CLEVELAND − Everything for Iowa wrestling from Nov. 30 onward was a classic case of when it rains, it pours.
- When Rocky Elam got his hand raised with a win over Massoma Endene, it clinched Iowa State’s first dual win over the Hawkeyes since 2004.
- The departure of Endene to start the Big Ten dual season, followed by the program’s worst loss since the 1965-66 season on Jan. 16 vs. Penn State.
- Subsequent losses to Minnesota, Ohio State and Oklahoma State.
- Nno Big Ten champions for a third consecutive year.
Heading into the NCAA Championships, the season was a low point in the Tom Brands era. So much so, it resulted in speculation of the direction of the program.
The first two days at Rocket Arena reestablished some good vibes in the Hawkeye program.
The Hawkeyes secured seven NCAA All-Americans, the most since the 2020-21 season when the Hawkeyes won the team title. Excluding the canceled 2020 NCAAs, its just the fourth time in Brands’ tenure (which began in 2006-07) that they have had seven or more All-Americans…