Nodirjon Safarov battles Thomas Gilman at the World Championships (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)The Hawkeye Wrestling Club announced the additions of four athletes: Nodirjon Safarov, Forrest Molinari, Kayla Miracle and Michaela Beck.
"It's exciting to add four world class athletes," said Mark Perry, head coach of the Hawkeye Wrestling Club. "All four are here for the right reasons. They are here to win titles. It's that simple. Landing in Iowa City was an easy decision for them because they know what we are about and the dedication it takes to win at this level. I expect them to make a big impact on the program as a whole. Their passion and energy for wrestling will cross over like many other great examples we have throughout the program."
Iowa coach Tom Brands said Hawkeye Wrestling Club member Alli Ragan played a role in attracting Molinari, Miracle and Beck.
"The quality of athletes we are adding to the HWC is in line with the philosophy of the entire program. We want the best partners for the best wrestlers in our wrestling room. Alli Ragan reached out to Forrest, Michaela and Kayla and the three of them were excited to join the quest to be the best wrestlers they can be in Iowa City. The same is true of Nodirjon. He adds to what we are doing."
Safarov will compete for Uzbekistan at 57 kilograms in Budapest while also attending Kirkwood Community College. He finished eighth at the World Championships last year. He fell in the quarterfinals in Paris to Thomas Gilman. Safarov has placed third and fifth at the Junior World Championships as well.
"The Hawkeye Wrestling Club is known to the world as having some of the top wrestlers and top lightweights on the planet," said Safarov. "My experience alongside Thomas Gilman, Cory Clark and Spencer Lee, along with the other great workout partners in the room gives me the best chance of achieving my lifelong goal of winning an Olympic title. I'm grateful for being able to compete under the HWC banner and ready to prepare with these studs for Budapest in October."
Molinari is a member of the 2018 U.S. World Team member at 65 kilograms. She is ranked No. 3 in the World Ranking Series by United World Wrestling. Molinari will also compete for another world title in November at the U23 World Championships in Bucharest, Romania
"I am very excited to be joining the Hawkeye Wrestling Club. This is an amazing opportunity for the girls and me. We are grateful for the coaching staff opening up their program to us. I think making the move here before Worlds is going to give me the competitive edge I need to bring home a medal. I love the energy in the room from the team, the Brands, Mark Perry, and Morningstar. Everyone, really… The coaching staff here is phenomenal and so is the amount of knowledge they have about the sport. They have been so welcoming and helping us jump right into the mix. I can't wait to represent team USA and HWC in Budapest."
Kayla Miracle (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)Miracle won her fourth WCWA national title earlier this year. She won a U.S. Open title and fell just short of making the U.S. team, losing at Final X. She is currently ranked No. 1 in the UWW World Ranking Series at 62 kilograms.
"I'm expecting this room to be very technical but also intense at the same time. Iowa has a style that not many rooms in the world can match. The passion and drive that all the athletes bring to practice is just incredible to be part of. The HWC coaches are World Class and I can't wait to start picking their brains. The men's side of the HWC is obviously filled with studs, but now we have a strong team of women as well. I cannot wait to start the journey to the Olympics with my new teammates.
My dad Lee Miracle has been my college coach, and its been quite a ride. No words will be able to express how much he has done for me in the wrestling room or in life. He has shaped me into someone I am proud to be today. I've been at Campbellsville University for four years now and have seen some success, especially on the college scene. Now that chapter of my life is over and all my focus needs to be on the World and Olympic Championships."
Beck finished runner-up at both the U.S. Open and World Team Trials at 57 kilograms.
"I have always been an Iowa wrestling fan and especially fans of the Brands brothers," said Beck. "But after seeing the room in person and working out in the room, I knew right away it was a special place and the place for me. The mentality of the program training and competing wise is everything that I believe in. I believe it will get me to reach my goals. I also thrive being around intense and passionate people like Coach Perry, the Brands and the overall environment of the team. I know this team and staff will push me to my limits and help me develop into the person and wrestler that I need to be to become successful at the highest level."
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