We are less than a month away from the first day of college classes getting underway for the 2017-18 academic year and that means that the recruits from the class of 2017 will officially begin their collegiate wrestling careers. With the University of Iowa bringing the the nation’s #1 ranked recruiting class expectations are high that if the Hawkeyes are going to catch (and potentially pass) Penn State, it will start with the wrestlers making up that #1 class.
One of those wrestlers fans have their eye on is Central Cambria’s Max Murin, who comes to Iowa after wrapping up his career at two-time Pennsylvania state champion.
In a recent interview with Eric Knopsnyder of the Tribune Democrat, Murin caught up with the Pennsylvania based newspaper at a Young Guns camp headlined by Tom Brands to share his thoughts on his transition to Iowa City and what his future holds.
“I was just in Iowa for about two weeks.” Murin told the Tribune Democrat. “I got to see all of Iowa, get used to it, see where (Tom’s) from, and then he came here and got to see where my hometown’s at.
“We’ve got great guys who are great people outside of wrestling,” Murin said. “It’s awesome being around those guys. Hopefully, I can turn into those guys and be great people off the mat and be mean and tough dudes on the mat.”
One of the bigger takeaways from the interview was Knopsnyder’s comment that Murin stated he is considering wrestling 133 pounds in college. The significance being for the last 12 months Murin commented how he expected to compete at 141 or 149 pounds in college, going all the way back to his original interview when he committed to the Hawks.
Head coach Tom Brands is looking to find a replacement for the graduated Cory Clark, who brought home the NCAA title for the Hawkeyes this past season. For now the front runner for the spot appears to be soon-to-be senior Phil Laux, but beyond that Iowa doesn’t have an established name waiting in the wings. Murin’s potential could certainly change that fact.
To be sure Murin dropping to 133 is not a done deal. As a senior Murin competed at 138 pounds during the high school season. For now Murin expects to redshirt, but he is also willing and able if called upon.
“I think we’re all going to be redshirting, but that’s the coaches’ decision,” Murin said. “Whatever they want, that’s what we’ll go with.”