MINNumum Grades

[IRON HAWK]

NOT going to go thru this as normal. IF someone else wants to be my guest

Cruz ever learns how to finish his single leg he will jump levels

AYALA is hitting his stride I like what I saw and feel good about him right now!

141-157 was a SHeeeettTTT show!!!

CALIENDO gave it his ALL as usual and deserves a TON of credit!!!

KENENEDY is also with Mikey as he battles his *** off every time out!!!

ARNOLD should get an award of some kind this year. Gave a TOP ranked kid EVERYTHING he wanted!!!

NOT seeing what I would want to see/ expect to see out of Lungington AGAIN NOT writing kid off, he is young and has time to develop. NOTE: This is where RECRUITING plays a B1G roll, being able to find/spot/identify/GET--- NEXT LEVEL talent. Have not heard TWOOO much about the 30 man rule????? but IF that is a thing???? The men you bring into your room, HAVE TO BE that TOP ELITE TALENT!!!

B1G BEN look 1000% better!!!

CERTAINLY don't have many answers, but talking with my Brother I came up with-- Make KOLAT an offer, bring KemDawg back, maybe you could get a NOLF type and add SUPERMAN LEE when he is done. The reasoning is, Without B1G $$$$, some of the names being suggested, are NOT happening!!! I would have to believe KOLAT taking Tom,s salary would have to be a tempting offer AND of course the opportunity to coach at IOWA!!! Freeing up terrys dough also gives a good amount to use to get guys like KemDawg etc....

Well guy can dream but right now its ALL I got!!!

 

[IRON HAWK]

Add to this now that I am calm and not breaking SHeeeet.

COULD it be possible to add ASKEN? Don't like the fact that he bashes on the HAWKS but he has a proven track record and draws well around the IOWA area which could be a B1G plus!!!

The thing with "sickness" injuries" etc.... It always appears that we have MORE then our fair share!!! There is, once again, the added pressures of WINNING and the schedule!!! Do NOT have the luxury of a lot of time off, resting kids, etc.... Fans want a TOP quality product and championships!!!

TUFF situation we find ourselves in!!!

 

[Sunshinedynomite 1]

IF 1 of the following 3 wrestlers Ferrari, ended or Peterson Iowa wins. Everyone needs to relax loses happen.

 

[Cedarfalls]

IF 1 of the following 3 wrestlers Ferrari, ended or Peterson Iowa wins. Everyone needs to relax loses happen.

I believe Endene would have won. Ferrari and Peterson would not be a sure thing by any stretch

 

[maxpain]

One observation that I had was we lost the hand fight often. It seems to be an area we are falling behind as a team.

 

[IRON HAWK]

IF 1 of the following 3 wrestlers Ferrari, ended or Peterson Iowa wins. Everyone needs to relax loses happen.

AGREE

I believe Endene would have won. Ferrari and Peterson would not be a sure thing by any stretch

DISagree


the PROBLEM(s) is/are however, NONE of them did wrestle, AND all but 1 of our backups(ARNOLD) aren't good enough to WIN against "average" opponents!!! Now 125 and 197 are very hard weights to fill, but!!!! We are suppose to be LIGHT WEIGHT U!!!! Our TOP recruit is currently MIA??? So in my book that is our TWOOOOO best kids at the weight OUT!!!!

and at 197, WE/IOWA are suppose to have a HAMMER!?!?!?? ADD to this the "kinda strange" things that ALWAYS seem to effect us, such as losing our STARTER at the weight!!! LOSING the TOP recruit in the F-in country!!! Having the #1 kid(FERRARI) go down and now be out, Having the TOP heavy weight- I don't know what?????

I mean PLEASE give me ANY other teams with these type of problems???

Now I am a B1G HOMER but I like ANSWERS, IDEAS, SOLUTIONS, a PATH forward.......

COULD????? a shake up work??? I mean you need $$$$$ but the talks of moving TERRY to HWC and then bringing in another assistant seems like a smart idea!?!?!? Also letting Telford move on seems logical, would MOCCO come in?????

 

[ghoopin]

IF 1 of the following 3 wrestlers Ferrari, ended or Peterson Iowa wins. Everyone needs to relax loses happen.

Rinse and repeat. This opinion is how we got here. Let’s not ignore the erosion of the program over the last several years. Over decades, Iowa could run out their number two and still win these matches. Now half the starting lineup feels like they should be the #2 guys that fill out the room. This program is in decline. It’s undeniable.

 

[Tiltman]

IF 1 of the following 3 wrestlers Ferrari, ended or Peterson Iowa wins. Everyone needs to relax loses happen.

But they didn’t. Quit making excuses. It’s also brands job to keep his athletes healthy and have reliable backups.

 

[RockySmith]

I believe Endene would have won. Ferrari and Peterson would not be a sure thing by any stretch

I may have missed it but where is Peterson? Corby said he isn’t injured.

 

[Random4598375]

Add to this now that I am calm and not breaking SHeeeet.

COULD it be possible to add ASKEN? Don't like the fact that he bashes on the HAWKS but he has a proven track record and draws well around the IOWA area which could be a B1G plus!!!

The thing with "sickness" injuries" etc.... It always appears that we have MORE then our fair share!!! There is, once again, the added pressures of WINNING and the schedule!!! Do NOT have the luxury of a lot of time off, resting kids, etc.... Fans want a TOP quality product and championships!!!

TUFF situation we find ourselves in!!!

Askren “bashes” the program because he recognizes that the sport has passed the Brands by, not because he “hates” Iowa. It’s legitimate criticism, but people here take it as “hating” on Iowa. With that said, he definitely would not join Brands’ staff. Before he was sick, he’d have been the perfect candidate to take over the program, but I doubt he can do it health wise at this point. Askren and Brands are both control freaks. Working together would not work for either one. They both need to be the top guy.

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

Grades: Fire EVERYONE!!!

 

[grapplefan]

Askren “bashes” the program because he recognizes that the sport has passed the Brands by, not because he “hates” Iowa. It’s legitimate criticism, but people here take it as “hating” on Iowa. With that said, he definitely would not join Brands’ staff. Before he was sick, he’d have been the perfect candidate to take over the program, but I doubt he can do it health wise at this point. Askren and Brands are both control freaks. Working together would not work for either one. They both need to be the top guy.

You can do both: Hate Iowa AND think that the sport has passed the Brands by. Besides, a guy with transplant lungs will not be coaching anywhere in a sport that demands lungs, at least not until after a miraculous recovery. Don't many transplants require lifelong medications and careful watching? BTW, wasn't Askren born in Cedar Rapids?

Also, Kolat was a great wrestler, a master technician, and is a very good coach. Not so sure that his bona fides from Campbell and Navy are sufficient for the Iowa job. Perhaps. I still enjoy watching the old video of Ironside using him like a takedown dummy in the third period on YouTube.

Maybe we need the 2026 version of Gary Kurdelmeier: leadership, competence, showmanship, and the ability to recruit the very BEST assistants:
https://hawkfanatic.com/2020/07/13/...ness-helped-build-the-iowa-wrestling-dynasty/

 

[TheChosen]

They picked a helluva year to jack up season ticket prices to put out this garbage.

 

[sdvike]

125: D Cruz is a shell of himself compared to last year. Shot like a machine gun and finished more last year.
133: A Did what was expected, seems to be clicking. Next weekend is big at Ohio State.
141: C Disappointing injury, really had a good shot here. Hoping for quick recovery.
149: F I don't know what to expect anymore with Ryder. Looked much like last year. Don't see any AA here.
157: F Guy just gives up too much. Got to move on, just not seeing a commitment to wrestling.
165: A Going to miss him so much. What a breath of fresh air after the break.
174: B PK probably could have done more, he is a grinder but gets too mechanical at times.
184: B Appreciate what Gabe does for the program. Guessing he will have to go get mauled at 97 next.
197: F Light years away from being competitive in div 1. No longer think he is long term 97.
285: B Good start for BK and controlled match. Hopke could be a round 16 type matchup for BK this year.

Coaches: F No reason to pile on. This was not a good look for Hawk wrestling.
Refs: A Pretty much stayed out of the way. Did seem like a lot of PD calls.
Fans: C Minny took them out of the meet.
Minny: A Came in aggressive and not backing down. Didn't showboat after big wins.

 

[AndreTheHawk]

125: D Cruz is a shell of himself compared to last year. Shot like a machine gun and finished more last year.
133: A Did what was expected, seems to be clicking. Next weekend is big at Ohio State.
141: C Disappointing injury, really had a good shot here. Hoping for quick recovery.
149: F I don't know what to expect anymore with Ryder. Looked much like last year. Don't see any AA here.
157: F Guy just gives up too much. Got to move on, just not seeing a commitment to wrestling.
165: A Going to miss him so much. What a breath of fresh air after the break.
174: B PK probably could have done more, he is a grinder but gets too mechanical at times.
184: B Appreciate what Gabe does for the program. Guessing he will have to go get mauled at 97 next.
197: F Light years away from being competitive in div 1. No longer think he is long term 97.
285: B Good start for BK and controlled match. Hopke could be a round 16 type matchup for BK this year.

Coaches: F No reason to pile on. This was not a good look for Hawk wrestling.
Refs: A Pretty much stayed out of the way. Did seem like a lot of PD calls.
Fans: C Minny took them out of the meet.
Minny: A Came in aggressive and not backing down. Didn't showboat after big wins.

I don't think Minnesota had any what I would call "big wins". Yeah, they had guys that weren't ranked as high as some of ours, but that's not saying much.

Credit to them for actually coming to wrestle. They got what they earned, and so did Iowa.

 

[Dean111!]

Revenue sharing, and Name Image Likeness monies have created a new world for intercollegiate athletics. Veteran posters are well aware of this truth. NCAA wrestling has yet to find it's feet in this new reality. The University of Iowa Athletic Department will adjust to the new world, and the wrestling program will adapt. And learn to manage the transfer portal. Fundamental course corrections are in process and the wrestling program will continue to distinguish. The University of Iowa has solid, sound stewardship.

Those Cowboys from Oklahoma State are menacing, scary.

 

[IRON HAWK]

Revenue sharing, and Name Image Likeness monies have created a new world for intercollegiate athletics. Veteran posters are well aware of this truth. NCAA wrestling has yet to find it's feet in this new reality. The University of Iowa Athletic Department will adjust to the new world, and the wrestling program will adapt. And learn to manage the transfer portal. Fundamental course corrections are in process and the wrestling program will continue to distinguish. The University of Iowa has solid, sound stewardship.

Those Cowboys from Oklahoma State are menacing, scary.

WHEN!?!?!? NOT like 1) this happened yesterday, 2) should take long to figure out!!!! 3) TIME is NOT on our side here!!!

 

[Dean111!]

WHEN!?!?!? NOT like 1) this happened yesterday, 2) should take long to figure out!!!! 3) TIME is NOT on our side here!!!

Revenue sharing began July 2025. See; House v NCAA, June 6, 2025 ($2.8 billion). Distribution to Iowa wrestling program seems undisclosed at this time(?). Numerous factors contribute decline in dominance by University of Iowa wrestling. Nothing last forever; momento mori. The fall of Rome.

 

[Nashville_Hawk]

IF 1 of the following 3 wrestlers Ferrari, ended or Peterson Iowa wins. Everyone needs to relax loses happen.

That’s such a dumb statement. Are you related to Rip Van Winkel? Been sleeping a few years? Ya killin me Smalls!!

 

[Nashville_Hawk]

AGREE

DISagree


the PROBLEM(s) is/are however, NONE of them did wrestle, AND all but 1 of our backups(ARNOLD) aren't good enough to WIN against "average" opponents!!! Now 125 and 197 are very hard weights to fill, but!!!! We are suppose to be LIGHT WEIGHT U!!!! Our TOP recruit is currently MIA??? So in my book that is our TWOOOOO best kids at the weight OUT!!!!

and at 197, WE/IOWA are suppose to have a HAMMER!?!?!?? ADD to this the "kinda strange" things that ALWAYS seem to effect us, such as losing our STARTER at the weight!!! LOSING the TOP recruit in the F-in country!!! Having the #1 kid(FERRARI) go down and now be out, Having the TOP heavy weight- I don't know what?????

I mean PLEASE give me ANY other teams with these type of problems???

Now I am a B1G HOMER but I like ANSWERS, IDEAS, SOLUTIONS, a PATH forward.......

COULD????? a shake up work??? I mean you need $$$$$ but the talks of moving TERRY to HWC and then bringing in another assistant seems like a smart idea!?!?!? Also letting Telford move on seems logical, would MOCCO come in?????

Sadly I think the idea of bringing in new assistants has left the station. We need a new leader at the helm!! And again, I love TNT but this team in no way represents the way the brothers wrestles.

Revenue sharing, and Name Image Likeness monies have created a new world for intercollegiate athletics. Veteran posters are well aware of this truth. NCAA wrestling has yet to find it's feet in this new reality. The University of Iowa Athletic Department will adjust to the new world, and the wrestling program will adapt. And learn to manage the transfer portal. Fundamental course corrections are in process and the wrestling program will continue to distinguish. The University of Iowa has solid, sound stewardship.

Those Cowboys from Oklahoma State are menacing, scary.

What a bunch of hogwash except the part about Okie State. You clearly haven’t been watching college wrestling the last few years or have had your head in the sand. Iowa’s problem is Iowa’s problem and has nothing to do with all the other things you mentioned.

 

[Nashville_Hawk]

Revenue sharing began July 2025. See; House v NCAA, June 6, 2025 ($2.8 billion). Distribution to Iowa wrestling program seems undisclosed at this time(?). Numerous factors contribute decline in dominance by University of Iowa wrestling. Nothing last forever; momento mori. The fall of Rome.

Got it, you’re one of those factoid guys who doesn’t have a clue about anything you didn’t read on chat gpt.

 

[Dean111!]

Got it, you’re one of those factoid guys who doesn’t have a clue about anything you didn’t read on chat gpt.

And you, doctrine before reason?

 

[Nashville_Hawk]

And you, doctrine before reason?

I'm not that smart. And nothing you said had anything to do with doctrine or reason or anything else. Iowa's problem is Iowa. We have nowhere else to place the blame.

 

[JoeBagobagels]

Add to this now that I am calm and not breaking SHeeeet.

COULD it be possible to add ASKEN? Don't like the fact that he bashes on the HAWKS but he has a proven track record and draws well around the IOWA area which could be a B1G plus!!!

The thing with "sickness" injuries" etc.... It always appears that we have MORE then our fair share!!! There is, once again, the added pressures of WINNING and the schedule!!! Do NOT have the luxury of a lot of time off, resting kids, etc.... Fans want a TOP quality product and championships!!!

TUFF situation we find ourselves in!!!

Askren isn't even in the conversation.

 

[IRON HAWK]

Askren isn't even in the conversation.

Yea, I did not realize/take into account, how serious his health issues are! NOT even sure if he was 100% healthy if it would be a consideration? Regardless, just SPITBALLING some ideas because in my thinking/understanding. A B1G name such as DAKE, NOLF etc.....doesn't seem to be an option???

I like KOLAT for many reasons, but I am again, only spitballing!!! He would bring a lot to the table and I don't think command TWOOOO much. Right now, all we keep hearing is, "how much we need this guy, and how much that guy doesetc... " or " We can,t move Terry to the HWC, and Morningstar is a great recruiter......"

You know this ******** doesn't jive any more!!!! MOVE TERRY and PAY the man!!!! Make a RECRUITING position and PAY Morningstar!!! Then bring in a couple of guys, KemDawg maybe 1st on the list!!! Would MEDCALF ever consider coming back??? Could KOLAT be an assistant(guessing not but you get the idea)

SHAKE things up a little!!!

I am a HUGE fan of GENERAL PATTONS. You want to see what GREAT leadership can do using the MOST extreme example!?!?!? How about WW2, a REAL WAR and we, the AMERICANS have just got our asses kicked!!!! In comes PATTON to take over 7th ARMY!!!!

 

[Trapper85]

I am a HUGE fan of GENERAL PATTONS. You want to see what GREAT leadership can do using the MOST extreme example!?!?!? How about WW2, a REAL WAR and we, the AMERICANS have just got our asses kicked!!!! In comes PATTON to take over 7th ARMY!!!!

Ladies and gents, this is conclusive proof IRON HAWK (or IRONBIRD?) is our Bluto. He can lead us in to Crappy Valley and we can do this!! We just need some Cesspool Oppenheimer to lead our Carver Project so we are ready to annihilate the other Germans (Okies) who are trying to invade our homeland. Who's with the Bird?

 

[Wrestleknownothing]

Askren was on Flo recently and said he cannot attend large tournaments like Fargo anymore due to his immunosuppressants. If that is the case the best you can hope from him is to serve in a consulting capacity as he could not attend B1G or the NCAA tournament either.

Though I think he would make one hell of a consultant, I also think it would require a regime change first. I just do not see Brands buying into Askren as a consultant.

Edit: just saw that someone posted the interview in the Next Coach thread.

 

[grapplefan]

Yea, I did not realize/take into account, how serious his health issues are! NOT even sure if he was 100% healthy if it would be a consideration? Regardless, just SPITBALLING some ideas because in my thinking/understanding. A B1G name such as DAKE, NOLF etc.....doesn't seem to be an option???

I like KOLAT for many reasons, but I am again, only spitballing!!! He would bring a lot to the table and I don't think command TWOOOO much. Right now, all we keep hearing is, "how much we need this guy, and how much that guy doesetc... " or " We can,t move Terry to the HWC, and Morningstar is a great recruiter......"

You know this ******** doesn't jive any more!!!! MOVE TERRY and PAY the man!!!! Make a RECRUITING position and PAY Morningstar!!! Then bring in a couple of guys, KemDawg maybe 1st on the list!!! Would MEDCALF ever consider coming back??? Could KOLAT be an assistant(guessing not but you get the idea)

SHAKE things up a little!!!

I am a HUGE fan of GENERAL PATTONS. You want to see what GREAT leadership can do using the MOST extreme example!?!?!? How about WW2, a REAL WAR and we, the AMERICANS have just got our asses kicked!!!! In comes PATTON to take over 7th ARMY!!!!

I-Bird, just keep throwing that brown stuff against the wall, and some of it is bound to stick, isn't it?

 

[Dean111!]

I'm not that smart. And nothing you said had anything to do with doctrine or reason or anything else. Iowa's problem is Iowa. We have nowhere else to place the blame.

Concur.

 

[HugoHugo]

Add to this now that I am calm and not breaking SHeeeet.

COULD it be possible to add ASKEN? Don't like the fact that he bashes on the HAWKS but he has a proven track record and draws well around the IOWA area which could be a B1G plus!!!

The thing with "sickness" injuries" etc.... It always appears that we have MORE then our fair share!!! There is, once again, the added pressures of WINNING and the schedule!!! Do NOT have the luxury of a lot of time off, resting kids, etc.... Fans want a TOP quality product and championships!!!

TUFF situation we find ourselves in!!!

You ASKEN bout ASKREN??