The second-ranked University of Iowa wrestling team won seven matches – five by bonus points – to defeat Army, 28-13, on Thursday night in front of 1,903 fans at Christl Arena.
“This team that was here tonight is capable, but they have to believe it up and down the lineup,” said associate head coach Terry Brands. “It doesn’t matter who is sitting at home and who’s not, it matters who we put on the mat at that time and place.”
A string of three straight major decisions helped Iowa overcome an early 9-3 deficit to improve to 2-0 on the season.
No. 7 Max Murin won 15-5 over Matt Williams at 141 before junior Cobe Siebrecht accumulated more than four minutes of riding time in an 8-0 blanking of No. 28 Nate Lukaz at 157 to give the Hawkeyes an 11-9 lead. It was his first career win over a ranked foe.
“We want to see our guys go out and fight like Cobe did,” said Brands. “When you have your opportunity, you go out. That’s what we’re looking for.”
In a battle of two ranked foes at 165, No. 13 Patrick Kennedy was relentless. After leading 9-2 heading into the third period, Kennedy had six takedowns and nearly tech falled No. 28 Dalton Harkins before settling for a 22-9 victory.“I am feeling good, I just go out and wrestle really hard,” said Kennedy. “That was the deciding thing, these guys were coming out and try to shove what we do in our face.
“I was staying tough with the guy. I felt good putting points up, but it could have been better. If I would have walked out of here with a tech fall maybe I would have smiled a litter harder, but we have a good thing going right now.”
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