strong influence on his coaching philosophy and Brands has heard the comparison to all three. He has instilled his own approach to coaching.

“Having similarities there is inherent,” Brands said. “I can’t control that. I am trying to do it my own way and make it as fun for the guys as I can.”

Reginia has about 20 wrestlers in the program. The Regals are 6-4. Hotek said athletes have responded well, even if it would have been easy to be intimidated by a young coach’s background.

“But the transition has been incredibly smooth and Nelson deserves a lot of credit for that,” Hotek said. “He took the time to build relationships with the athletes before expecting immediate buy-in. That ability to connect is something coaches can sometimes struggle with early on, but it comes very naturally to him.”

Brands has already surrounded himself with a good, young staff. Former University of Northern Iowa wrestler Kyle Biscoglia remained from last year. Tanner Schultz and Steven Dahl round out his assistants.

“Kyle is getting his residency, becoming a doctor,” Brands said. “He is in the room around these guys as much as he can be. It’s super fun to be around him.

“Schultz works hard. He’s my guy. Dahl was my training partner at Iowa for years, dragging him back from Des Moines to get him in Iowa City again was something special, too.”

Brands could have joined any high school program. He opted to take over a program that has had good individuals but not a strong overall tradition. The environment at Regina resonated him from his first steps on campus. Brands has already exceeded expectations, according to Hotek.

“Not only has he done an excellent job as a wrestling coach, but he has also stepped up in other areas by earning his substitute teaching license, assisting in the weight room, and always being willing to help wherever he is needed,” Brands said. “He does it all with a smile on his face. Nelson has truly been a blessing to our wrestling program and to Regina.”

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