The University of Iowa wrestling team, ranked third nationally, secured a 34-3 victory over No. 16 Missouri in the first round of the National Duals Invitational at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturday morning.
Head coach Tom Brands commented on the team’s performance, stating: “We have to be ready. They got under our elbows a couple times. Keep being ready, have to be ready for that style. We need to score points, that is the number one thing, score points and keep scoring.”
Iowa started strong at 125 pounds with true freshman Leo DeLuca making his debut and winning 2-0 against Mack Mayer. At 133 pounds, Drake Ayala, ranked second in his class, pinned Kade Moore in under four minutes. Nasir Bailey followed with a win over Zeke Seltzer at 141 pounds.
Ryder Block delivered an upset at 149 pounds by defeating sixth-ranked Josh Edmond in tiebreakers. Block said: “Felt good. I need to just keep shooting leg attacks and getting to the legs and then hopefully I will start converting more on takedowns. Everything else felt good. I know I am good on top, I can ride in the room and I know I am in better shape than these guys so just have to keep them down and finish the ride hard.”
Jordan Williams earned an 8-1 decision at 157 pounds before Michael Caliendo scored bonus points for Iowa with an 11-3 major decision at 165 pounds.
Patrick Kennedy won his match at 174 pounds with a close decision over Cam Steed. Angelo Ferrari took a highly anticipated bout at 184 pounds against Aoeden Sinclair in tiebreakers.
At 197 pounds, Massoma Endene pinned Evan Bates for additional bonus points for Iowa. Endene credited his preparation: “The coaches have me prepared,” he said. “The guys on the team have me prepared, just following the leaders of our team and doing what I need to do to be on their level and achieve my goals. The coaches know the goals I have that are set high, and they do everything in their power to get me there.”
Missouri’s only win came at heavyweight when Jarrett Stoner defeated Gage Marty.
Iowa will advance further into the National Duals Invitational after this result.