Our program

Fatwoodchuck

Senior
Oct 19, 2023
383
568
93
It’s just funny to me that everyone glosses over how good they have been in duals and only use March against them. Now, they seem to have gone away from focusing on duals and many are now using that against them.

Let’s just be consistent. March is all that matters. If they fall flat there, you guys can have your blood bath and I won’t argue against it…
You seem to be missing the regression pattern for the last 10 years. Drake falls right in line with it an kueter is trending the same way alot earlier. Neither the blue chips or room recruits are improving in any manner other than they can last for 7 minutes, sometimes.
 

Fatwoodchuck

Senior
Oct 19, 2023
383
568
93
Whether or not anyone realizes it or doesn't want to admit it not, everyone wants a Dan Gable type back and that kind of performance from a coach.

And no matter what changes are made that might never happen again. Dan Gable's coattails lasted for another half a generation, approximately 12 years until another coach rose to performance .

That's 37 years and it's a long time and people are used to that.
Ok state.

Patience grasshoppers, just need a change mabe more but you have to think program like iowa will rebuild sooner or later.
 

Mattski

All-Conference
Apr 21, 2022
896
2,289
93
Not trying to argue as I agree with you but tom had double recruiting classes when he came back to Iowa. That should definitely be noted. Also, no it is not Penn state level at all but those Minnesota and OsU teams deserve a lot of credit.
Meh it was still 9.9, a team of guys that wanted to be Hawks and many gave up a year to do so. Minn and osu weren't anywhere near what psu has been during Brands tenure, and I'd argue Minnesota's rise came largely due to our decline.
I'm on record saying it's time for change but all things considered TnT have been significantly better on whole than we were under Zalesky.
 

FanInBlack

All-Conference
Nov 9, 2001
1,754
3,651
113
Just the data. Brands vs. Zalesky:

Avg NCAA points:
TB = 90.0
JZ = 91.3

Avg NCAA placement:
TB = 3.2
JZ = 3.3

Avg NCAA champs per season:
TB = 0.8
JZ = 1.1

NCAA Points & placement last 3 seasons (i.e., JZ was fired for this performance):
TB = 82.5-67-81 (2nd, 5th, 4th)
JZ = 82-66-70 (2nd, 7th, 4th)

Total NCAA titles:
TB = 4 in 18 seasons
JZ = 3 in 9 seasons

# of seasons with 100+ points:
TB = 4 in 18 seasons
JZ = 4 in 9 seasons
1000004759.gif
 

Hawx224

All-Conference
Jun 30, 2025
308
1,262
93
We don't have a choice. The current staff does not offer an options.

The only ex-Hawks that are coaching would be Metcalf, Kem or a guy with club experience (McD or Marinelli). Do any of them move the needle? Unless Lee wants to coach we don't have much in the ex-Hawk coaching pool.

So we have to go outside the program and find a charismatic coach with a modern training program.

Unfortunately Iowa wrestling is reaching the level of total rebuild or irrelevance.
I agree, I’d maybe lean toward Nolf but he’s definitely far less proven
 

nu2u

All-Conference
Aug 10, 2006
10,131
1,898
113
I’m baffled by Kueter. Given his accomplishments at that point , it’s hard to make a case that he was overrated when he signed with Iowa. Maybe it’s time to admit that he was in fact overrated. Not trying to denigrate him. By all accounts a hard worker but virtually zero offense. What you see is what you get. It’s kind of embarrassing. I think more fans would get behind him if he just opened it up, win or lose.
 

WhiteDog125

Senior
Dec 13, 2023
250
586
93
Meh it was still 9.9, a team of guys that wanted to be Hawks and many gave up a year to do so. Minn and osu weren't anywhere near what psu has been during Brands tenure, and I'd argue Minnesota's rise came largely due to our decline.
I'm on record saying it's time for change but all things considered TnT have been significantly better on whole than we were under Zalesky.
Yeah, I agree with most of what you said. Certainly a different time now isn’t it. $$$
 

FanInBlack

All-Conference
Nov 9, 2001
1,754
3,651
113
I’m baffled by Kueter. Given his accomplishments at that point , it’s hard to make a case that he was overrated when he signed with Iowa. Maybe it’s time to admit that he was in fact overrated. Not trying to denigrate him. By all accounts a hard worker but virtually zero offense. What you see is what you get. It’s kind of embarrassing. I think more fans would get behind him if he just opened it up, win or lose.
he is undersized at HW. That has always been the concern from Day 1, IMO.
 

Nashville_Hawk

All-Conference
Dec 31, 2015
648
1,667
93
It’s just funny to me that everyone glosses over how good they have been in duals and only use March against them. Now, they seem to have gone away from focusing on duals and many are now using that against them.

Let’s just be consistent. March is all that matters. If they fall flat there, you guys can have your blood bath and I won’t argue against it…
MSU, I get your point, but I really don't think the plan for not focusing on the duals included Drake and Block losing, or BK and JW looking more like R12 guys than guys competing for championships. Look at how PSU preps for March each year...they kick everyone's asses along the way, while remaining healthy and then roll through NCAAs like a hot knife through butter. That program keeps fans in their seats throughout the year and brings trophies home at the end of the year. Our current process is making fans less apt to attend duals since half of our guys act disinterested in scoring and results in doing OK in March. That's a horrible plan/process in my humble opinion. Again, I don't think there's a better head coach available than Tom Brands but I do think we need to modify our coaching staff.
 

Cidhawkeye

All-Conference
Jan 1, 2023
1,019
1,502
113
Interesting stats from Tarp. But let's not overlook that Z overtook a Gable ran program that was a well oiled machine with a roster full of his recruits. This definitely skews the numbers in Z favor.

This is not saying that I am not in the party that feels some drastic changes are needed in the immediate future.
Take out the first 3 for Z since he was loaded and first 3 for TB since he was depleted?
 
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Cidhawkeye

All-Conference
Jan 1, 2023
1,019
1,502
113
MSU, I get your point, but I really don't think the plan for not focusing on the duals included Drake and Block losing, or BK and JW looking more like R12 guys than guys competing for championships. Look at how PSU preps for March each year...they kick everyone's asses along the way, while remaining healthy and then roll through NCAAs like a hot knife through butter. That program keeps fans in their seats throughout the year and brings trophies home at the end of the year. Our current process is making fans less apt to attend duals since half of our guys act disinterested in scoring and results in doing OK in March. That's a horrible plan/process in my humble opinion. Again, I don't think there's a better head coach available than Tom Brands but I do think we need to modify our coaching staff.
We get PK riding an unranked guy for 3:44 with no turns or close to any turns
 
Jan 28, 2019
272
766
93
Weighed in at 228.2 at Big 10 or NCAA in 2019.

 

Psalm 1 guy

All-Conference
Nov 3, 2019
1,057
3,983
113
Fair comments shared by many in recent years and growing. I don’t think it’s as bad as some are portraying but the standard is what it is. Gable set it. TNT lived it and are legends. However the sport has evolved and their coaching methods are not as effective anymore. Not sure they’re capable of making the changes needed that undoubtedly includes bringing in younger assistants with a fresh perspective. And if they are, seems doubtful the interest would be reciprocated assisting under Brands. Nolf is the perfect example. Super creative, fun style with a similar aggressiveness to Brands but different philosophy. He almost came to Iowa as a competitor but Sandersons ways resonated more. Nolf makes the most sense to bring here but seems doubtful he would. Hard to imagine his ways will coexist with Brands.

Hawks have some huge duals coming up and the next several weeks might put an end to Brands at the helm. I’m rooting like hell for them but we can’t let the program drift like osu did under Smith.
@McUSA Even though I am an outsider here, I would really appreciate it if you would explain how to add multiple quotes/posts Iike you just did. I seem to screw it up anytime I try it. TIA
 

Psalm 1 guy

All-Conference
Nov 3, 2019
1,057
3,983
113
A bigger problem for Ayala is that there is a flood of world class talent coming into the weight this year (or coming back in if/when Crookham comes back). Byrd is still there plus Blaze, Davino, Crookham, Larkin, and now possibly Jax. Plus guys like Frost & Fugitt who have wins over Ayala this year. It’s a brutal weight class, and probably the one I’m looking most forward to this season.
The NCAA tournament consolation matches at 133 are going to be fun to watch. I believe some very good wrestlers are not going to AA at 133 this season.
 

kingstown

All-Conference
Dec 7, 2025
547
1,799
93
I thought TnT had figured out the injury issues, but last year and this year has proven otherwise. I am afraid will limp into another NCAA's. If I could have one realistic thing to mirror frim PSU is their training / medical. Brands bros haunting legacy is the amount of injuries that hindered some outstanding teams.
PSU has been crushed with injuries too. They have depth. Teams with depth overcome injuries easier.
 
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kingstown

All-Conference
Dec 7, 2025
547
1,799
93
Zalesky didn't have ped state to deal with and I never said I'm for or against coaching change. Waiting until the season is over is the time to do that. Right now us fans should be backing the team or refusing to watch until desired change is made. Whining 24 7 isn't helping your health or the team.
Will you keep whining about the people whining? I'm going to whine about you whining about the people whining.
 

BringBackBradBanks

All-Conference
Jul 19, 2022
663
1,418
93
You guys sure are something else. They win running away wrestling multiple backups and you would think the sky is falling. The ONLY concern I have coming away from that dual is Ayala. Even then, his track record in March is too damn good to give up on him now.

it’s amazing how everyone forgets that Iowa actually wrestled very well in March last year. Injuries are the only thing that set them back. Teemer was a massive downer and Parco was in a GREAT spot til his knee popped.

Hopefully the “training cycle” that keep getting mentioned is truly an adaptation meant to get them to March. If they wrestle their best there, I could give 2 sh*ts what fans were complaining about in a 23-12 WIN over Wisconsin….

Now, if many guys still look gassed in March and truly underperform , you will find me being much more acquiescent with you guys moving forward. Til then, you guys are spinning your wheels…
The thing is Iowa wrestling it’s best is what, third to fifth place?? Penn State wrestling its worst is still an easy national title. Are we really confident that Iowa is a better program than Ohio State, Oklahoma State and Iowa State? And heck I know they’ve been a disappointment so far but Nebraska has showed up in March recently too.
 
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Random4598375

All-Conference
Jan 10, 2020
550
1,643
93
The NCAA tournament consolation matches at 133 are going to be fun to watch. I believe some very good wrestlers are not going to AA at 133 this season.
Yes. There are far more than just 8 AA-caliber wrestlers at 133 this year. I would bet that Ayala will at least be among the AAs, but the talent coming in this year is so strong that neither returning finalist is a lock to AA. The blood round in that class is actually going to be a massacre.
 

kingstown

All-Conference
Dec 7, 2025
547
1,799
93
Yes. There are far more than just 8 AA-caliber wrestlers at 133 this year. I would bet that Ayala will at least be among the AAs, but the talent coming in this year is so strong that neither returning finalist is a lock to AA. The blood round in that class is actually going to be a massacre.
It is crazy. Very good wrestlers like Van Dee from Nebraska or Farber from UNI are complete after thoughts. It does make me feel like USA wrestling is in solid shape moving forward on the world level.
 

STtiger2025

Junior
Oct 20, 2015
104
348
63
I believe it was posted that Amos weighed in at 271 Friday night and I was unable to watch the match but am curious if it looked like a good 271. It floors me that he was a 197 just two years ago.
 

JoeBagobagels

Senior
Jun 24, 2025
749
893
92
Zalesky didn't have ped state to deal with and I never said I'm for or against coaching change. Waiting until the season is over is the time to do that. Right now us fans should be backing the team or refusing to watch until desired change is made. Whining 24 7 isn't helping your health or

Everyone else had Gable to deal with during his run. When an all time great is coaching it sucks the air out of the room. Iowa still was at the top most of the years prior to Sanderson making his run.
 
Jan 21, 2012
1,114
793
113
It wasn't this bad when Z was fired. Tom needs fired , end of story. What would make the TnT fans admit change needs to happen, consistent 6th place finishes at Nationals? We are being laughed at by the rest of the college wrestling world.
No Iowa isn't being laughed at. Beating Iowa is still an honor and a dream of many programs. The only people getting laughed at are the "sky is falling" fans who expect Iowa to be invincible every year.
 

Libertylover

All-Conference
Dec 17, 2020
807
1,339
93
Not trying to argue as I agree with you but tom had double recruiting classes when he came back to Iowa. That should definitely be noted. Also, no it is not Penn state level at all but those Minnesota and OsU teams deserve a lot of credit.
He also had a year with those recruits taken away because of the transfer rules and Vtech being a dick and not releasing them.
 

Libertylover

All-Conference
Dec 17, 2020
807
1,339
93
PSU has been crushed with injuries too. They have depth. Teams with depth overcome injuries easier.
Good point, when you have a blue chip backing up a blue chip, you don’t notice the injury in the lineup as much. You also don’t notice when a guy doesn’t pan out when you have blue chip depth. The biggest difference between PSU and everyone else is recruiting. That’s why every is excited about Taylor, he is a young big name with big money behind him and knows all the inside info on how Carl did it. People aren’t excited about him bringing in mediocre recruits and coaching them up.
 

kingstown

All-Conference
Dec 7, 2025
547
1,799
93
Good point, when you have a blue chip backing up a blue chip, you don’t notice the injury in the lineup as much. You also don’t notice when a guy doesn’t pan out when you have blue chip depth. The biggest difference between PSU and everyone else is recruiting. That’s why every is excited about Taylor, he is a young big name with big money behind him and knows all the inside info on how Carl did it. People aren’t excited about him bringing in mediocre recruits and coaching them up.
Nor should they be. Recruiting is the job. Knowing what to do to help them once they get on Campus is big, but not as big as getting them on campus in the first place. Keeping them there is also becoming pretty important. I think offering a world class RTC is so important to accomplishing the biggest job and every other little job. It is more important than a facility or a huge home crowd. The type of guys you need to win team titles care a great deal about freestyle success and tend to put it higher than folkstyle success.
 

giveitall

Junior
Feb 12, 2023
168
351
63
No Iowa isn't being laughed at. Beating Iowa is still an honor and a dream of many programs. The only people getting laughed at are the "sky is falling" fans who expect Iowa to be invincible every year.
Most don't expect iowa to be invincible, but better than mediocre would be nice. They are a mediocre team that probably won't place in the top 4 at big tens or top 6 at ncaas. Unfortunately, this is what iowa wrestling has become.
 

IRON HAWK

Senior
Nov 6, 2025
392
555
93
Indiana has some very well off alumni that have been putting a lot of money into their program.
Indiana Football certainly is earning a lot of attention. You also must give plenty of credit to the job that is being done!!! They brought in a coach who in my opinion is a little peculiar, but as he says, " I just win!!!" Now bring the bellow post by MSU158 into the conversation. You then can start to "paint a picture" of what todays college sports scene is.

1) Indiana has PLENTY of $$$$$
2) Indiana brought in a TON of transfers!!!
3) Their teams AVERAGE age is about as old or older then the age most are out of college!!!

Can IOWA use $$$$$ as other skools are is the QUESTION???? It is a pretty simple question!!! Maybe one BOB can answer for us??? ALSO, obviously other compliance issues are in play for IOWA that do not seem to matter to other teams!!!

When I FLIPPED out, and why I continue to Beat the Dead Horse over BASSETT, it is because <<<<<<THIS was IOWAs PATH back to the TOP!!!! You not only need the "stud" recruits, you need the OVER the TOP LIFETIME kids that make you shake your head and say WTF!?!?!?!?

Currently, IOWA has ONE in FERRARI!!! We had another in SPENCER LEE, I am not TWOOOO sure we have had ANY others???? VERY simple math people!! Give me 3-5 LEEs and 3-5 FERRARIs and I will be LAUGHing at the GR* krailure and F*** st. PERIOD!!!!!

BASSETT brings in MILLER, his lil brother and LORD knows what else!!!! Put it ALL together with what we have and have coming in, and you have a PATH that can WIN!!!
The biggest part of all this, that every naysayer here has failed to remotely acknowledge is whether or not the oft-rumored limitations are true involving compliance and Beth herself. Everyone just laughs it off, but, if true, they are real issues that go way beyond the Brands. If true, they are actually doing an incredible job. Integrity has its place. Even above winning. An incredible amount of money is being spent on college athletics right now and a vast portion of it I am absolutely certain does NOT fully comply.

I am nowhere near close enough to know how much of it is true. But, there has been enough smoke for me to believe that fire may be real…
see ^^^^^
he is undersized at HW. That has always been the concern from Day 1, IMO.
CORRECT!!!
Cassar was successful at around 10 pounds less.
The SALAD kid was on HEAVY PEDs and the video of him at at least 240 saying he put on 40 pounds disappeared!?!?!? That being said, Salad was what 6 ft??? B1G Ben is 6-4, he needs to be 275!!!

NOTE; For B1G Bens mom, I feel for you, and I believe most on here including me want NOTHING but the BEST for your son!!!! He appears to be an OUTSTANDING kid!!! I would be right with you honestly in defending my kid, but on a message board, you might be better off just blocking some of the trolls!!!

All that being said, You don't know me but I would gladly offer to help your son by taking a look at his TRAINING. It could just be his written program, or much better yet, VIDEOS. It would cost you NOTHING and I would be glad to speak to you on the phone to go over my background. I am NOT saying his trainers are not good or anything, just maybe I will see some things that can help? Over the MANY years I have been in the IRON game, I have never seen a college athletes program that could not be improved!!!
 
Jun 25, 2025
226
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I believe it was posted that Amos weighed in at 271 Friday night and I was unable to watch the match but am curious if it looked like a good 271. It floors me that he was a 197 just two years ago.
To me tge eye test sid not look like a 30 pound distance. At time K looked bigger even though not. Damn k has frame to be 275 and still look fit. If that coupd happen hes not losing. If offense turns up. In my mind the kid is a phenom athlete and mentally has it. I think its what hes not getting in room holding him back
 

Anon1750875978

Heisman
Dec 26, 2018
5,934
10,242
113
I’m baffled by Kueter. Given his accomplishments at that point , it’s hard to make a case that he was overrated when he signed with Iowa. Maybe it’s time to admit that he was in fact overrated. Not trying to denigrate him. By all accounts a hard worker but virtually zero offense. What you see is what you get. It’s kind of embarrassing. I think more fans would get behind him if he just opened it up, win or lose.
The case regarding upper weight high school wrestlers has always been that the elite athletes play football and wrestling competition is "watered down".

That's hardly just an opinion.
Nearly everyone on this forum claimed HWT cleared out after last season.

Here we are.
 
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