The Brands approach

CEDAR RAPIDS - University of Iowa wrestling coach Tom Brands won't ever be guilty of false praise.

That's not how he's wired and probably a good reason the Hawkeyes are preseason favorites to win their third straight NCAA team title.

“You're talking to a guy that my assessments aren't always positive even when maybe things are good,” Brands said Thursday before addressing the Linn-County I-Club at the Cedar Rapids Country Club along with women's basketball coach Lisa Bluder and men's basketball coach Todd Lickliter. “My assessment of things aren't always going to be a glowing review, because that's reality.”

Brands told I-Club members this year's squad has a lot of firepower, including eight seniors possibly in the lineup. That group includes seven former All-Americans.

“This year we have a lot of good things coming back,” Brands said. “They need to upgrade. I believe we're on the right track.”

The future looks strong also, according to Brands, who mentioned strong recruiting efforts have resulted in blue-chip commitments. He expects more soon.

Brands unyielding approach is based on being better each day and not relying on the accomplishments of yesterday.

“Today doesn't mean anything after it's over,” Brands said. ”It's a funny philosophy. It's a hard working philosophy. It's a philosophy not for everybody. That's why you recruit the right guys.”