Hawks’ vocal, intense style invites criticism

The University of Iowa wrestling program has its critics. Some actions have been called into question this season.

The top-ranked Hawkeyes' intense, physical and relentless style that mirrors the way head coach Tom Brands competed has been referred to as the “Iowa style” and won't be affected by outside opinion, program insiders say.

“I know that our focus is on our guys and our guys' development,” Brands said. “That's what's important.”

But Brands said emphasis is also placed on conduct, and expectations are for the Hawkeyes to be good sportsmen. “They are good sportsmen,” he said.

Iowa State Coach Kevin Jackson voiced displeasure with Iowa's demeanor on the mat after losing to Iowa in the championship meet Jan. 10 at the National Duals, alleging unspecified gestures and remarks.

“When they get out of line we address it,” Brands said. “We address it now and then we move on.”

Brands said he's aware of the demands placed on him and his wrestlers by the university.

“(Athletics Director) Gary Barta expects first-class sportsmen, first-class students, and my job is to deliver on that,” Brands said.

Transgressions get plenty of publicity but positive action can go unnoticed, such as Brands and his wrestlers devoting time to signing autographs or posing for pictures after duals.

“I think it's probably better news to put in the front page of a paper,” Iowa senior Brent Metcalf said about attention being focused on the negative.

The coaching staff's intensity takes the form of being vocal at times, and it's not rare to see one of them bouncing in place while watching wrestlers compete. That matside intensity and the Hawkeyes' approach on the mat can make them targets for critics.

“I think our style of wrestling, the style we want to wrestle with, it is open for people to criticize you just because we're aggressive,” said Metcalf, who has been at the center of controversy for shoving his opponent after losing the national title bout last season. “We don't want to wrestle like the rest of the country, which is hanging on to a lead or win and just ride a guy out. We want to put pressure on our opponent.”

Metcalf said opponents will try to incite a reaction, but it's important to focus on wrestling hard and smart. Retaliation would only add fuel to the fire, he said.

“They want to pinch, punch you and get you to punch them back,” Metcalf said, “because it's your punch that's going to be looked at.”

Metcalf has shown restraint while being on the receiving end of unsportsmanlike conduct in recent matches. The top-ranked 149-pounder had a bandage over a blackened right eye five days after being kneed in the head by Purdue's Nick Bertucci. An online video showed Bertucci delivering the blows as Metcalf tried to score a fall. Bertucci was disqualified for flagrant misconduct. Metcalf's first point Friday against Penn State's No. 5 Frank Molinaro of Penn State was a penalty point.

In addition, Oklahoma State's Alan Gelogaev was seen extending his middle finger in Carver-Hawkeye Arena after a victory at 197 in the Hawkeyes' 19-16 win over the Cowboys this month.

“The biggest thing is you're No. 1 in the country and people want to bring you down,” Metcalf said. “That's just the way it is.”