Iowa's Thomas Gilman not worried about critics

Iowa's Thomas Gilman doesn't concern himself with other people's opinions.

The Hawkeyes' 125-pound hard-nosed sparkplug is unapologetic about how he competes.

Gilman has found himself the subject of online criticism lately after reportedly pushing off an opponent to get to his feet after a win against Wisconsin at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.

'I don't worry about it,' Gilman said. 'They're soft and sensitive and that's a (characteristic) of our society. Everyone is too damn sensitive these days and I'm not going to worry about it.'

Gilman's in-your-face style has endeared him to Hawkeye fans. After his technical fall over the Badgers' Johnny Jimenez, Gilman was said to have pressed his opponent's head and face into the mat, which drew a reaction from a national online columnist who described it as 'brutish' and 'combative' behavior. He was also the focus of message board fodder.

'I'm doing the things I need to be doing,' said Gilman, who placed fourth for All-American honors in 2015. 'I'm doing the right things.

'If they want to hide behind an alias and talk crap about me then let them do it.'

Will he change his approach?

'Absolutely not,' Gilman said. 'If anything else, it makes me more ornery.'

The Hawkeyes have experienced a double standard, receiving heat for things that are overlooked when done by other programs. Gilman said he knew the black-and-gold came with critics.

'It's something I've embraced my whole life and it's something I've embraced here,' Gilman said. 'That is something that brought me to this program. We're the bad guys. I like the bad guys.'

Gilman has been impressive this season, taking a 17-0 record into Friday's dual against No. 23 Minnesota at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Gilman has six pins, five technical falls and three major decisions.

Minnesota (7-6, 3-2 Big Ten) handed Iowa its last Big Ten dual loss at CHA on Jan. 25, 2014. In that dual, Gilman, who was in the middle of competition with Cory Clark for the starting spot that season, suffered a surprising pin that helped the Gophers to a 19-15 win. The loss still resonates with Gilman.

'It's a perfect example of being fundamental against guys that you should beat up,' Gilman said. 'I'm not going to go out against a guy I should beat up and try something crazy, like I did two years ago. You have to stay fundamental, get your hands locked on a leg and put him down hard. Just wear him out, run around behind him and get that technical fall or fall.'

Iowa (13-0, 7-0) has won 19 straight conference duals.

GRAY EARNS IIAC HONOR

Luther senior Dakota Gray was recognized for a dominant performance during Saturday's Iowa Conference Duals hosted by Coe.

Gray went 3-0 at 149 pounds, recording three falls in just 5:19, and was named IIAC Athlete and Wrestler of the Week. The former Fort Madison prep has received the honor three times in his career, including in November of this season.

Gray was an NCAA qualifier last year, missing All-American status by one win, and owns a 21-5 mark this season.

TAKEDOWN CANCER

Cornell College will host the annual Takedown Cancer Clinic before the Rams' dual against rival Coe on Feb. 4 at the Small Multi-Sport Center in Mount Vernon. Proceeds from the fundraising effort will benefit the Hall-Perrine Cancer Center Hope Fund and Family Resource Center.

The clinic for pre-shool through sixth-grade wrestlers will be held from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m., featuring a talk from champion wrestler and legendary coach Dan Gable. Former University of Iowa wrestlers Tony Ramos, Matt McDonough, Brent Metcalf, Matt Fields and Pablo Ubasa are expected to be technicians.

The cost of the clinic is $20 and includes a T-shirt and admission to the dual.

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