Coach Brands: 'Control what you can control'

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Iowa Coach Tom Brands contemplated a direct and thoughtful message to deliver to his wrestlers to provide the proper perspective.

If the Hawkeyes want to capture their first national team title since 2010, following his simple advice — 'control what you can control' — might offer the best chance.

'I sat alone in the dark and tried to think of something original to say to the team and that's what I said to them,' Brands said Monday while meeting with the media. 'The things that matter, matter. The things that don't matter, don't matter. It's like control what you can control.'

The Hawkeyes will need to convert the opportunities in the hands of 10 qualifiers to win the team title at the NCAA Division I tournament beginning today at Scottrade Center.

Iowa won the Midlands and was Big Ten Conference tournament co-champion. The Hawkeyes were undefeated conference dual champions and second at the National Duals. According to heavyweight Bobby Telford, the wrestlers understand what is necessary to continue that success.

'I don't know anyone that shares a message to anyone (else) on what they need to do,' Telford said. 'Everyone knows what they want, and it's time to go get it.'

Iowa has thrived when it has been offensive, but that approach has inconsistent. Brands said the philosophy to score and dominate is in place. The wrestlers talk the talk. The walk will need to be walked. Brands said the urgency to execute has to increase.

'What's the formula?' Brands asked. 'The formula is when that match is over, have you done enough to blow your opponent out of the water. If you haven't done enough, have you done enough to get your hand raised?

'I don't know if that's what it's about. It's about performing at the highest level possible that you are capable. If our guys do that, I believe in our firepower. I always have.'

This tournament is the last of the season and the last in the career for some.

'We don't have anything, right now,' Telford said. 'We don't have any national accolades or anything like that. We don't have anything to lose.'

The group of seniors — Telford, Mike Evans, Nick Moore, Mike Kelly and Josh Dziewa — are missing a national title from their Hawkeye resumes. They were red-shirts when Iowa won its last NCAA crown.

'It's time to get it done,' Telford said.

Iowa has eight seeded wrestlers, including third-seeded Cory Clark (133), Evans (174) and Telford. Freshman Brandon Sorensen (149) is fourth and Dziewa (141) is fifth. Thomas Gilman and Nathan Burak are sixth at 125 and 197, respectively.

They are not projected to have a finalist.

'The formula is to put a string of matches together at each weight,' Brands said. 'I think we have some tough customers that are geared the right way. ...

'Take care of the things you can control. Things that matter, matter and things that don't matter, don't matter. That's a pretty good philosophy, I think.'