The University of Michigan wrestling team narrowly lost to the University of Iowa, 19-17, in a Big Ten dual meet held at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Friday. Michigan, ranked tenth nationally, led through most of the match after winning four of the first five bouts but was overtaken by seventh-ranked Iowa in the final contest.
Beau Mantanona secured a significant win for Michigan at 174 pounds, defeating Iowa’s third-ranked Patrick Kennedy in overtime. Mantanona scored two takedowns—the only ones in their bout—resulting in a 6-3 decision. “Kennedy was close to finishing on a go behind early in sudden victory, but Mantanona scrambled out of it and, with blood smeared across his face, worked to finish the score himself.” This marked Mantanona’s third top-10 victory this season and his highest-ranked collegiate win.
Cameron Catrabone also contributed with a comeback win at 157 pounds against Jordan Williams. After trailing early, Catrabone managed a late takedown to secure a 5-4 victory. “Catrabone shot in on a high crotch midway through, lost position on the mat, regained it, and won the extended scramble for the winning takedown with 35 seconds left.” His conference record improved to six wins and one loss.
Michigan started strong with Dylan Ragusin earning an 11-2 major decision over Kale Peterson at 141 pounds. Lachlan McNeil followed with an 8-3 win against Ryder Block at 149 pounds.
However, momentum shifted after intermission as Iowa claimed victories in four of the last five matches. Notably, Gabe Arnold edged Brock Mantanona at 184 pounds and Harvey Ludington defeated Hayden Walters at 197 pounds for Iowa.
At heavyweight, Taye Ghadiali delivered for Michigan with a dominant 10-0 major decision over Ben Kueter. “Ghadiali scored takedowns in the first and third periods and rode out the second. He tacked on two back points at the final buzzer after going feet-to-back with a bodylock.”
The meet concluded with Iowa’s Dean Peterson defeating Diego Sotelo at 125 pounds and Drake Ayala securing a technical fall over Gauge Botero at 133 pounds—giving Iowa its first lead and ultimately clinching the dual.
Both teams recorded two bonus-point wins during the contest; however, Iowa’s two technical falls outweighed Michigan’s two major decisions.
Michigan (8-5 overall; 4-3 Big Ten) will next compete against Wisconsin on Sunday as they conclude their regular-season conference schedule.