I had a blog last week about the time of the first takedown by an Iowa wrestler in the Maryland meet. A missing part of the of Iowa Wrestling arsenal was takedowns, especially first period takedowns. The statistic for takedowns in the #16 Wisconsin dual meet was 30-2 in favor of Iowa. That stat is actually close to the dual meet score of 35-2 Iowa. To add to that stat, the two takedowns that Wisconsin scored were in matches they lost (165,184).
I may come across as a little repetitive about takedowns, but the winner of the takedown battle usually wins the wrestling match. As far as the Iowa-style of wrestling, I would have to point the finger at the two overtime matches as the two best takedowns of the dual meet. Patricio Lugo was attacking all through regulation and got his takedown in overtime to win the match over #19 Cole Martin, 3-1. The takedown in overtime was a result of Lugo pushing the pace in regulation.
Alex Marinelli had another tough battle with #3 ranked Evan Wick. After scoring a takedown in regulation, Marinelli scored a match winning takedown real quick into the overtime period. Marinelli is the leader of Iowa Wrestling in takedowns. His constant pressure and solid technique on double legs is impressive.
Cash Wilcke surrendered an early takedown but responded with two real good takedowns in the third period to win his match 5-4. The one takedown reminded me of what I would refer to as a Mike Zadick takdown, was especially impressive. The best flurry of the dual meet was definitely at 197. Beau Breske of Wisconsin was in deep on a shot on Jacob Warner and was close to scoring the two when Warner hit a flurry and came out on top. I am not sure how else to describe it other than to say that is was a real good flurry.
Iowa is scoring takedowns mainly off of their shots, which is of course what you want to see. Iowa is also doing a good job of fighting off shots to the point of getting a stalemate called. We are also seeing more takedowns scored off of go-behinds from the front headlock position. I am hoping we see more of that and I am sure we will.
The whole key is to get the opening takedown in a match. That opens up so many additional scoring opportunities for the Hawks. We saw Iowa wrestlers keep the pressure on and score additional points once they got the opening takedown against Wisconsin. The constant pressure even when not scoring a takedown is taking a toll on the Iowa opponents. That leads to more scoring opportunities that all Iowa fans love to see. Regardless of the dual meet score, that was a packed house of I believe a record crowd and a well coached Wisconsin team that Iowa handled. I’ll sure take it.
The Hawks are now off to compete against Oklahoma State in Stillwater on Sunday. As with all dual meets, the matches and dual will be won on takedowns. I like where Iowa is right now. The Hawks have faced a lot of adversity with injuries and sickness this season. Now is the time of year that those hard times start to pay off. Iowa has made steady progress since the first of the year.
Oklahoma State has cruised along this season and is undefeated in duals as well. Setting the tone of each match with the first takedown scored will be huge for Iowa. I am looking for a real good showing by Iowa in a hostile environment and a Hawkeye victory.
It is great to be an Iowa Wrestling fan.
Go Hawks!
