Relaxed and healthy Burak starts strong

IOWA CITY — Nathan Burak paced in the tunnel and slightly drilled moves from his feet.

As important as his physical preparation, it may not be as critical to his success as the mental routine. After all, a loose Burak is the best Burak.

'I tell myself to relax,' University of Iowa's 197-pound senior said. 'I focus on my offense, where I'm good. A lot of positive self talk. I've trained hard. I'm strong. Just a lot of positive self-talk and imagery.'

Burak went 4-0 Friday, including a 21-5 technical fall of Garrett Wesneski in the second-ranked Hawkeyes' 36-9 victory over Maryland at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa also blanked Grand Canyon (Ariz.) University, Iowa Central and Cornell at the Iowa City Duals.

Burak improved to 5-0 this season, adding a major decision and ending the day with consecutive first-period pins against Iowa Central and Cornell. He has battled early season injuries the last two seasons, wrestling just once before late December during that time.

'This is the first time he was healthy in the preseason,' Iowa Coach Tom Brands said. 'We needed that with our schedule, meaning he was going to be with us from the get-go. That's important. It makes our lineup stronger.'

Burak dismissed the idea his health was a factor in his soring ability in the past. He said he still knew how to score despite ailments. Burak has to trust his ability and execution in competition.

He scored eight takedowns against Wesneski and six in a 15-7 victory over Grand Canyon's Austin Gaun.

'I'm getting better at it, but you can kind of see my second match was a little too rushed,' said Burak, noting that he also recites Bible verses to calm himself before matches when needed. 'I was a little too tense, instead of being relaxed and letting my offense develop a little bit more.'

Brands said Burak is at his best when he's smooth and flowing. The two-time All-American will have to establish that to accomplish his goals, which is a Big Ten title and NCAA championship.

'I'm looking at Burak more like there are some things undone a little bit,' Brands said. 'I think he is on mission in the right way. Relax and wrestle.'

Burak was one of six Hawkeyes who were 4-0. Thomas Gilman (125), 133-pounder Cory Clark, Brandon Sorensen (149), 174-pounder Alex Meyer and Sam Brooks were undefeated Friday, combining for 11 pins, four technical falls and six major decisions. Iowa posted a 37-3 overall match record. Red-shirt freshman heavyweight Sam Stoll had three falls and won by forfeit.

'There are two reasons why you do this,' Brands said. 'The veterans can get their feet wet a little bit more. You get a bunch of matches in and that's good. It's good to wrestle.

'The second reason you do it is to see where your young guys are. You can learn a lot from your young guys. Reminders come out that it's not easy when you're wrestling competition that people from the outside looking in might think might be easy. It's not easy. Pace and staying sharp, doing things that are ahead of where your opponent thinks they're going to come from. You're one step ahead of your opponent because of how you warm up and how you approach your competition. Those types of things are reinforced in a day like (Friday). Very valuable from where I sit.'

Former Cedar Rapids Prairie prep Skyler St. John saw his first action this season, beating Iowa Central's Stephon Gray, 20-10. He is vying for the 157-pound spot with Edwin Cooper. He had seven takedowns, building a 9-4 lead at the end of the first.

'It's something we practice in the room,' said St. John, who is the brother of former Iowa four-time All-American and NCAA champ Derek St. John. 'I just have to keep doing it every day and whatever happens happens.'

Brands said St. John has overcome injury. He can build on this victory.

'He's got to work on his shape,' Brands said. 'There's no doubt. Mind and shape.'

Patrick Rhoads and Burke Paddock split time at 165. Paddock went 1-1, losing by decision to Maryland's Brendan Burnham. Rhoads, who lost to Oklahoma State champion Alex Dieringer in the opener, won both of his matches. He scored 20 points in a technical fall against Grand Canyon and scored 15 points before pinning Cornell's Michael Maksimovic.

Rhoads doesn't consider his bout as a tryout.

'I see it as doing the best I can every time out, putting as many points as I can on the board,' Rhoads said. 'I just want to put on a performance and showcase my ability to the fans.'

Brands declared the competition at 165 a dead heat at this time. Rhoads proved he can be offensive, but will have to do it against higher caliber foes.

'He showed he can score a lot of points,' Brands said. 'We need to see that against Dieringer.'

Brands said he learned a lot about his competitors at 141, 157 and 165. He said some things may be ironing themselves out.

'We have to get a lineup together,' Brands said.

Cornell won its opening dual. The Rams topped Iowa Central, 32-9, receiving pins from Scott Smith (125) and heavyweight Eric Tucker. Phillip Opelt (133) and Josh Martin (141) added major decisions. Cornell lost to Grand Canyon, 28-6, getting victories from Martin and Maksimiovic.

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