Hawkeye Wrestling Club sends 9 to World Team Trials

Mark Perry still is in a transition phase.

He recently just sold his home in Champaign, Ill., and is in the process of moving his wife and children to Iowa City, hoping to make their residence by July 1.

The University of Iowa two-time NCAA champion and four-time All-American is also transitioning into his role as a full-time coach for the Hawkeye Wrestling Club. He has spent time the last two weeks at the Dan Gable Wrestling Complex in Carver-Hawkeye Arena, helping HWC members prepare for the USA Wrestling World Team Trials on Friday and Saturday in Lincoln, Neb.

'I just point out little things, very minor technical things they can add in a short period of time that could potentially benefit these guys in the tournament,' Perry said. 'Some of these guys are some of the best guys on the planet. Just making sure they're aware of certain things. Those things can go a long way.

'I enjoy the technical and scouting part of the game.'

The former University of Illinois associate head coach turned heads when the move was announced. Many expected him to take over the Illini program. Perry said he wanted to make an impact and help wrestling reach its potential of becoming more mainstream. He decided that would have to happen outside of collegiate wrestling.

Perry said he has studied various clubs and countries to see what makes them successful. The aspects range from financial climates and infrastructure to technique. The HWC opportunity was presented and he decided it was his best way to elevate individuals and the sport.

'I don't claim to be the sharpest tool in the shed,' Perry said. 'I do my homework in all areas and I've seen some things in the past five years that I thought would make a big impact for those athletes or the sport as a whole. Seeing a couple of those things I was thinking about start to happen, both domestically and internationally, I had more ideas of where the sport can go.'

Fundraising has been key for the HWC to expand. Hawkeye supporters began an online campaign that raised more than $100,000. The club has also established recurring donations at www.hwcdonor.com. The moneys have allowed the HWC to grow to 12 current wrestlers.

'We're the only team with a full-time freestyle coach,' Perry said. 'That's an edge in itself and it will pay dividends.'

Right now, Perry is in Lincoln to observe and help the HWC wrestlers accomplish their goals by earning a spot on the 2017 U.S. World Team that will compete in Paris, France, in August.

Nine wrestlers will compete overall, including fourth-ranked 213-pounder Nathan Burak and No. 4 Bobby Telford (275), Chris and Nick Dardanes at 134 and 143, respectively, and Thomas Gilman at 125.5 in the senior-level tournament.

'There are several guys here we want to make a run,' Perry said. 'Obviously, you're talking about the best of the best in the United States so every round is big.'

Former Hawkeye Tony Ramos will await the challenge tournament winner in a best-of-3 series for the World Team spot, winning the U.S. Open earlier this year.

Iowa State freshman Kanen Storr and third-ranked 213-pounder and NCAA champion Kyven Gadson qualified for the field.

Former University of Northern Iowa wrestlers Joe Colon (134) and Blaize Cabell, a former Independence prep, also qualified.

l Comments: (319) 368-8679; kj.pilcher@thegazette.com