Iowa wrestler Aiden Riggins is undeterred as he searches for his first Big Ten win

IOWA CITY — Undersized and unselfish.

Aiden Riggins realized what the Iowa men’s wrestling team needed and embraced the opportunity to fill a hole in the starting lineup. Not even a bump to a higher weight class and nearly a 30-pound increase from his starting weight last season could deter the Hawkeyes’ redshirt freshman.

“I’ll do anything for this team but also I want to win,” Riggins said. “If I have a chance to go out there and compete for the Iowa Hawkeyes, then that’s what I’ll do. That’s why I’m here. I’m here to win.

“Whenever I have a chance to step out on the mat I’ve got to give it my all. I can’t back down from whoever it is. No matter what weight it is.”

Wins have been hard to come by but Iowa’s 184-pound starter hasn’t been discouraged by results. Riggins remains devoted to improve and produce success for the third-ranked Hawkeyes, who wrestle at Illinois on Friday (8 p.m., BTN) and Northwestern on Sunday (2 p.m., B1G+).

“If I were speaking for him, he feels good that his focus is on making him better in some of the areas he needs to focus in,” Iowa Coach Tom Brands. “At the same time, we’re not about moral victories. Just because we’re making progress doesn’t mean we’re getting our hand raised automatically. Let’s put a ‘W’ in the column. I know that’s what he’s about.”

Riggins is 9-9 overall after opening the season 6-1 at 174 pounds. He is looking for his first Big Ten Conference dual victory. The first one can be the hardest but also a springboard.

“It would, for sure, feel good,” Riggins said. “I plan on getting a couple here and winning as many as I can, going out there and competing as hard as I can. The first one is definitely going to feel good. I know it’s coming.”

Riggins was a two-time state champion for Waverly-Shell Rock. He posted a 170-4 career record as a three-time state finalist and four-time medalist. The key to transitioning to college is basic: just keep his nose to the grindstone.

“It’s been a big change from having undefeated seasons to taking a couple bumps here and there,” Riggins said. “It’s definitely not ideal. I’m not used to it but I have to change that and fix what I need to fix.”

Brands said that Riggins has maintained direction toward getting better. Riggins has stayed positive, despite being unsatisfied with the results. Sights are always fixed on what’s ahead instead of the past.

“You watch him when he comes off the mat,” Brands said. “He’s listening. He’s processing. He’s asking. He’s responding in the practice room. We have an opportunity Friday night. We have an opportunity Sunday. That’s where we go from here.”

Riggins started his college career with four matches at 157. He moved up and wrestled 165 for his lineup debut a year ago, beating Purdue’s Stoney Buell, 9-4. Riggins closed last season and began this season at 174.

Riggins posted a major decision in Iowa’s dual opener against Cal Baptist in November. He followed with a fifth-place finish at the Luther Open. With the emergence of freshman Gabe Arnold and the return of NCAA qualifier Patrick Kennedy at 174, Riggins moved to his fourth weight to help the team.

Coaches and Riggins were on the same page when it came to the move.

“Obviously, we need someone to wrestle there and step up,” Riggins said. “Also, I feel I can be the man there as long as I am doing my job and controlling what I can control, making sure I’m fixing areas where I can get better.”

Wrestling bigger bodies dictates a change in strategy. Riggins said he had a habit of diving at legs and shooting other heavier foes. The key is to create angles and using his quickness to score points. He has to be selective with his setups and attacks.

“I can’t go out and fire, fire, fire,” Riggins said. “It’s what I want to do but I have to create those opportunities. I’ve got to make my opponents do what I want them to do. It’s just me forcing my will upon them and being smart at the same time.”

Teammates have been helpful in Riggins’ progress. He trains with various partners, including former All-American Nelson Brands.

“They’re such a big help,” Riggins said. “They help you in every single area. Even if they kick your butt in practice, they’re still there to give you advice afterwards and work you through things.

“It also sucks, too, because you don’t want that to happen but sometimes you need that in order to get better. I’m definitely grateful to have them around and they’re a big help to where I need to be and success I’ve seen, so far.”

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