Brands receives three year extension..wrestling facility study

[TomKakert]

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- University of Iowa head wrestling coach Tom Brands has received a three-year contract extension, and the UI Athletics Department announced Friday it will begin exploring possibilities for a new wrestling training center. Both announcements were made by University of Iowa Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair Gary Barta.



Brands, who has won three NCAA team titles and coached 10 national champions since taking over the program in 2006, is now under contract through 2022-23.


“Tom embraces the challenges and responsibilities associated with leading the Iowa wrestling program,” Barta said. “He is committed to our philosophy of ‘Win, Graduate, Do It Right.’ There is tremendous momentum behind our wrestling program and I’m excited about the future.”


“I’m fortunate to be a part of an institution that is committed to providing a world-class experience to its student-athletes,” Brands said. “We have tremendous leadership and I thank Gary Barta, Barbara Burke, President Bruce Harreld, and the entire campus community for their continued support of the Iowa wrestling program.”



Barta also announced that the department will conduct a facility feasibility study that could lead the Hawkeyes to training grounds outside of their traditional second floor space at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, where they have trained since the building opened in 1983.



“As part of our on-going commitment to student-athletes, the department will begin a feasibility study for the potential development of a wrestling practice facility,” Barta said. “The study will allow us to evaluate our options for the continued enhancement of Iowa wrestling.”



“There is a great deal of momentum behind this project and that’s a testament to the support and vision of our fans and leadership,” Brands said. “We expect to be the best. There is no question. There is no starting point. There is no end. It's a continuous process and this is the next step in that process.”



The Iowa wrestling program has led the NCAA in attendance in each of Brands’ 11 seasons, setting the dual meet attendance record in 2015 when 42,287 watched the “Grapple on the Gridiron” inside Kinnick Stadium.



Carver-Hawkeye Arena also hosted the United States Olympic Wrestling Team Trials in 2012 and 2016 (setting an attendance record in 2012), and will host the United World Wrestling World Cup in April, 2018. The World Cup is the annual international dual meet championship that features the top eight men's freestyle wrestling teams in the world.


In 2016, The United States Olympic Committee named Iowa City one of seven “Olympic Hometowns in America.”


“Wrestling at Iowa is a lifestyle,” Brands said. “It’s practiced every day in the classroom, in the household, in the community, and on the mat. Our administration knows it. Our fans expect it. And we love it.”

 

[SPOONER]

I don't believe this post. Was told the other day nothing was happening.

 

[Czech Hawk]

Well at least you have people telling you things, right or wrong. I would be clueless living in Plainfield, IL if it were not for this board. I do have a short drive to midlands this year though.

 

[crablegs1]

What is the likelihood that this is Brands last contract at Iowa?

 

[WildTurk]

Outstanding!

 

[SPGroth]

What is the likelihood that this is Brands last contract at Iowa?

I'd guess, with Nelson coming on board, that he will be around as long as his nephew is in the program.

 

[jvclark]

What is the likelihood that this is Brands last contract at Iowa?

Feasibility study? Is that a fancy way of saying "we need to talk it over a bit, cause we may need to spend some more money on the women's rowing facilities?"

I hope its just rhetoric and all they need to do is look at a few of the other new BIG Ten facilities and then ask TnT, "what do you need and how much?"

 

[Knight563]

What is the likelihood that this is Brands last contract at Iowa?

0%

2018-2019 we're right in line for a title run.

 

[KujawaFan]

Brands should be at Iowa as long as he wants. Different playing field now than ever but I personally want Brands at the helm as long as he wants to be at Iowa.

 

[crablegs1]

0%

2018-2019 we're right in line for a title run.

Possibly. Going to be hard to unseat 4 returning champions, plus all the new top P4P recruits PSU has.

 

[LBlindHawk]

Feasibility study? Is that a fancy way of saying "we need to talk it over a bit, cause we may need to spend some more money on the women's rowing facilities?"

I hope its just rhetoric and all they need to do is look at a few of the other new BIG Ten facilities and then ask TnT, "what do you need and how much?"

A feasibilty study is part of completing your due diligence before you proceed with requesting money or asking for permission to proceed. Even if this facility is entirely donor-funded, you are still likely asking the University for use of land. The study crosses the t's and dots the i's before you get into architectual planning: How big of a facility do we need? Adaquate parking/access? What locations? Are there risks? etc.

 

[TarpHawk]

Let's see if he gets the job done with the new arsenal he's assembling before we anoint him Emperor for Life or boot him to the curb.

I'm in favor of this contract extension because we have some momentum and no viable replacement, not because he has done such a stellar job. He gets a C, and I assume he wouldn't grade himself any higher than that, since he has failed to achieve the key metric for the past 7 years. Not saying anything I wouldn't say to his face, or him to me if roles were reversed.

But this gives him some runway to get his planes off the ground without near-term distraction, and that is good. Seize the opportunity and make shit happen.

 

[LaxHawk174]

Let's see if he gets the job done with the new arsenal he's assembling before we anoint him Emperor for Life or boot him to the curb.

I'm in favor of this contract extension because we have some momentum and no viable replacement, not because he has done such a stellar job. He gets a C, and I assume he wouldn't grade himself any higher than that, since he has failed to achieve the key metric for the past 7 years. Not saying anything I wouldn't say to his face, or him to me if roles were reversed.

But this gives him some runway to get his planes off the ground without near-term distraction, and that is good. Seize the opportunity and make shit happen.

I agree, I think this is the perfect amount of time to win a title. If there hasn't been a championship in any of 2018-2019-2020-2021-2022-2023 then it's probably time to start looking for options. Regardless of how many guys PSU has backing up their starting 10, we just need to focus on ourselves and get those 1-2 more critical pieces we need to be seriously contending from 2019-2022 (or 2.5 studs per year- though I don't think they all 'have' to be top 10 p4p.. I would classify Cass as an underrated stud). Get the proper guys coached up, bring in the few critical pieces, keep strengthening the HWC, get the facility rolling, great things will come if we continue our current trajectory. I like a lot of our future head-to-heads with PSU and tOSU. I feel really good about Lee, Lugo, Warner, Cass. Marinelli and Kem will be in the mix. Young won't beat Hall but he won't roll over. If we get Hidlay he can go with Wittlake. I don't see them blowing us out at 3+ weights like they have in the past. 133 is the only obvious weakness in our future lineups. Hopefully Glynn/Stickley/Laux all step up until a stud comes aboard to fill the spot.

 

[jvclark]

A feasibilty study is part of completing your due diligence before you proceed with requesting money or asking for permission to proceed. Even if this facility is entirely donor-funded, you are still likely asking the University for use of land. The study crosses the t's and dots the i's before you get into architectual planning: How big of a facility do we need? Adaquate parking/access? What locations? Are there risks? etc.

Thanks for the definition, I knew what it was. I was joking about it.

Plus the women already have a state of the art crew house.

Joking aside now, can anyone imagine what piece of land would be a likely choice??

 

[nearfall2]

What is the likelihood that this is Brands last contract at Iowa?

Brands keeps his job until Spencer tells the administration he is the head coach or he will leave. Then a couple years later he will take the PS job.

 

[6relpparg]

Brands keeps his job until Spencer tells the administration he is the head coach or he will leave. Then a couple years later he will take the PS job.

No one would ever railroad their mentor like that and then leave!!! No one.

 

[ih8iast8]

Feasibility study? Is that a fancy way of saying "we need to talk it over a bit, cause we may need to spend some more money on the women's rowing facilities?"

I hope its just rhetoric and all they need to do is look at a few of the other new BIG Ten facilities and then ask TnT, "what do you need and how much?"

I think it is a fancy way of saying that they are obliged to blow smoke up the board of reagents pompous asses before they can start a project like this.

 

[snizhawk44]

What is the likelihood that this is Brands last contract at Iowa?

Not sure what you mean by this. Do you think he would want to go somewhere else?? If you think Iowa will want to get rid of him then maybe you should tell us who would replace him. Don't see anyone else out recruiting Carl right now.

 

[CradleKing26]

Any idea where we could place a stand alone facility? Not a lot of open space on campus, may have to venture to the edge of campus or get creative.

 

[crablegs1]

Not sure what you mean by this. Do you think he would want to go somewhere else?? If you think Iowa will want to get rid of him then maybe you should tell us who would replace him. Don't see anyone else out recruiting Carl right now.

Why do I need to replace him today? We’re talking about 5 years from now. I think the extension was good. But I also think that come 2023 if Iowa places 2-6 every year, then it might be time for him to go. I expect Iowa to win championships once or twice a decade (at least).

 

[theIowaHawk]

Feasibility study? Is that a fancy way of saying "we need to talk it over a bit, cause we may need to spend some more money on the women's rowing facilities?"

I hope its just rhetoric and all they need to do is look at a few of the other new BIG Ten facilities and then ask TnT, "what do you need and how much?"

These things are required in government.

 

[theIowaHawk]

I think it is a fancy way of saying that they are obliged to blow smoke up the board of reagents pompous asses before they can start a project like this.

I should have read down and just quoted this.

 

[theIowaHawk]

Any idea where we could place a stand alone facility? Not a lot of open space on campus, may have to venture to the edge of campus or get creative.

Next to the Hall of Fame.

 

[herkcy]

I maybe linched for this, but this gives Brands until the end of the Lee folkstyle era to bring a title back to IC. If he doesn't Iowa needs to seriously consider a change.

 

[WEH8ST8HAWK]

Any idea where we could place a stand alone facility? Not a lot of open space on campus, may have to venture to the edge of campus or get creative.

The hill, open area, Northwest(?) of Carver-Hawkeye Arena

 

[ih8iast8]

I don't understand why people feel the need to call for his ouster the day his extension is announced.

 

[24 so far]

I don't understand why people feel the need to call for his ouster the day his extension is announced.

Who is calling for his ouster? I must be missing something.

 

[SPOONER]

I think it is a fancy way of saying that they are obliged to blow smoke up the board of reagents pompous asses before they can start a project like this.

It's a fancy way of saying significant time and planning needs to go into $20M facilities placed on taxpayer property.

 

[WWDMHawkeye]

Possibly. Going to be hard to unseat 4 returning champions, plus all the new top P4P recruits PSU has.

It's going to be hard for anyone else to beat what we'll be putting on the mat, as well.

 

[WWDMHawkeye]

Thanks for the definition, I knew what it was. I was joking about it.

Plus the women already have a state of the art crew house.

Joking aside now, can anyone imagine what piece of land would be a likely choice??

My preference would be the piece of land where Carver currently sits. In other words, an addition to Carver. Otherwise, probably somewhere out west by the Hall of Fame, etc., would be my guess.

 

[WWDMHawkeye]

Brands keeps his job until Spencer tells the administration he is the head coach or he will leave. Then a couple years later he will take the PS job.

No -- we're in good shape there. Spencer wants to be an AD, so whoever's AD when he's ready for the job will look for employment elsewhere.

 

[ih8iast8]

It's a fancy way of saying significant time and planning needs to go into $20M facilities placed on taxpayer property.

I don't disagree that it's important, I just can't wrap my head around the Board of Reagents. Especially seeing as they are non-elected, government officials that have the ultimate say in the spending of taxpayer dollars. Bureaucracy at it's finest.

 

[el dub]

The hill, open area, Northwest(?) of Carver-Hawkeye Arena

Maybe Southwest toward the parking area over the tracks?

 

[bbwretler]

Next to the Hall of Fame.

No. Will be into the hill north and west of carver parking lot north of RMcD. Connected to Carver via tunnel.

 

[SmartAggressive]

Any idea where we could place a stand alone facility? Not a lot of open space on campus, may have to venture to the edge of campus or get creative.

Attached to Carver on the South/SW Side gets my vote.

First thing people see when driving by on Hawkins Drive and when walking over from the parking lot. Move the Gable statue right out front along Hawkins. Make it Prominent!

Put a lounge/lobby/ticket office/main entrance to Carver between the wrestling facility and arena (similar to what they did with the north entrance but bigger, better, bolder). Have all the NCAA and B1G trophies on display. Lots of other photos, banners, artwork, TVs, etc. I envision this lobby area being on the same level as the arena concourse, and the wrestling room being the level below. Have large glass windows that allow people to look down into the wrestling room. Install the type of windows that can be transparent or opaque so Coach Brands can block the view when needed. The wrestling room itself would be two+ stories tall to allow some natural light in from exterior windows up near the roof. The wrestling room and weight room floor would be one story below ground. The locker rooms, athletic training/recovery area, and offices would also be on this level, but they would be only one story since they would be underneath the lobby area.

Have a tunnel connecting the wrestling room to the floor level of the arena so that it can still serve as the warmup area for Hawkeye meets, BIG Tournament, Freestyle/International competions (hopefully future World Championships).

Just my two cents.

 

[lilHawkeye]

Great move by the admin. I'm not always happy with the results, but when you look at the landscape of today's wrestling scene, TNT are doing a great job. Not elite, but better than anything we would be able to bring in. No other coach would be a better fit.
That said, I'll check in again in two years and let you know how wrong/right I was.

 

[Descat1]

Great move by the admin. I'm not always happy with the results, but when you look at the landscape of today's wrestling scene, TNT are doing a great job. Not elite, but better than anything we would be able to bring in. No other coach would be a better fit.
That said, I'll check in again in two years and let you know how wrong/right I was.

I am fairly new to the board having started to post comments over the past year, but I agree that Tom and Terry are perfect for the program. The landscape is so different than in years past and in the past, we didn't have to compete with a program that had far more resources, so while I'm not saying we shouldn't have a goal of winning a national title, it's always the goal, but there are other programs now that are just as well resourced or in some instances better resourced than we are and that is a new challenge. I think our staff have responded to that challenge and in the past two years have done GREAT work on all sides of building the program--recruiting, fundraising, development of athletes etc. PSU having a $5 million dollar endowment is huge for them and provides them an enormous funding advantage. Our coaches have to run 25 fundraisers a year to get to the same funding level that the PSU endowment provides each year with no effort from the PSU coaches. So, while our staff are conducting fundraisers, the PSU staff are out recruiting. As with everything, we have to find a way to win in our new environment and I believe we will and are on the right path. I for one, love our staff, they are great people that treat the athletes right, are honest and will not bend or break rules nor do they negatively recruit. I loved Tom's robot on FLO, because the PSU coaches are always calling our guys robots. I do want to win a national title and I think we are closer than many think and when we do win and we will, our staff will have done it the right way.

 

[slushhead]

. . . the PSU coaches are always calling our guys robots . . .

Is that true? Quotes/vids?

 

[theIowaHawk]

No. Will be into the hill north and west of carver parking lot north of RMcD. Connected to Carver via tunnel.

Isn't a main complaint that there is nowhere to park? Putting it next to Carver doesn't help that.

 

[KTI]

Is that true? Quotes/vids?

100% true. I've spoken to several athletes recruited by PSU and they said they made those comments about Iowa. Why do you think Tom said that, he's heard it as well...