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IOWA
- Michael Kemerer’s sophomore campaign is picking up right where his freshman season left off. He’s 4-0 on the year with two of those wins coming against top ten opponents. Last season Kemerer quickly went from new face in the lineup to one of the more dependable starters for the Hawkeyes. Given the fact that those two wins against the top ten have now come by major decision and tech fall, that won’t be changing any time soon. Up next should be Illinois’ Kyle Langenderfer.
- The same cannot be said for fellow sophomore Vince Turk, who suffered his first loss of the season on Friday. Turk found himself in a hole against Rider’s Tyson Dippery and he wound up losing 8-4. Brands highlighted Turk’s performance as an area that needs to be addressed going forward. His next match is scheduled to be Mike Carr of Illinois, but his next big test will be the following weekend, Mike Van Brill of Rutgers.
IOWA STATE
- During his first press conference Kevin Dresser preached patience and let fans know that this team was going to take a few lumps. So far this season that’s been all true. After taking a loss to Drexel in their season opener they took another loss to #22 Rider despite splitting five matches apiece. Unlike their first dual, the loss to Rider featured four Cyclones losing by bonus. That kind of deficit would be difficult to overcome regardless of team. True to Dresser’s word this is a team that has struggled to find footing, though there are several wrestlers to be excited about.
- That being said most of the Iowa State-Rider dual’s results weren’t all that surprising except for the outcomes at 125 and 133 pounds. Jon Marmolejo lost a major decision to JR Wert, while Ian Parker was pinned by Anthony Cefolo. Most surprising was the Parker-Cefolo result at 133. Coming into this weekend Parker looked to be wrestling at his best, winning a Harold Nichols Open title, defeating Austin DeSanto, and a then earning a runner-up finish at Lindenwood was a strong start for the redshirt freshman. Parker was ranked #17 at his weight, so now he will need to put together a big weekend at the Cliff Keen Invite down in Las Vegas.
NORTHERN IOWA
- UNI had the week off from competition so I suppose what we learned is Mrs. Schwab can cook a mean Thanksgiving dinner.
OTHER
- Picking up a huge win this weekend was Missouri’s WIllie Miklus, who pinned the #2 ranked Jared Haught of Virginia Tech after trailing 7-2 in the third period. Not only did win help seal the Tigers win over the Hokies, but the victory should move the former Southeast Polk standout into the #2 spot once the rankings are released this week This is the first key victory at 197 pounds for Miklus, who is moving up from 184 pounds, where he was a two-time All-American.