Seeded wrestlers out

University of Iowa's Nate Moore and Iowa State University's Jerome Ward were listed as top contenders for the Midlands Championships, but neither wrestled Wednesday.

Moore, who was sixth at 133 pounds the final seedings released Tuesday night, was in the stands Wednesday. Moore said he was recovering from a bout with the flu, but had wanted to compete.

Ward, who was the No. 3 pre-seed, had recently undergone surgery to his knee. He was working out in a gym adjacent to the wrestling competition.

ISU sports information director Tom Kroeschell said Ward could have competed but decision was made not to risk further injury. Ward is expected to be fine for the Cyclones' next action, which is the National Wrestling Coaches Association/Cliff Keen National Duals on Jan. 8-9 at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls.