Independence’s Straw commits to ISU

Chase Straw already has a sister on the Iowa State campus.

The Independence senior has adopted a few more brothers.

Straw confirmed he verbally committed to wrestle for Iowa State Coach Kevin Jackson and the Cyclones next year.

'Iowa State has a family type atmosphere,” Straw said. 'They'd do anything for me. That's what made me choose Iowa State.”

Jackson and an assistant visited his house after football practice Thursday night and discussed his future with the Cyclones. He was sold by the time they left.

University of Iowa and University of Minnesota were among his finalists and had trips scheduled for later this month.

'They gave me an offer I couldn't refuse,” said Straw, noting that it is a relief to make his decision and now can focus on closing his prep career with a state title. 'I decided not to take my two others visits and become a Cyclone.”

Straw is a two-time state medalist for the Mustangs, placing third each of the last two seasons. He enters his senior season with a 137-9 career mark. Straw is a two-time All-American at Junior Nationals, placing eighth in Greco-Roman last summer at Fargo, N.D.

Straw said he expects to wrestle 157 pounds and red-shirt his first year.

'I feel like when I get done with my red-shirt year I can step right into the lineup and make a big impact and be an All-American,” Straw said. 'Years after that, I can win it.”

Iowa State finished 12th at the NCAA Championships last season and was 11th in 2013. Straw is optimistic about the Cyclones returning to the top-five for the first time since getting third in 2010. He likes the talent that will surround him.

'I'm going to have all the best people in the country to work out with everyday,” Straw said. 'I'm going to have five, six, nine other All-Americans on my team that I think we can get it done.”

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