There’s lots that can be discussed about the Iowa vs. Iowa State wrestling rivalry over the course of its history dating to 1912.
From legends like Dan Gable to dramatic entrances and tempers flaring, it’s one of the most circled dates of the college wrestling calendar for fans in and out of state. This year’s edition will take place in Ames on Nov. 30 (noon, ESPN).
Nobody needs to tell an Iowan about any of that, least of all someone like Drake Ayala. The Fort Dodge native is preparing for his third appearance in the Cy-Hawk dual after dreaming of appearing in it as a kid, looking to move to 3-0 all-time in the rivalry duals.
But even for new faces and out-of-state wrestlers that we’ll likely see in the lineup such as Nasir Bailey or Dean Peterson, they know of the importance of a matchup like this.
“It’s kind of unsaid,” Ayala said. “There’s nothing to be said, it’s better left unsaid. They know how big it is.”
While the season is young here in November, the importance isn’t lost on anyone, especially the Hawkeyes as they look for their 21st consecutive victory over the Cyclones. As has been the trend recently in this rivalry, the probable lineups indicate that the dual will come down to the wire.
Seven of 10 matchups are top-10 ranked bouts at 125, 133, 141, 149, 184, 197 and 285.
The other three project to be close, starting with No. 12 Jordan Williams of Iowa vs. No. 3 Vinny Zerban of Iowa State at 157. No. 3 Michael Caliendo of Iowa and No. 22 Connor Euton of Iowa State will likely face off at 165, in what was a 12-7 win by decision for Caliendo in 2024 (although Euton suffered a torn ACL midway through the bout). There will be potentially another rematch at 174 between No. 2 Patrick Kennedy of Iowa vs. No. 11 MJ Gaitan of Iowa State, with a 14-13 win by decision for Kennedy in 2023.
Ayala exuded confidence in his team. Not just in the dual, but as a whole moving forward. He said there was something just “a little bit different” about this team vs. past years. While he’s got close ties with many who came before him, he said this year’s team gets along at a high level, which in turn helps push one another to higher goals.
Senior Michael Caliendo laid out those goals when asked what made this team different than others.
“We all believe in the work that we have put in,” Caliendo said. “We all think that we can win a national championship. That’s a good characteristic of good teams.”
Iowa’s individual title hopes and standing in the NCAA team race won’t be decided on Sunday. Still, a rivalry dual win over its rival would be the first step, highlighting the “unsaid” importance of the matchup vs. Iowa State.
“We’re going to need 10 guys to do it,” Iowa head coach Tom Brands said.
Iowa wrestling vs. Iowa State probable lineups
Hawkeye wrestlers listed first. Rankings from InterMat.
Eli McKown covers high school sports and wrestling for the Des Moines Register. Contact him at Emckown@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @EMcKown23.
This article originally appeared on Hawk Central: Importance of rivalry vs. Iowa State goes ‘unsaid’ for Iowa wrestling
Reporting by Eli McKown, Des Moines Register / Hawk Central
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
