Angelo Ferrari and the Hawkeyes look to end Penn State 78-dual win streak

IOWA CITY – Angelo Ferrari is cool, comfortable and confident.

Whether he is thrust into a big-time bout against a highly-ranked All-American foe, scrambling in a match-deciding flurry or answering questions from media, University of Iowa’s redshirt freshman remains calm and collected.

Ferrari seems like a natural in any instance on or off the mat.

“I think I’m ready for any moment that I’m put in,” Ferrari said. “The more pressure the better I wrestle, I feel like, so the longer, the closer, the dual the better I wrestle.”

Ferrari and fourth-ranked Iowa will face a tough test Friday against No. 1 Penn State at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, beginning at 6 p.m. The Nittany Lions (7-0, 1-0 Big Ten) own an NCAA record 78-dual win streak and has won four straight against the Hawkeyes (8-2, 1-0).

“Just like any dual in Carver, it’s going to be exciting and I can’t wait,” said Iowa’s top-ranked 184-pounder, who is expected to face No. 4 Rocco Welsh. “I’ve got a great opponent, so looking forward to it.”

Ferrari joined the Hawkeyes with hefty expectations as the No. 1 pound-for-pound recruit in the nation of the Class of 2024. He was thrust into the lineup for a handful of matches last season, including the Penn State dual against five-time NCAA champion Carter Starocci.

He lost a 3-1 decision in front of a large loud crowd but proved he could compete with anyone.

“It was a fun experience,” Ferrari said. “Obviously, there is a fire under me this time to go out there, put up some points and get some takedowns.”

In that first season, Ferrari recorded notable wins at the Soldier Salute and in duals against Iowa State and Oklahoma State, including a sudden-victory decision over All-American Dustin Plott.

“Last year, the way the rules are, he’s stepped up big a couple different times,” Iowa Coach Tom Brands said. “It was more than a couple times, so when you’re stepping up big sometimes, you’re getting responsibility that you may not have thought you’d get and sometimes you have to embrace that responsibility, even if you’re not comfortable with it.

“I would say he’s embraced it great because he’s still doing what he needs to do to prepare every day. He loves the (wrestling) mat.”

The wrestling mat, especially in the Iowa wrestling room, is where Ferrari has honed the confidence that has served him well in the tensest scenarios. All of the drills, repetitions, the situations and battles in practice has made any foe and circumstance manageable.

NCAA champion Stephen Buchanan has been a regular partner, even though not as much this season since Buchanan is no longer a 197-pounder. Ferrari also praised teammates Michael Caliendo, Patrick Kennedy and Gabe Arnold for pushing him.

“I have such great partners,” Ferrari said. “I have scrambles like that with Buchanan every day. He puts me in those types of positions where he’s coming at me and it’s just crazy positions like that prepares me for when I am out on the mat.”

With established and accomplished upper classmen like Caliendo, Kennedy and Drake Ayala, Ferrari doesn’t have to be a vocal leader, though he will probably transition into that role. He certainly has adopted a leader by example, punching the clock and letting his work do the talking.

“You talk about being the first guy in, last one to leave (and) that type of thing,” Brands said. “He exhibits that. He gets done what he needs to get done. … What matters is he’s doing the work that’s required. His commitment level is top notch.”

Iowa fans have taken a liking to Ferrari. He has already captured the respect of other wrestlers and coaches. Ferrari’s personality and competitive nature have built a strong bond with teammates.

“The fact is he’s a real popular guy in that locker room,” Brands said. “Our guys love him. There are good relationships there.”

Ferrari owns a 9-0 record with five wins over ranked opponents. All but one of those ranked victories came against top-10 foes. He is focused on doing his job for the team and that is to score and win.

Ferrari has confidence to do it consistently because of his own high goals.

“I hold myself to a higher standard than anybody else holds me to,” said Ferrari, who was a three-time Oklahoma state champion in high school. “I expect to go out there and put up points, and if I don’t, then I’m disappointed in myself. I know what I am capable of.”

Comments: k.j.pilcher@thegazette.com