Iowa’s Drake Ayala climbs rankings after a string of tough tests, another awaits

IOWA CITY — Drake Ayala has been tested and passed.

His last four matches have been against top-20 ranked opponents, including two in the top 10, and All-America caliber competitors. Ayala won each, turning the tables on one that had his number early in his career and giving him seven wins against ranked foes this season.

“It’s cool but there is still a lot I’ve got to work on and get better at,” Ayala said. “Just keep getting better each and every day. It feels good.”

Ayala’s effort and evolution have elevated him to the top spot in three of the four major national polls, setting up another challenge with NCAA finalist Matt Ramos when Iowa hosts Purdue in a Big Ten Conference men’s wrestling dual Friday night at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

“We evaluate and look ahead then,” Iowa Coach Tom Brands said after Ayala beat Minnesota two-time All-American Patrick McKee on Monday. “We’re ready to go. Short week.”

Ramos was a national runner-up last season and surprised college wrestling with a win over Spencer Lee in the NCAA semifinals. He opened the season atop the rankings and now sits between No. 1 and No. 8, depending on the source with a 16-4 record.

Ramos is an explosive wrestler with a penchant for the big move. He can be dangerous in any position. Ayala is approaching it like any other match.

“It’s the next one on the calendar, so it’s the biggest one,” Ayala said. “I have to be ready to go. I will be.”

Ayala owns a 15-1 mark and has won nine straight matches after a one-point loss on a late takedown to Oregon State’s Branden Kaylor. He has nine bonus-point victories and leads Iowa with seven technical falls. Ayala has demonstrated command and control with each performance. He led throughout a 7-3 decision against Nebraska’s then-No. 7 ranked Caleb Smith. Ayala showed poise, allowing the first takedown and taking over the final two periods for an 8-5 win over McKee.

“I think each and every time out I’m getting better and better,” Ayala said. “I just have to keep that train rolling and keep getting better every time out.”

So, what makes the four-time Fort Dodge state champion effective on the mat? He has been strong on his feet. He has worked on his mat wrestling as well. Passion for the sport fuels his desire to be his best.

“I don’t think there’s really a magic wand or anything,” Ayala said. “I think I love wrestling and the more I’m wrestling out there and in the room, I think the better I do.”

Iowa (7-0, 2-0 Big Ten) has won 10 straight duals, dating back to last season. The Hawkeyes have won the last 34 meetings with the Boilermakers, who are 5-4 overall and 0-1 in the conference.

Redshirt freshman 157-pounder Joey Blaze is the only other Purdue wrestler ranked in the top 20. He is expected to wrestle No. 2 Jared Franek, who is coming off his first loss of the season.

Iowa heavyweight Ben Kueter is listed, along with Bradley Hill in the probable lineup. Kueter made his debut Monday against Minnesota. He defeated Bennett Tabor, 5-3.

Iowa appeared sharp against No. 6 Nebraska. The Hawkeyes managed just 12 takedowns and two nearfall (three takedowns and lone nearfall from Patrick Kennedy at 174) against the Gophers. Brands has said the Hawkeyes need to dictate the pace and action more.

“We need to widen the gap,” Brands said. “No doubt.”

Action begins at 7 and will be on BTN.

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