Metcalf strives for first World medal

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Brent Metcalf is as brutal with his honesty as he can be with opponents on the mat.

Even if that bluntness is directed toward himself.

He has succeeded internationally, winning tournaments and capturing medals, but he admits it didn't come when it matters most. Metcalf has another opportunity to earn his first medal at the United World Wrestling's top annual event.

'It's time to go and do it,” Metcalf said. 'I'm getting to the point in my career where it's like, ‘Let's get this damn thing done.' Let's achieve the things you want to achieve.”

Metcalf will wrestle in his fourth UWW World Championships, competing in the 143-pound men's freestyle bracket Thursday at the Orleans Arena, beginning at noon (Iowa time). Metcalf is currently ranked second internationally.

The University of Iowa two-time NCAA champion and three-time national finalist was a World Team member in 2010, 2013 and 2014. He has awaited this chance since he was eliminated after going 1-1 last year in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Only a medal, more likely a title, will prevent that feeling.

'It was a big disappointment after last year's World Championships,” the Hawkeye Wrestling Club member said. 'All you can really do is get yourself in that position again and I've been fortunate enough to do that. Now, we're in the same boat where it is you've given yourself another opportunity so let's take advantage of it.”

Metcalf trained with fellow national team member Daniel Dennis and Hawkeyes Ryan Morningstar, Matt McDonough, Brandon Sorensen and Iowa freshman Vince Turk. The approach didn't change and worked to be at his prime physically.

'I feel good,” said Metcalf, the 2015 World Cup champion. 'My body is great. It's a matter now of just getting the weight down. My body is feeling good and ready to fire.

'You stay the course of what you've done and what you believe in with the philosophy you believe in.”

The focus the last year has been on honing his strengths and developing more setups. Metcalf owns impressive leg attacks, including one of the best left-handed high crotch takedowns. He also spent time improving in other positions, which has helped win gold at the Pan-Am Games, silver at the Ivan Yarygin Grand Prix and a bronze at the Grand Prix of Paris earlier this year.

'The area where I really lost it last year was the front headlock position,” Metcalf said. 'That's an area I've been very strong in … I've gotten good in that area fast and that's why I lost the match, basically.”

The World Championships return to the United States for the first time since 2003 when New York City hosted the men's freestyle competition. USA finished second in the team standings that year.

Even though he has won U.S. Open titles in Sin City, he prefers a less chaotic host. He is excited to have more hometown fans, including friends and family, with the chance to attend.

'From my point of view, it really doesn't change much because I was motivated and really wanted to win last year, too,” Metcalf said. 'There is a certain amount of pride and you have to realize that (and) embrace the fact this is your home, home crowd and home mat. If that edge helps you get to where you want to be, which is the top of that podium, then good.”

Iowa is set to host USA Wrestling Olympic Team Trials in April. Not only are personal goals at stake, but the top six qualifiers at each weight secure their nation's spot in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A strong performance will go a long way to set up next year.

'It's important for us to deliver now,” Metcalf said. 'One, because we are at home but also because we are leading into an Olympic year. There is a whole lot of great things you can do for yourself and set yourself up for that Olympic team by doing the job.”

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