Top-ranked Hawkeyes host No. 2 Oklahoma State

IOWA CITY - It has all the makings for another classic dual between two of college wrestling's most storied programs.

The two top-ranked dual teams in the country with a dual unbeaten streak on the line with one having to win to keep a share of that record.

Top-ranked Iowa hosts No. 2 Oklahoma State tonight at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, beginning at 7.

With a 26-12 win over Indiana last night, Iowa extended its unbeaten streak to 84 straight duals, tying Oklahoma State's record set from 1959-66.

“The important thing is we're doing some good things to get a streak like that,” Iowa Coach Tom Brands said. “There's a lot of individual matches that are being won and that are important matches being won and there is probably a lot of bonus points in that too, so you're doing something right but what's next? That's what's important.”

Brands does not discuss the streak.

“We won't talk about it much, if at all,” Brands said. “I think the last time we mentioned it was this summer as a reason why you have a streak and that's because you guys are doing a good job and you have to keep doing a good job.”

The connection through the record is interesting. Iowa's last loss was to Oklahoma State - at Carver-Hawkeye Arena - in 2008. The closest thing to a blemish during the stretch is tying the Cowboys last year in Stillwater, Okla. Now the Cowboys are trying to snap the streak so they can preserve their tie.

“It's ironic,” Brands said. “Oklahoma State owns the record. I don't know what the number is, but every time we win a dual meet we get closer to it.”

The parity that has developed in Division I wrestling due to program funding and scholarships makes it hard for a team to be as dominant as some in the past. Brands doesn't buy that, because a team's consistent preparation can lead to prolonged success.

“I don't look at it that way,” Brands said about parity preventing another long unbeaten streak at the NCAA Division I level. “I think you get ready to wrestle every match. We say it all the time, it's old, maybe it gets old to hear, but every event is important to us and we try to win every event every time and that's not going to change.”

Iowa junior 125-pounder Matt McDonough was there in 2008 when Iowa lost and won by decision in last year's tie. The intense rivalry doesn't need anything else.

“There's always motivation,” McDonough said. “Not necessarily that it's Okie State but that they're the No. 2 team in the country right now and they're coming into Iowa City, Iowa, to knock our blocks off.”

The dual could draw almost a sellout crowd, promising a raucous atmosphere. The adrenaline will be pumping through the wrestlers, coaches, and fans.

“You get up for it,” said Brands. noting the coaches fire comes from preparing the wrestlers for competition. “The emotion is supercharged when there's double the normal crowd, and it's an important meet.”

Wrestlers desire events like tonight. The intensity and electricity generated are what they strive to be in since their youth,

“Some kids dream of playing in the Rose Bowl or games like that,” Iowa's Tony Ramos said. “Wrestlers, you don't have stuff like that. You have national championships and big dual meets and that's what this comes down to.”

What this dual might come down to is complete effort and bonus points. Producing the more balance lineup and perform can be the difference between a record being wrestled away or being locked up and shared.

“It takes every single guy doing everything right not just half the team having good matches and the other half of the team slipping up,” McDonough said. “You have to have everyone firing on all cylinders. I think that's important to get what we want out of the weekend.”

The dual features at least seven matches with two ranked wrestlers. The marquee matchup is expected to be at 133 pounds between Oklahoma State's defending NCAA champion and top-ranked Jordan Oliver (10-0) against Iowa's fourth-ranked Tony Ramos (15-1). The Hawkeye sophomore accepts the challenge ahead of him.

“I'm excited to get out there and prove that I'm still the best at 133 pounds in the country,” Ramos said. “Everyone says he's the best. Everyone says he's unbeatable, so that is a big thing. I have to knock off everyone. I have to beat everyone to be the best.”

The Hawkeyes might be short-handed. Brands said second-ranked Derek St. John will likely miss the dual against the Cowboys, but didn't rule him out completely.

“He's always a possibility because he's a tough nut,” Brands said. “He skews the curve and we love it.”

The meet also will be a showcase for former Hawkeye two-time NCAA champion and three-time finalist Brent Metcalf, who has Olympic aspirations. Metcalf will face Canada's Haislan Garcia in a 145-pound exhibition freestyle match during the dual's intermission. Former Iowa and Oklahoma State NCAA champion Steve Mocco will also participate in an exhibition match during intermission.

The dual is being promoted as a “Blackout” event, where Iowa fans are encouraged to wear black. Former Iowa wrestlers Ed and Lou Banach, Lincoln McIlravy, Randy Lewis, Joe Williams and Chuck Yagla will be special guests, signing autographs starting at 5:30 p.m. on the concourse.