University of Iowa releases 2011-12 wrestling schedule

The University of Iowa released the schedule for the upcoming 2011-12 wrestling season Monday. The Hawkeyes have seven home dates, consisting of the Iowa City Duals on Nov. 25, Illinois (Dec. 3), University of Northern Iowa (Dec. 8), Oklahoma State (Jan. 8), Northwestern (Jan. 15) and Minnesota (Jan. 29) before capping its home dual schedule with Wisconsin (Feb. 5).

Iowa, which has a 77-dual unbeaten streak, opens the season Nov. 19 at Lindenwood Open in St. Louis, Mo. The Hawkeyes will travel to Ames to face rival Iowa State on Dec. 4. They also travel to State College, Pa., for a second straight year to face the defending NCAA tournament champion Penn State Nittany Lions (Jan. 20). Iowa won there last year, 22-13.

After a year away, the Hawkeyes return the National Wrestling Coaches Association/Cliff Keen National Duals. The event underwent a format change, switching to four six-time regionals with the four regional winners competing for the team title. Iowa will compete in a regional at Ames against Iowa State, UNI, Oregon State, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin on Feb. 12. The national semifinals and finals will be held Feb. 19 at one of the four participating schools.

Iowa, which placed second at the Big Ten tournament and third at the NCAAs, will compete in the Big Ten tournament Mar. 3-4 at Purdue and the 2012 NCAA Championships at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Mo., from Mar. 15 to 17.

The Hawkeyes went 15-0-1 last season, posting its fourth straight 8-0 mark in Big Ten dual competition. 

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