The Hawkeye Wrestling Club has gone out and added some talent as we have just learned that former University of Minnesota All-Americans Nick and Chris Dardanes have officially joined the club.
“My biggest selling point was looking back at wrestlers like Gable, Brands, Ironside, Maclravy, and Williams.” Chris told IAwrestle, “These guys are the greats of our country.”
Chris went on to discuss the influence the Iowa coaches had on his decision, “Also,to receive the perspective and technique of Terry and Tom. I heard they have a way of thinking not many coaches possess.
From what I know and see they are passionate about the sport and know how to simplify things, in life and wrestling.”
Chris ended by saying, “As of now I am focusing on my training and picking the brains of the coaches around me. They will later come into play if I ever decide to coach, which I would love doing.”
The Dardanes twins were heavily recruited out of high school, but in the end they selected Minnesota over a number of schools (including Iowa) as their college choice. Both wrestlers would go on to have successful careers on the mat, with both brothers finishing with over 100 wins and four All-American honors between them. Chris was an All-American on three occasions at 133 pounds, while Nick earned his All-American honor at 141. Chris also earned a Big Ten title in his senior season.
After graduation in 2015, the Dardanes brothers joined the Minnesota Storm wrestling club where they have competed for the last year. This past April both brothers competed at 65 kg at the Last Chance Olympic qualifier, though both were defeated in the semifinals.
Both brothers are expected to compete at 65 kg for the HWC. You can follow the newest HWC members on Twitter: @cdardanes and @ndardanes65kg
About the HWC:
Since its inception in 1973, the focus of Hawkeye Wrestling Club has always been to provide the training, coaching and resources necessary to help our athletes pursue their dreams of becoming World and Olympic Champions. The money raised through the HWC goes directly to benefit the athletes helping with living expenses, training and traveling needs. Maybe the most important aspect of the HWC is its pursuit in trying to get the best post-collegiate athletes to train with the HWC together in Iowa City to attain the ultimate prize in wrestling… World and Olympic gold medals.
Current athletes:
Daniel Dennis – 2016 57 kg Olympian
Matt McDonough – 2014 University bronze medalist
Brent Metcalf – Four-time World team member 65 kg (2010, ’13, ’14, ’15)
Bobby Telford – 125 kg
[…] This news comes a day after that we learned that former University of Minnesota standouts Chris and Nick Dardanes have also joined the HWC. […]