2A 182 pound state champion Joe Teague of Algona has verbally committed to Iowa State University. The senior finished his season 46-1 by pinning #2 ranked Brent Lammers (West Delaware) in the finals in 5:13. To start the season Teague was the second highest returner for 182 pounds, but with Davenport Assumption’s Gabriel Rangel bumping to heavyweight Teague assumed the #1 status.
“I chose ISU because I want to achieve my goals at the highest level. I have also heard and seen nothing but good things about the coaching staff at Iowa State.” Teague said on why he picked Iowa State. “I have also watched a ton of wrestling at Hilton ever since I was young.”
With his high school career wrapped up, Teague now projects as a 184 pound wrestler for the Cyclones. Currently the Cyclones boast two-time NCAA qualifier Lelund Weatherspoon at that weight. Weatherspoon was a Big 12 champion as a freshman, and finished runner-up as a sophomore.
Head coach Kevin Jackson, who received a two year contract extension this last week, has had tremendous success with Cyclone upper-weights during his tenure in Ames. He has coached Jon Reader (174), Jake Varner (197) and David Zabriske (285) to NCAA titles and added Kyven Gadson (197) to that list this past month. Jackson also shaped an unranked recruit Weatherspoon into an Big 12 champion after the wrestler bumped up to 184 when he lost the battle for the 174 spot.
Teague selected Iowa State over Wartburg, Coe, Grand View, and Upper Iowa.
The Teague commitment comes just days after Ballard 285 state champion, Alex Silberstein announced his verbal commitment to the Cyclones.