Mentally mature Stoll makes big strides

IOWA CITY — The expectations were almost as big as the 285-pounder's 6-foot-3 frame.

Sam Stoll has matured, learning by taking his lumps in the room during his red-shirt season and continuing to progress throughout his red-shirt freshman season in the Iowa lineup.

Stoll has won six straight matches and will face his highest ranked foe since losing the season opener to Oklahoma State's Austin Marsden. He will likely wrestle face sixth-ranked Billy Smith (8-2) when No. 2 Iowa hosts 11th-rated Rutgers at Carver-Hawkeye Arena Thursday, starting at 7 p.m.

Iowa Coach Tom Brands said Stoll maintains a level-headed attitude. The 20-year-old from Kasson, Minn., has become a good example of growing up the last three to four months, according to Brands.

'Just maturity,' Brands said. 'When I say maturity, I'm talking about just because I don't have my way in this room right here that I'm not walking out with my head down. If I don't have my way in this room then I have to come more ready. If I don't have my way in this room and somebody handed me my lunch, I can feel good about one thing and that is that I fought the entire day, and that is what he is doing more of, and that is maturity. Becoming a man.'

Stoll emerged from high school as a highly touted recruit, winning his second state title with his 99th consecutive victory and national record 63rd straight pin. He was the one schooling other wrestlers.

For more than a year at Iowa, the lessons have been handed out by three-time All-American Bobby Telford and Iowa assistant coach Ben Berhow, a former Minnesota heavyweight. Stoll had to keep everything in perspective.

'For the most part, it's something everyone goes through,' Stoll said. 'I think the important thing is knowing that there are going to be times where it's real hard in here. Things might not go my way, but keeping my head up and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. A lot of good things will come.'

Telford remains in the Hawkeyes' wrestling room, competing as a member of the Hawkeye Wrestling Club. He recently won multiple matches at the World Club Championships in Iran. Brands said the best way to replace Telford is to keep him connected to the program.

'Iron sharpens iron, like one man sharpens another,' Brands said. 'It's a Biblical timeless principle.

'Bobby Telford's best wrestling is ahead of him. It's a good thing for both of those guys.'

Stoll is an accomplished Greco-Roman wrestler, earning a medal at the 2013 Junior World Championships. He has successfully transitioned his skills from the Greco-Roman discipline to folkstyle, but has also expanded his repertoire.

'We've been working on it a long time,' Brands said of Stoll's leg attacks. 'It's something he can do well. It's not something he had to do well in the past.

'He's a Greco guy. In high school, I don't know how much he had to go to the legs to score. It's something that we've worked on.'

He has had opponents lock up with him and pummeled for position, including the Iowa State dual. Don't be surprised if his eyes light up when they do. They are challenging his biggest strength.

'I'm not afraid of anybody in there,' Stoll said. 'That's where I like to be. I feel comfortable in there, so I'm all for it.'

Stoll is 6-1 with four pins, forcing a disqualification of South Dakota State's Alex Macki after a fifth stall warning. He said he feels more comfortable as a starter with a few matches under his belt. Don't confuse being comfortable with complacency.

'I know it doesn't mean I can settle,' Stoll said. 'I know I still have a lot to improve on and I'm excited for that. I'm excited to see my growth throughout the season.'

Iowa (7-0, 1-0 Big Ten) and Rutgers (9-1, 0-0) boast a total of 12 ranked wrestlers. Only 125 and 133 promise a battle of two ranked wrestlers. Second-ranked Thomas Gilman (7-0) could face No. 18 Sean McCabe (6-3) in a rematch from last year's dual that Gilman won by technical fall at 125. Iowa's unbeaten No. 2 Cory Clark (133) will have 17th-rated Anthony Giraldo (7-3).

Rutgers is an improved program, receiving attention as it flirts with a top-10 ranking.

'They say they're up there,' Gilman said. 'They think they're up there. We'll see. Every match is a challenge. It doesn't matter if it's Rutgers, Penn State or Oklahoma State. Everything is a challenge. Every time I go out, there is something to prove, whether it's the No. 1 guy in the nation or a guy that is not ranked.'

l Comments: (319) 368-8679; kj.pilcher@thegazette.com