Behavior of Iowa wrestling fans in inexcusable

Iowa wrestling fans have always been feisty and dedicated. Their presence is empowering. But the line between passion and obscenity is visibly being crossed.

As I watched the Wisconsin-Iowa dual meet on TV in Oregon, I was embarrassed by the way fans reacted to a match at 149 pounds between Wisconsin’s Austin Gomez and Vince Turk. Boos were deafening and aimed at a young man who just out-wrestled our guy. Sure, Gomez was a little roused after the match and barely egged on a reaction from the crowd, but what followed from Iowa's fan base was inexcusable.

Claims on Twitter came from Gomez's parents (and videos appeared to back them up) that racial slurs were hurled at Gomez and his family along with personal attacks about his dad's weight. They sat behind the Wisconsin team to cheer on their son in one of his final college matches and should have never been subject the low blows they received. This level of disrespect is out of control and embarrassing. I started receiving texts from my fellow Oregon coaches about this behavior and I have no defense for it. Wrestling god Dan Gable put Iowa's passion for wrestling in motion. His aggressive style and tough attitude were inspiring for wrestlers and fans. It was never meant to turn them into petty, classless haters. Iowa wrestling seems proud of the "love us or hate us" attitude. I just wish we could leave out the hate. Our kids are watching. Go Hawks.

Jerod Harney

McMinnville, Ore.