Video: Tom Brands talks to media during weekly interviews

IOWA CITY — Iowa Coach Tom Brands made his weekly appearance in front of media Tuesday at the Dan Gable Wrestling Complex at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Brands talked about opening the Big Ten season. Seventh-ranked Iowa is 4-0. Illinois, ranked 15th, comes in with a 1-1 record. He said the early-season conference competition is important, carrying more weight in seeding than a match at an open tournament. It's a chance to improve their individual stock against a conference foe.

Brands also addressed the progress of freshman Justin Stickley, who is making the most of his opportunity to compete.

Brands discussed how this week there were fewer 'or' listing in the lineup. The Hawkeyes introduced multiple wrestlers — sometimes three — before the 35-6 home victory over Rider last Friday.

The only 'or' is at 165 with Kaleb Young and Alex Marinelli. Illinois' Isaiah Martinez is listed, despite returning from overseas to wrestle in the U23 World Championships.

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