Chiri debuts strong for Hawkeyes

MOUNT VERNON - Not many Hawkeye wrestling debuts have started as well as Jeret Chiri.

The University of Iowa sophomore received the nod at 149 pounds and made the most of the opportunity. Chiri scored a fall and a decision in his first two dual matches for the Hawkeyes, helping them to two victories Friday night at the Small Multi-Sports Center. Iowa beat University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, 47-0, and dropped the host Rams, 43-0, in front of 1,475 spectators.

“It's a great feeling,” Chiri said. “I've got an opportunity that a lot of people don't have and I'm running with it.”

Things didn't start out so well, as the Mocs' Dean Pavlou, ranked 13th in the nation by W.I.N. Magazine, scored two takedowns for a 4-1 lead. Chiri answered with his own takedown, catching Pavlou on his back with a cradle on the edge of the mat for three nearfall points for a 7-4 lead after one.

After a neutral start, Pavlou locked up an outside cradle and seemed in control until Chiri rolled through, putting Pavlou on his back and getting a fall in 3:47. Chiri was a strong cradler as a state champion at New London High School, but that didn't necessarily prepare him for being in one.

“I don't think anybody knows what to do when someone gets a cradle locked up on you,” Chiri said. “I was in desperation mode, which I should never be in, and it worked.”

The pin ignited the crowd that filled the Cornell gym. Iowa Coach Tom Brands said it was good to see Chiri produce a little electricity. The job will be to improve the basics then provide excitement at the right moment.

“We get him more basic and solid, too," Brands said, "and let that pizzazz come out when it's there."

That's been a focus in Chiri's development. He used to have more funk in his style, but that is becoming less prevalent.

“Coaches don't like so they've been working with me not to do it,” Chiri said. “Trying to get more solid and they always tell me to be a hammer, keeping them on their toes pushing them back and keeping them on their toes the whole time.”

it showed in the second match, where he beat Cornell's Jacob Schwebke, 9-4, scoring a takedown and three-point nearfall - with a cradle - in the first and adding a late reversal.

“It's his debut so good for him,” Brands said. “2-0 in his debut in a Hawkeye singlet. That's big time.”

He got is chance, primarily to an injury to Dylan Carew, who was 2-0 at the Iowa City Duals last week. Carew was at the meet, sitting on the bench in street clothes and wearing a brace on his right knee. Carew declined comment, while Brands said he doesn't know how long Carew could be sidelined.

“He's our No. 1 guy,” Brands said about Chiri. “So, we're going with him.”

Chiri echoes those sentiments.

“I'm the guy,” Chiri said. “I've got to do my best and win and work hard.”

The Hawkeyes dominated both meets, scoring 66 takedowns to their opponent's four. Iowa also held a 39-0 advantage in nearfall points. Iowa has now won its first 40 matches in dual competition this season, extending the school's record dual win streak to 65.

“We haven't been tested yet,” Brands said. “There's still unknowns. I think we have some good wrestlers.”

Gambrall survived a strong test, beating the Mocs' 16th-ranked Jason McCroskey, 4-0, at 184. Gambrall also added a technical fall over Cornell's Andrew Roberts.

Mark Ballweg (141) and Ethen Lofthouse (174) each scored a pin and technical fall in their two matches. Luke Lofthouse (197) had a major decision and pin to helped Iowa improve to 4-0.

Luke Lofthouse has gotten off to a solid start.

“A lot of energy, doing some good things,” Brands said. “He's doing a lot of good things that are more solid and basic, like driving and putting guys down.”

Luke Lofthouse's effort in the room has caught Brands' attention, and he's become a leader by example for the Hawkeyes.

“Quiet leadership,” Brands said. “He works hard. He works hard, man.”

Cornell is now 4-2. Michael Buhr scored the Rams only victory of the night, defeating UTC's Cody Hood, 6-1, at 133.

UTC (4-5) handled Cornell, 35-3, in the opener. The Mocs won nine of 10 bouts, receiving falls from 125-pounder Prescott Garner (125) and Sprigmore (197) and outscoring Cornell in nearfall points, 15-0.