Midlands can provide answers for Hawkeyes

EVANSTON, Ill. — Competition can be the differentiator as wrestlers vie for starting spots.

With a couple weights still unsettled, the University of Iowa could have some questions answered during an event that has served as a regular proving grounds.

The second-ranked Hawkeyes will compete in the 53rd Ken Kraft Midlands Championships hosted by Northwestern University at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Action begins Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. with the finals Wednesday at 8 p.m.

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'We're going to keep working on getting 165 and 141 figured out,' Iowa Coach Tom Brands said. 'We're going to keep getting everyone else better. That's the mission we're on right now.'

At 141 pounds, Topher Carton and Logan Ryan will compete as well as freshman Vince Turk, who is currently in red-shirt. Patrick Rhoads is the lone Hawkeye listed at 165. They can make their case with strong effort, resilience and successful results.

'More than anything is consistency and being able to wrestle a match consistent, and then be able to do some damage from round to round to round in a good way,' Brands said. 'Then, if something goes against you, come back from it. Be able to rebound from adversity.'

Carton (4-2) has returned from injury, wrestling in an open tournament to start the season and earning the nod against Rutgers on Dec. 10. Carton dropped a decision to Rutgers' No. 3 Anthony Ashnault. He knows how a strong showing at the Midlands can help him make a claim on the weight.

'It's a crucial steppingstone (and) springboard,' said Carton, who will make his Midlands debut. 'There's going to be a lot of highly-ranked guys there. It's a good time to make a statement and really solidify myself.'

Second-ranked Brandon Sorensen provided a strong example, placing third for the second time last season. He was contending for the spot with 2014 NCAA qualifier Brody Grothus, but took control with his performance and an untimely injury to Grothus. Sorensen built on the Midlands finish with wins over ranked foes.

'The thing is you really want to widen the gap,' Sorensen said. 'You want to prove you're the guy out there and that you're the best guy the rest of the year.

'It's not just Midlands. After that you have to take control and keep being the guy.'

Brands noted that Tony Ramos used the Midlands to win the 133 job a few years ago. Sorensen leads the way for current Hawkeyes, demonstrating the right way to train and prepare.

'Last year, he came out ready to win matches,' Carton said of Sorensen. 'He didn't come out ready to wrestle. He came ready to win matches. I think what he did last year is a good example of what needs to happen.'

One of college wrestling's top tournaments is also a good gauge for established starters. Heavyweight Sam Stoll posted a recent win over a ranked opponent and cracked national polls. He did not place at the Midlands last season and this will be his first time in a non-dual format this year.

'The interesting thing for me with Stoll is he's in the tournament,' Brands said. 'It's different from a dual meet, being able to do it again and again and again.'

Sorensen is in search of his first Midlands title. The red-shirt sophomore is one of the top contenders to reach the finals.

'I really want to win it,' Sorensen said. 'It's always been a big goal of mine. No better year than this year.'

In addition to their regular starters, Iowa will have four true freshmen wrestling unattached. Michael Kemerer (149), Cash Wilcke (184) and 197-pounder Steven Holloway will join Turk.

'We're not anticipating on taking anyone out of red-shirt,' Brands said. 'We have a good group of freshmen that this tournament will benefit them.'

Iowa will look to win its 25th Midlands team title after setting the team-points record with 189 last season. The Hawkeyes face a field that will include No. 3 North Carolina State, No. 8 Rutgers, ninth-ranked Nebraska, No. 11 Illinois and 12th-ranked Oklahoma. Iowa State and Northern Iowa return to the Midlands after a brief hiatus from the event.

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