On December 30, Iowa Hawkeyes wrestling was on a roll. The day ended with the Hawkeyes’ seven wrestlers winning individual titles in the 2024 Soldier Salute contest. In a few weight brackets, the Hawkeyes wrestlers even matched up against their own teammates. Enter Drake Ayala. In the 133-weight bracket, the Fargo champion defeated teammate Kale Peterson. Ultimately, after scoring 248 points, the University of Iowa claimed the team title in the iconic tournament. Such an achievement in the ongoing NCAA wrestling season! Naturally, Hawkeyes’ coach, Tom Brands, looked elated at the performances of his mentees. 

After the contest, Brands shared a few thoughts about the buildup of the wrestling squad and his task to maintain the momentum. In the conversation, the coach didn’t seem tense about upcoming hurdles. Instead, he was positively glowing with confidence. What did he have to say? 

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it says Tom Brands

After the contest, Tom Brands caught up with the press in the mixed zone. He freely discussed his role and his take on the critical contests of the Soldier Salute. In the interaction, he said, “We’re on the right track, I can tell you that. That’s probably the best thing I can say.” Lines that might have the Hawkeyes’ wrestling opponents sweating. But what was the actual reason behind his comment? Was it only about the team’s victory? No, it was also about the 184-weight bracket, where true freshman Angelo Ferrari and redshirt freshman Gabe Arnold had been listed to lock horns in the final on Monday. However, a medical forfeiture by Gabe gifted Ferrari the title. The coach seemed not too perturbed by the thoughts of fans who missed out on the highly anticipated bout.  

In the post-final conversation, the former Olympian said, “The thing is, we don’t have to figure it out right now or sooner than later because we got two or three really good options there and it’s the same at 184. You know, we don’t have to make a decision on Ferrari’s red shirt, you know, or who the guy’s going to be there, you know, right now because we got some really good guys there.”

It’s clear the coach doesn’t want to concentrate on things that don’t need his concern. Perhaps rightly so as both Ferrari and Arnold impressed en route to the final. Furthermore, Angelo had grabbed the Pac-12 Wrestler of the Week honor just the week prior. So, thinking about the redshirt or his form shouldn’t be high on Brands’ list of concerns. Rather, both Gabe Arnold and Angelo Ferrari might pose a threat to the opponents. Similarly, Tom Brands spoke about another weight category. 

Patrick Kennedy earns his flowers 

This year, Patrick Kennedy had to witness something he could never have anticipated. Despite loads of titles and accolades in his cabinet, he had to see uncertainty in landing a position in the 174-weight category in the Hawkeyes’ lineup. The former Minnesota State champion didn’t lose his calm, though. Instead, his love for the Hawkeyes kept him glued to the camp.

He eventually said, “I love being here. I grew up not with a lot of money, so if I finish wrestling and go put my work boots on the rest of my life, so what? I don’t care because I love being here.” He had his coach’s backing too. A few weeks ago, Tom Brands laid out, “He’s loyal, driven, and sticks up for his teammates. He holds them accountable.” On Monday, Kennedy earned his just reward. 

Riding on this positivity, Kennedy got the better of the 18th-ranked wrestler Danny Wask by a 6-2 decision. The Hawkeyes’ wrestling coach appeared elated, clapping enthusiastically at that victory. After the contest, he said, “And then at 174, I mean, what’s the hurry? You know, both guys do a good job. Kennedy’s wrestling really well right now. You got to get some things, you know, taken care of and some of those things take time.”

For now, things seem well settled for Hawkeyes wrestling. Will they continue to dominate this season?