Prairie Hawks open practice with former Iowa Hawkeye Brent Metcalf as an assistant

CEDAR RAPIDS — Brent Metcalf aspired to be a coach.

The two-time NCAA champion and three-time national finalist for the University of Iowa said he didn't know when and where he would move from competing to coaching. The time came sooner than later.

Metcalf seemed comfortable and content in the Cedar Rapids Prairie wrestling room Monday for the first official day of practice for prep wrestling programs across the state. Metcalf will serve as an assistant for the Hawks this season.

'Being a coach was a natural transition for me,' said Metcalf, who will be the full-time national freestyle developmental coach with USA Wrestling in May. 'I didn't about what level I wanted to do it.'

Prairie Coach Kane Thompson said the program needed an assistant coach and a mutual friend connected the two. The two talked during the summer and it seemed like a good fit for both parties.

'He's an unbelievable person,' Thompson said. 'He's all business, but he's also funny. He's perfect to handle any level of guys.'

He has already made an impact on the Prairie wrestlers. Prairie sophomore Conrad Braswell, who placed fourth at 106 pounds in the 2016 3A state tournament, said Metcalf emphasizes the mental aspects of the sport, including breaking opponents.

'It's great to have him on our team,' Braswell said. 'He's great at motivating guys to be the best they can be. He's great at helping guys reach their potential.'

Metcalf worked numerous camps and clinics, sharing his passion of the sport. He is much more invested as a coach than he could be as a clinician.

'The biggest difference is the relationships and development of multiple athletes compared to having your hands on an athlete for a few hours for a day,' said Metcalf, noting he has been able to build a strong bond with about one-third of the Hawks already. 'This sport is about developing good young men so you get a lot out of that, too.'

The wrestlers are well aware of Metcalf's credentials. Many of them aspired to be like the four-time U.S. Senior Freestyle World Team member (2010, 2013, 2014, 2015) and member of six consecutive U.S. National teams (2010-16) as a member of the Hawkeye Wrestling Club. Thompson said he shares a lot of technique, experience as an elite competitor and how to train.

'He adds a wealth of knowledge,' Thompson said. 'He loves being here and helping.

'I feel like the luckiest guy to be able to learn from him. I hope he can learn a little from us and take that with him.'

Metcalf will fulfill some duties with USA Wrestling on a part-time basis from now until spring. He will be working with members of the cadet national team and assist with senior-level competitors. As of now, his own wrestling career is on the back burner, but he never ruled out a return.

'It's halted for now,' Metcalf said. 'After the (Olympic) trials, I decided I'd be shut down the rest of the year or maybe two. Then, we'll see.'

He steps into a program that is coming off a seventh-place finish at the 3A traditional state tournament. The Hawks return four with state experience, including Trent Wennermark, Morgan Hood and Alex Heisdorffer. Prairie was fifth at the state duals and has won four straight Mississippi Valley Conference Super meet team titles.

The Hawks' focus is on the B through Y in the days from now to February's state tournament.

'If we work at the process, we should be ready at the right time,' Thompson said. 'We know the expectations. We work every day to get from A to Z.'

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