The University of Iowa wrestling team will regain the number one ranking in the country after winning the National Duals this weekend in Cedar Falls. In the title meet Sunday, the Hawkeyes won 8 of 10 matches and beat Nebraska 24 to 6. Charlie Falck opened the meet by beating the Cornhuskers’ Paul Donahue, who is ranked #1 at 125 pounds.
Iowa’s championship run follows a January 5th loss to Oklahoma State. Iowa coach Tom Brands says they are where they want to be again and came to win and did and feel pretty good about it. He says the Hawkeyes still have room for improvement.
Hawkeye 149 pounder Brent Metcalf was named the tournament’s outstanding wrestler for Division One. It’s the first time since 1996 that Iowa has won the National Duals. Wartburg won the Division Three championship. The Knights are coached by Jim Miller, who says it’s great to win at midseason as this is where they’re hoping to be.
Iowa Central captured the team title in the Junior College division. Tritons coach Luke Moffitt was pleased with the 35-14 win over St. Louis-Meramec in the finals. Coe College 125 pounder Clayton Rush was named the Division Three outstanding wrestler.