Jordan Williams attempts to solidify case as Iowa’s 157-pound starter

CORALVILLE – Jordan Williams embraces competition. He doesn’t shy away from it.

The University of Iowa junior admitted he’s even benefited from the challenges he faces in practice.

But don’t be fooled. Williams said he’s confident he is the Hawkeyes’ guy at 157 pounds.

“I'm trying to stamp myself (as the clear No. 1) but at the end of the day we're continuously pushing each other to get better,” Williams said. “May the best man get the spot.

“I've felt like it's always been my spot but there's nothing wrong with some competition in the room coming after you.”

Williams made a good case for himself and separated himself with his finals appearance at the Soldier Salute men’s wrestling tournament Sunday at Xtream Arena. He opened Day 2 with an 8-2 decision over Missouri’s James Conway in the semifinal, moving to 6-2 overall this season.

“I'm on a great tract on where I'm trying to get,” said Williams, an NCAA qualifier at Oklahoma State and University of Arkansas-Little Rock before transferring to Iowa for this season. “I probably haven't wrestled in maybe over a month, so right now it's about building and I feel like I'm doing a pretty good job.

“I'm happy with the way I'm wrestling, continuing to try to build my shape and get into things as the Big 10 season pops up.”

Williams, a former Big 12 Conference finalist and Pac-12 champion, has split time with Victor Voinovich III in the lineup. Voinovich was 3-2 coming into the Soldier Salute and wrestled for fifth Sunday night. Miguel Estrada, who started part of last season due to injury, could play a role as well, but Williams is undeterred.

“Competition is great for everyone,” Williams said. “We all have the same thing in mind. Just like another person competing at the spot, it is probably making me do better than what I'm doing now.”

Williams wrestled at 149 each of his three college seasons. He has acclimated to larger weight. Not only did he have to bulk up but he had to adjust mentally to facing stronger foes.

Williams has explosiveness and quickness but he is learning how to position his body and control it.

“Now, I'm starting to learn how to maneuver my way and get angles,” said Williams, who has three pins including two Saturday to start the tournament. “Really use my speed.”

Williams, Voinovich, Nasir Bailey (141) and Gabe Arnold at 174 are the only Hawkeyes with multiple starts in the field. The Big Ten dual season begins Friday. Williams is prepared for the quick turnaround and is eager to be a consistent presence in the lineup.

“I'm excited,” Williams said. “I love wrestling. I'm happy I get to do this, so I'll be ready for it.”

Arnold joined Williams in the championship bouts. He made his season debut at 174 and defeated University of Northern Iowa’s Izzy Moreno, 8-1, in the semifinal. He posted two technical falls and outscored his first three opponents, 40-5.

Iowa’s Kale Petersen (141) and Kael Voinovich (149) wrestled for third, while Victor Voinovich and Harvey Ludington (197) reached the fifth-place matches Sunday night. Keyan Hernandez placed seventh at 125, beating teammate Joey Cruz, 8-5, in the final round. Tyrel Miller was eighth at 184 for Iowa.

UNI had five placewinners. Former Union Community preps Jack Thomsen (165) and Jace Hedeman (133) earned medals. Thomsen wrestled in the third-place match and Hedeman was eighth.

Izzy Moreno wrestled for third at 174 and Bowen Downey was in the top six at 125. Max Brady (141) placed seventh.

Iowa State’s Osmany Diversent secured a top-six finish and teammate Carter Pearson was seventh at 133. Melton Powe (174) was eighth.

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