Today it's 'Coach Dennis'

Iowa's Daniel Dennis was on the mat Tuesday, but it wasn't the role he wanted or expected.

The Hawkeyes' senior 133-pounder is still tending to a sprained ankle suffered during practice earlier this month.

Healing hasn't progressed as fast as he would like, and a return before he's at full strength wasn't ideal.

“If it was the national tournament I'd be wrestling and at full capability,” said Dennis, planning to return for the National Duals Jan. 9-10. “It's a big tournament I'd like to be wrestling but it's not what it's all about.”

Instead of competing, Dennis was coaching some teammates wrestling unattached, including Joe Slaton and Derek St. John. Dennis said Slaton asked him and he jumped at the chance to be in his corner. What was the experience like as a coach?

“Feels like I want to be wrestling,” said Dennis. unwilling to speculate about coaching in the future. “I'm a competitor so I don't look too far ahead.”