Morningstar has good mindset

IOWA CITY - The first question posed to University of Iowa Coach Tom Brands at a schedule news conference Wednesday was about senior Ryan Morningstar.

Morningstar is recovering from an injury to his leg suffered in his final match of the Big Ten Wrestling Championships at University of Michigan's Crisler Arena on Sunday.

“He's good. In the most important place, right here,” Brands said while pointing to his head.

Morningstar underwent tests on Monday, but no information has been shared on the extent of the injury.

“It doesn't matter what the facts are about the knee,” said Brands, following with the question, “Or is it his ankle?”

Morningstar placed fourth at the Big Ten tournament, earning one of the Hawkeyes' 10 automatic bids to the NCAA Championships March 18-20 at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Neb.

In the placing match against Dan Vallimont of Penn State, Morningstar appeared to injure his leg on the edge of the mat in the waning moments. He injury defaulted the bout and was assisted from matside. He was seen on crutches later Sunday.

Reports suggest Morningstar will wrestle at the national tournament when the Hawkeyes attempt to win a third straight NCAA team title.

“He's very tough-minded,” Brands said. “Stubborn in a good way.”

Morningstar is a four-time Big Ten placewinner and a three-time national qualifier, earning All-American honors with a third-place finish at 165 in 2009. He owns a 106-38 career mark.