My thoughts on the season and next year by weight

[Twoooooooo]

125- Lee, showed even when not close to 100% he is still the man in charge when the stakes are at the highest. Look for a repeat next year if he doesn't redshirt.
133-ADS, was skeptical at first when the transfer was announced due to last years nationals. TnT really took him under their wings and matured him and calmed the storm that's inside him. I look for him to move up possibly a spot or two on the podium, this weight is brutal! But he is in the right room to take that next step and add to his arsenal in neutral.
141-Murin, at the beginning of the season I was on the fence with how he would perform. To be honest, even with his shortcomings on bottom I was pulling for Turk to man the spot (sorry @el dub). He really impressed me how he developed throughout the season! Look for him to AA next year on the low end. The biggest question is, does JRent take the spot as I see him placing about the same.
149-Lugo, started off kinda sluggish this year but ended up an AA. One of the more frustrating guys to watch on the team. Wish he would pull the trigger more often! Kinda hard to score points when you don't shoot!! I understand he is short for the weight class, which probably leads to him being a little tentative. Make up for that short coming with a never ending motor ala ADS. As of right now I pencil him in at 6th being his peak.
157-Young, what a great tourney especially showing he does have an offense! I feel he has definitely figured out Deakin! Next year I pick him to be in the finals. For right now my hopes are that Nelson places at worlds and qualifies for Olympic redshirt.
165-the Bull, head scratcher for me as in when it comes to nationals he stumbles hard. Yes I get he didn't have the best draw for a number 1 in brutal class. Upsets happen. What bothers me is how he responds. 2 years in a row the stumble happens and he seems disinterested. Until he proves to me other wise (I know my opinion means squat) I see him in the 3-6 range.
174- Kem dog, I hope he is fully healthy especially being up 2 weight classes. For now I put him at 2-3 depending on what Zahid does with his brother being back. Look forward to seeing back out there is he is fun to watch!
184-Cash, decent season running into to tough outs at nationals this year. Another I wish would getting to his offense more as I think he is capable of scoring more points from his feet. I put him at 3-6 next year. 1 being the weight really clears out, and 2 it's his last shot at being an AA
197-Warner, great showing for a freshman even with the brain farts and some gassing issues. This off season get in the weight room!!! Has the potential to be a high AA and a possible finalist if he gets strength needed at the weight and some mental issues in check.
HWT-Cass, Stoll thank you for efforts this year, with the bad wheels and all. It will always be what could've been when thinking back about him in the future. At this point I am putting Cass in the R-12. Freshman coming in at HWT placing high their first year can rarity. Look at the stud at Sota who a lot penciled him in as a 4-timer out of the gate. I look forward to hopefully seeing some pins at this weight for us next year.
Coaches-please please please keep evolving. The style and recruiting needs to keep up with the others or we could fall further behind. I honestly feel we need to employ a sports psychologist. I see too many guys seem like they have a mental problem when it comes to big matches. I would rather see a guy let it all hang out and get beat by 5 or 6 than see the stiff as a board lose it in the final seconds because he doesn't want to make 1mistake! I look forward to next season being the year we get #24 in our possession. I also look forward to the know it alls disappearing til the post season next year. Cheers and take care to my Hawkeye brethren!!

 

[Vallholl]

125- Lee, showed even when not close to 100% he is still the man in charge when the stakes are at the highest. Look for a repeat next year if he doesn't redshirt.
133-ADS, was skeptical at first when the transfer was announced due to last years nationals. TnT really took him under their wings and matured him and calmed the storm that's inside him. I look for him to move up possibly a spot or two on the podium, this weight is brutal! But he is in the right room to take that next step and add to his arsenal in neutral.
141-Murin, at the beginning of the season I was on the fence with how he would perform. To be honest, even with his shortcomings on bottom I was pulling for Turk to man the spot (sorry @el dub). He really impressed me how he developed throughout the season! Look for him to AA next year on the low end. The biggest question is, does JRent take the spot as I see him placing about the same.
149-Lugo, started off kinda sluggish this year but ended up an AA. One of the more frustrating guys to watch on the team. Wish he would pull the trigger more often! Kinda hard to score points when you don't shoot!! I understand he is short for the weight class, which probably leads to him being a little tentative. Make up for that short coming with a never ending motor ala ADS. As of right now I pencil him in at 6th being his peak.
157-Young, what a great tourney especially showing he does have an offense! I feel he has definitely figured out Deakin! Next year I pick him to be in the finals. For right now my hopes are that Nelson places at worlds and qualifies for Olympic redshirt.
165-the Bull, head scratcher for me as in when it comes to nationals he stumbles hard. Yes I get he didn't have the best draw for a number 1 in brutal class. Upsets happen. What bothers me is how he responds. 2 years in a row the stumble happens and he seems disinterested. Until he proves to me other wise (I know my opinion means squat) I see him in the 3-6 range.
174- Kem dog, I hope he is fully healthy especially being up 2 weight classes. For now I put him at 2-3 depending on what Zahid does with his brother being back. Look forward to seeing back out there is he is fun to watch!
184-Cash, decent season running into to tough outs at nationals this year. Another I wish would getting to his offense more as I think he is capable of scoring more points from his feet. I put him at 3-6 next year. 1 being the weight really clears out, and 2 it's his last shot at being an AA
197-Warner, great showing for a freshman even with the brain farts and some gassing issues. This off season get in the weight room!!! Has the potential to be a high AA and a possible finalist if he gets strength needed at the weight and some mental issues in check.
HWT-Cass, Stoll thank you for efforts this year, with the bad wheels and all. It will always be what could've been when thinking back about him in the future. At this point I am putting Cass in the R-12. Freshman coming in at HWT placing high their first year can rarity. Look at the stud at Sota who a lot penciled him in as a 4-timer out of the gate. I look forward to hopefully seeing some pins at this weight for us next year.
Coaches-please please please keep evolving. The style and recruiting needs to keep up with the others or we could fall further behind. I honestly feel we need to employ a sports psychologist. I see too many guys seem like they have a mental problem when it comes to big matches. I would rather see a guy let it all hang out and get beat by 5 or 6 than see the stiff as a board lose it in the final seconds because he doesn't want to make 1mistake! I look forward to next season being the year we get #24 in our possession. I also look forward to the know it alls disappearing til the post season next year. Cheers and take care to my Hawkeye brethren!!

Thanks for the write up.

Wondering about olympic redshirt years, if Lee shirts then Cashman goes. If Lee shirts would it be easier for DeSanto to redshirt (so Renteria has 133) ? Would love to see Renteria in a black/gold singlet.

Transfers?
Weight changes?
Redshirts?

 

[ih8iast8]

The Bull got beat by the #1 & #3 finishers & won his final match. I am not entirely convinced he was disinterested. I think he got shocked by Lewis, as did everyone else. Maybe it goes to show that you never underestimate anyone. Ironside also said one of the hardest Sessions to wrestle & get motivated for is Friday morning.

 

[pumpdog20]

125 - what a stud. Clearly hasn't been 100% at either NCAAs and has dominated both anyways. Clearly has peaked as far as placement.
133 - ADS was a great addition. Will always be a fan favorite with his in your face style. I think he's probably peaked his placement value (with maybe potential for a spot or two higher). Let's hope he's able to add to his offensive arsenal and prove me wrong.
141 - Nice finish to the year for Murin, who's only a freshman (remember when freshman needed time to develop?). If Renteria is able to beat him out for the spot, then that means Renteria is for real. For Murin, I hope he doesn't fall in the Wilcke category of having the potential but doesn't ever realize it. I personally think he's in for a Young type of improvement next March.
149 - A nice AA pickup. With having no knowledge of Lugo's physiology, I like to see him try to drop down. Unfortunately, low AA is probably his peak given how short he is compared to the top guys at 149.
157 - Wow, what a finish by Young, and now he's a potential finalist coming into next year. 2-3, depending on what side of the bracket he's on in regards to Hidlay, is his peak.
165 - A tough year personally for the Bull, but he's a tough dude and a great ambassador for the program. His peak is clearly as a champion, but until proven otherwise, he's a mid level AA
174 - Many props to Bowman for representing the team well, and always above himself. As for Kem, who knows. A great talent at 157, but up two weight classes it's hard to know. Right now, he's a peak 3-5 type when healthy.
184 - Wilcke is always going to give his all. I think a lot of people get down on him, because they think he has more to give. Personally, I think Cash peaks his talent and fringe AA is what he is. Him being the so called weak weight next year only tells you how tough top to bottom the team will be.
197 - A good season for Warner, even if expectations were a little higher (remember when AA as a freshman was very good?). If he commits to S&C, he will be a beast and championship is his peak. Tom made mention of a shoulder injury, I wonder if that's what kept Warner from being serious with S&C, and he got by simply on wrestling talent. If so, watch out for next year.
HWT - Stoll was a great ambassador for Iowa wrestling, and getting a couple of wins this weekend was a nice surprise. Mid AA was always his peak as he just wasn't athletic enough to beat the smaller heavys. Cass coming in will be fun to watch. Finalist is his peak, but I see a Warner type of year for him as a freshman heavyweight.

Next year will be fun, because we'll finally be the team to challenge Penn State. Not ready to say it's a done deal, because getting Cassar and Rasheed back plus adding Brooks is going to give them 3 title contenders to go along with Lee, Cenzo, and Hall. Plus whomever they add at 125 I'm sure will be better than whatever it was they put out this year. The most encouraging thing about next year is that they don't return any surefire champion bonus machines like they did in Nolf and Nickal, and all five of the mentioned above can be beat.

 

[oldhawk56]

125- Lee, showed even when not close to 100% he is still the man in charge when the stakes are at the highest. Look for a repeat next year if he doesn't redshirt.
133-ADS, was skeptical at first when the transfer was announced due to last years nationals. TnT really took him under their wings and matured him and calmed the storm that's inside him. I look for him to move up possibly a spot or two on the podium, this weight is brutal! But he is in the right room to take that next step and add to his arsenal in neutral.
141-Murin, at the beginning of the season I was on the fence with how he would perform. To be honest, even with his shortcomings on bottom I was pulling for Turk to man the spot (sorry @el dub). He really impressed me how he developed throughout the season! Look for him to AA next year on the low end. The biggest question is, does JRent take the spot as I see him placing about the same.
149-Lugo, started off kinda sluggish this year but ended up an AA. One of the more frustrating guys to watch on the team. Wish he would pull the trigger more often! Kinda hard to score points when you don't shoot!! I understand he is short for the weight class, which probably leads to him being a little tentative. Make up for that short coming with a never ending motor ala ADS. As of right now I pencil him in at 6th being his peak.
157-Young, what a great tourney especially showing he does have an offense! I feel he has definitely figured out Deakin! Next year I pick him to be in the finals. For right now my hopes are that Nelson places at worlds and qualifies for Olympic redshirt.
165-the Bull, head scratcher for me as in when it comes to nationals he stumbles hard. Yes I get he didn't have the best draw for a number 1 in brutal class. Upsets happen. What bothers me is how he responds. 2 years in a row the stumble happens and he seems disinterested. Until he proves to me other wise (I know my opinion means squat) I see him in the 3-6 range.
174- Kem dog, I hope he is fully healthy especially being up 2 weight classes. For now I put him at 2-3 depending on what Zahid does with his brother being back. Look forward to seeing back out there is he is fun to watch!
184-Cash, decent season running into to tough outs at nationals this year. Another I wish would getting to his offense more as I think he is capable of scoring more points from his feet. I put him at 3-6 next year. 1 being the weight really clears out, and 2 it's his last shot at being an AA
197-Warner, great showing for a freshman even with the brain farts and some gassing issues. This off season get in the weight room!!! Has the potential to be a high AA and a possible finalist if he gets strength needed at the weight and some mental issues in check.
HWT-Cass, Stoll thank you for efforts this year, with the bad wheels and all. It will always be what could've been when thinking back about him in the future. At this point I am putting Cass in the R-12. Freshman coming in at HWT placing high their first year can rarity. Look at the stud at Sota who a lot penciled him in as a 4-timer out of the gate. I look forward to hopefully seeing some pins at this weight for us next year.
Coaches-please please please keep evolving. The style and recruiting needs to keep up with the others or we could fall further behind. I honestly feel we need to employ a sports psychologist. I see too many guys seem like they have a mental problem when it comes to big matches. I would rather see a guy let it all hang out and get beat by 5 or 6 than see the stiff as a board lose it in the final seconds because he doesn't want to make 1mistake! I look forward to next season being the year we get #24 in our possession. I also look forward to the know it alls disappearing til the post season next year. Cheers and take care to my Hawkeye brethren!!

If ADS can improve his mat wrestling - top and bottom - learn to turn son... look out

 

[fufighters]

The Bull got beat by the #1 & #3 finishers & won his final match. I am not entirely convinced he was disinterested. I think he got shocked by Lewis, as did everyone else. Maybe it goes to show that you never underestimate anyone. Ironside also said one of the hardest Sessions to wrestle & get motivated for is Friday morning.

I think he faced a quality opponent who is a Senior and his emotions took more out of him than usual from his dedication to Eli.

 

[fufighters]

Separate topic without creating a thread. Desanto mentioned spring practices, anyone have info on it?

 

[el dub]

125 - what a stud. Clearly hasn't been 100% at either NCAAs and has dominated both anyways. Clearly has peaked as far as placement.
133 - ADS was a great addition. Will always be a fan favorite with his in your face style. I think he's probably peaked his placement value (with maybe potential for a spot or two higher). Let's hope he's able to add to his offensive arsenal and prove me wrong.
141 - Nice finish to the year for Murin, who's only a freshman (remember when freshman needed time to develop?). If Renteria is able to beat him out for the spot, then that means Renteria is for real. For Murin, I hope he doesn't fall in the Wilcke category of having the potential but doesn't ever realize it. I personally think he's in for a Young type of improvement next March.
149 - A nice AA pickup. With having no knowledge of Lugo's physiology, I like to see him try to drop down. Unfortunately, low AA is probably his peak given how short he is compared to the top guys at 149.
157 - Wow, what a finish by Young, and now he's a potential finalist coming into next year. 2-3, depending on what side of the bracket he's on in regards to Hidlay, is his peak.
165 - A tough year personally for the Bull, but he's a tough dude and a great ambassador for the program. His peak is clearly as a champion, but until proven otherwise, he's a mid level AA
174 - Many props to Bowman for representing the team well, and always above himself. As for Kem, who knows. A great talent at 157, but up two weight classes it's hard to know. Right now, he's a peak 3-5 type when healthy.
184 - Wilcke is always going to give his all. I think a lot of people get down on him, because they think he has more to give. Personally, I think Cash peaks his talent and fringe AA is what he is. Him being the so called weak weight next year only tells you how tough top to bottom the team will be.
197 - A good season for Warner, even if expectations were a little higher (remember when AA as a freshman was very good?). If he commits to S&C, he will be a beast and championship is his peak. Tom made mention of a shoulder injury, I wonder if that's what kept Warner from being serious with S&C, and he got by simply on wrestling talent. If so, watch out for next year.
HWT - Stoll was a great ambassador for Iowa wrestling, and getting a couple of wins this weekend was a nice surprise. Mid AA was always his peak as he just wasn't athletic enough to beat the smaller heavys. Cass coming in will be fun to watch. Finalist is his peak, but I see a Warner type of year for him as a freshman heavyweight.

Next year will be fun, because we'll finally be the team to challenge Penn State. Not ready to say it's a done deal, because getting Cassar and Rasheed back plus adding Brooks is going to give them 3 title contenders to go along with Lee, Cenzo, and Hall. Plus whomever they add at 125 I'm sure will be better than whatever it was they put out this year. The most encouraging thing about next year is that they don't return any surefire champion bonus machines like they did in Nolf and Nickal, and all five of the mentioned above can be beat.

I’m not sure DeSanto has peaked. He’s just starting to get right between the ears, imo. He has the ability to work his ass off learning new techniques. I’m guessing the hand behind the back approach will bite his opponents in the a$$ next season. .

 

[Coach Mac B]

Separate topic without creating a thread. Desanto mentioned spring practices, anyone have info on it?

I was wondering the same thing. 223 days is a long time to tryouts....going to need something.

 

[Hawk fan in MN]

I am thinking if Kem is on his offense he can give Hall a run. Hall has great defense he just doesn't seem to put a lot of offense together. He waits for the other guy to shoot and he capitalizes. I could be way off here but I think he can pass Hall.

 

[Chuck C]

Where does Teasdale fit into this? (Assuming Willie and the other rumors are correct)

 

[MVPFAN]

I’m not sure DeSanto has peaked. He’s just starting to get right between the ears, imo. He has the ability to work his ass off learning new techniques. I’m guessing the hand behind the back approach will bite his opponents in the a$$ next season. .

AD needs to add a couple other moves to use off his dump hold and something to go to when that is not there. Definitely not peeked.

 

[vanhawkman]

Thoughts on Assad coming in and taking over at 184?

Also, Bull wound up losing to Lews (Champ) and Marstellar (3rd) in the most brutal weight in the tourney. He will be fine, and I'm hoping better for it.

 

[meatloaf55]

Thoughts on Assad coming in and taking over at 184?

Also, Bull wound up losing to Lews (Champ) and Marstellar (3rd) in the most brutal weight in the tourney. He will be fine, and I'm hoping better for it.

Assad will definitely wait until Midlands to wrestle but I would be very surprised if he doesn't red shirt. Wilcke is our starter

 

[Spaceman Spifff]

Thoughts on Assad coming in and taking over at 184?

Also, Bull wound up losing to Lews (Champ) and Marstellar (3rd) in the most brutal weight in the tourney. He will be fine, and I'm hoping better for it.

Not happening. Wilcke should be better than Assad next year. Wilcke was equal to warner at Warner’s weight at the beginning of last year, and Warner was a higher ranked recruit than Assad. And if they are equal, why burn Assad’s eligibility.

 

[IRONBIRD]

The line up from TOP to BOTTOM is LOADED!

25-LEE not much needs to be said, STUD. Do not believe he takes Olympic RS.

33- Was very high on DeSanto and I am even higher now. He has proven he is right there with the best and his non-stop motor is a HUGE asset. He is nowhere near his best yet in my opinion.

41- Murin had a very nice season and improved a lot. He should be in the AA conversation. IF Renteri is better then him? Well then sky is the limit for him.

49- Lugo also improved and made the stand. Yes his height can cause issues for him, but he must learn to use his strengths(which is strength) against tall lanky guys better. From my personnel experience. What helped me was wrestling taller guys everyday in practice. In HS i had none, in college I had several and it made a big difference, If I was him, I would be wrestling Young, Brands a lot!

57- Young is the man! Stepped it up and is in the mix for a title next year.

65- The BULL. He kinda carried this team as Lee and Stoll worked through whatever. He is one of our GREATEST leaders. Wanted him to win it as much as I wanted Lee too. My question remains the same. What the hell is with the damn knee? NOT making excuses, but that knee brace certainly is not an asset and it has been 2 years now. As someone said. Lost to #1 and # 3 only. I thought the way his match was called in the semis with lack of more stall calls was a factor. Regardless, he has proven he is in the title hunt.

74- This weight got a little more interesting from what I heard about Brands. Everyone has seen his upward climb over the last few years and apparently it is not slowing down! That being said. I think some are under estimating KemDAWG! I believe he comes back and is a force to be dealt with right away.

184- Ca$h Wrestled tough and took a finalist to the wire. He does have to "put it all together." Could Kem or even brands go up??? Is that too much to ask? Not sure but you have an AA type here right now.

97- Warner looked better as the year went on and AAed at the end. As someone said, he did have something causing him issues at the start of the season. He has proven he belongs with the top guys.

285- Cass is a pinning machine and I just hope he is hitting the IRON hard! I have been in the camp that heavy is weak and I will stay in this camp. When a bulked up 97 pounder comes in and wins it. Well you make your own judgement of what you think past very good to great Heavies would have done against this current crop. I think Cass is an AA right outa the gates!

NOTE: For the F*** state trolls. NOT making any predictions. As an IOWA fan, as a former Wrestler, and as a Coach. I feel we have AA potential at every weight and if I was one of those Wrestlers or their Coach, teammate. I would be working to these goals!!!

 

[Jackhawk87]

The Bull got beat by the #1 & #3 finishers & won his final match. I am not entirely convinced he was disinterested. I think he got shocked by Lewis, as did everyone else. Maybe it goes to show that you never underestimate anyone. Ironside also said one of the hardest Sessions to wrestle & get motivated for is Friday morning.

I doubt very much that the Bull was not interested. A lot goes into performing at your peak every time out (goes for all wrestlers and athletes everywhere). Multiple day weigh ins. Multiple matches per day. Some bad matchups. Even spending the nights in a hotel can make sleep tough - and toss a little tournament anxiety/stress in there would make sleep very difficult for many. Performing well without much sleep is going to be tough.

The leader in a golf tournament on Saturday will frequently have a difficult time sleeping that night and their performances frequently suffer on Sunday. I am sure it is the same for those that overthink things or put a lot of importance and thought into their last or next match.

 

[anon_hc7hkvtk15hp5]

I’m not sure DeSanto has peaked. He’s just starting to get right between the ears, imo. He has the ability to work his ass off learning new techniques. I’m guessing the hand behind the back approach will bite his opponents in the a$$ next season. .

Agree 100%. If you give Murin upside, have to give it to ADS as well. They are the same age and, as Tom pointed out in his interview with Conner, he has only been in the room 8 months. He beat the champ during the season. I look for big things out if him next year.

 

[vhsalum]

Next year

125 - Lee. He ain’t redshirting. Not with Tom’s best chance to win in 9 years. It will be interesting to see if he wrestles senior level. He’s fully healthy guys.

133 - Desanto. So. He WANTS to go up, but again. With a team title so close you can smell, I don’t see him making that decision just yet. Teas will shirt/sit. He’s got some lifestyle stuff to clean up and stay clean.

141 - renteria/Murin. Will be a battle. Not sure how this goes in the room. Murin really put it together at the end, showing that PA grit.

149 - Lugo/Murin. Probably won’t happen, but I think Murin should go up in a cleared out weight class and he’s sucking a ton.

157- young/brands. I’m calling it now. Brands win the spot. Folks are saying he’s got that Brands genes. Championship contender out the gate.

165 - Bull. Weight class doesn’t get any easier.

174 - kemdawg is going to beat Hall. Has the offensive mentality to do so.

184 - Cash. Can AA.

197 - Warner. Top 4

285 - Cash will AA.

 

[golfnit85]

Didn't want to start a new post. Just wanted to say I thought Iowa kids wrestled really hard and Lee got it done when it counted, kids so freaking tough. Sorry AM came up short, he's my favorite non PSU guy, just a brutal draw Stoll wrestled his guts out I just think his knee wouldn't let it happen. Murin will be a AA. Desanto wrestled harder then anyone and was truly a great sportsman in his wins and a better one in his losses. I really enjoyed watching Young , he looked super tough and i think he has a legitimate shot to win next year. Hope you guys have a great off season.

 

[el dub]

Assad will definitely wait until Midlands to wrestle but I would be very surprised if he doesn't red shirt. Wilcke is our starter

Why will he wait till midlands to wrestle? I don’t understand that line of thought. There are opens the guys who redshirt usually participate in. Why wait until Midlands.

Just curious.

 

[Sett1997]

The Bull got beat by the #1 & #3 finishers & won his final match. I am not entirely convinced he was disinterested. I think he got shocked by Lewis, as did everyone else. Maybe it goes to show that you never underestimate anyone. Ironside also said one of the hardest Sessions to wrestle & get motivated for is Friday morning.

Lewis is a freaking animal .

 

[meatloaf55]

Why will he wait till midlands to wrestle? I don’t understand that line of thought. There are opens the guys who redshirt usually participate in. Why wait until Midlands.

Just curious.

Sorry i guess I meant against competition that could qualify him as a starter. I imagine he would do uni open or any of but in my opinion no chance he breaks the starting lineup until after midlands. I just think the vast majority of freshman go through a red shirt year to improve at Iowa. Spencer Lee is the only exception so far I think under brands