Reese Larramendy is “one of the best counter wrestlers in America,” Iowa associate head coach Gary Mayabb said this week. Away from the mat, Larramendy brings leadership and a love of Russian culture to the Hawkeyes.
Iowa will be without two of its 136-pound wrestlers for the rest of its inaugural 2023-24 season.
The first weekend of wrestling tournaments in 2024 gave the Pinning Combination podcast plenty to discuss this week, from the NWCA National Duals in Cedar Falls to high school action returning around the state.
Clarissa Chun always knew Jaycee Foeller was “going to work her butt off.” Now, the Hawkeyes are reaping the rewards of the 191-pound wrestler’s work ethic and readiness.
In a season with many blowout wins, Iowa women’s wrestling showed its ability to win a nail-biter, too, as the Hawkeyes won the NWCA National Duals title.
The NWCA Multi-Divisional National Duals return to the UNI-Dome. The two-day event includes some of the top teams in NCAA Division II and III and NCAA women’s and NAIA men’s and women’s brackets. Here are a few notable items to watch this weekend in Cedar Falls.
At a time that was put up or shut up, Iowa’s Caleb Rathjen made some noise, going 5-0 and winning the 149-pound title at the second annual Soldier Salute Saturday at Xtream Arena.
Lilly Luft won a state title for Charles City at the inaugural Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union sanctioned wrestling championships held at Xtream Arena in February. Now, she’s part of Iowa in its first official season of women’s competition — the first by a Power 5 institution. Luft earned a spot in the 136-pound final of the second annual Soldier Salute.
Patrick Kennedy returned from injury and filled in at 174 pounds in Iowa men’s wrestling duals before the holiday break. He looked strong at 165, reaching the semifinals at the Soldier Salute Friday at Xtream Arena in Coralville.
Iowa women’s wrestling narrowly remained undefeated at last weekend’s Desert Duals while two more Hawkeyes qualified for next year’s U.S. Olympic trials.
Iowa women's wrestling associate head coach Gary Mayabb joins the Hawk Off The Press podcast this week to detail the program’s first season. He talks about upcoming events, wrestlers to watch, fan support, his favorite moments so far and more.
After more than six months away from competition, Spencer Lee looked strong, winning the the 125.5-pound title at the Bill Farrell Memorial International men’s freestyle tournament and qualifying for the Olympic Team Trials in April.
Along with Iowa’s No. 1 team ranking, Reese Larramendy, Marlynne Deede and Kylie Welker are ranked No. 1 in their weight classes.
College wrestling competitions are underway for men and women. The Iowa men dominated at the Luther Open, the Hawkeyes’ women’s team held its first dual at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Iowa State blanked Davidson and an NCAA and World champion went down.
The Hawkeyes women’s wrestling team went 3-0 during their inaugral home meet at Carver-Hawkeye Arena
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