Michigan Wolverines’ #19 Sergio Lemley Shocks The Wrestling World, Topples Hawkeyes’ #1 Real Woods

As per the rankings by the NCAA Coaches Poll released earlier this year, Michigan Wolverines stand at the No. 12 position, whereas Iowa Hawkeyes features at the 2nd position. Therefore, spectators were anticipating the Iowa Hawkeyes dominating the opponent team at the match today. However, something unexpected happened at the event.

Coming up with a loss from the Buckeyes, Michigan State came up on the wrestling mat to lock horns with the opponent team. Despite being one of the lower-ranking teams, Michigan State left the Iowa Hawkeyes struggling by taking down their top-ranked wrestler Real Woods.

An impeccable display of wrestling by the freshman

Recently, Iowa Hawkeyes’ top-ranking wrestler Real Woods came up on the wrestling mat to compete against Sergio Lemley, who is a freshman. To share a glimpse of this epic showdown, Michigan Wrestling took to their Twitter account and posted a snippet from the recent match. Along with the pictures, they penned, “What a finish, what a win for the freshman, @SergioLemley!!” 

The freshman of Michigan team registered one of the biggest stunning upsets of the collegiate wrestling season. Interestingly, Sergio managed to put NCAA finalist wrestler Real Woods on his back not only once but twice in today’s match. He opened the scoring board by reversing Real Woods to his back while securing early six points in the second period. Directly after this, there was no stoppage for Sergio as he then cradled the Hawkeyes opponent to his back several times to clinch a 14-1 major decision today.

Michigan overturns history

Although Iowa Hawkeyes are considered to be among the top teams that have no competition against lower-ranking teams, the recent match is much fiercer than what’s been in the past few weeks. Iowa Hawkeyes has historically been heavy on the Michigan Wolverines. The last time Wolverines defeated Iowa was in 1924. 

Read More: Will The Iowa Hawkeyes Under Tom Brands’ Leadership Maintain Their Stronghold Over The Michigan Wolverines?

At that time, both the teams were arch-rivals and head-to-head competitors. Under the expert guidance of Tom Brands, the Hawkeyes wrestling flourished. As of 2024, Iowa Hawkeyes have taken over in the head-to-head records and now feature 34 wins, 26 losses, and one draw against Michigan Wolverines. However, on this occasion, riding on the upset wins like that of Lemley’s, Michigan stunned Iowa 24-11 as they stand on the other side of the history. 

Watch This Story | I Can Wrestle With Anybody Anytime: The Unranked Purdue Wrestler Proved His Boa