Bright spots in Iowa's overall performance

[Interviewed_at_Weehawken]

2 minutes ago, AgaveMaria said:

Since Cael took over at Penn State they have had only one lapse of "two whole years" without a title.

Iowa saw a few indificual positive stories but overall a failure compared to expectations.(realistic or not)

What Brands & Co are doing is not working - not if you are shooting for #1.

Sure, a lot of programs would love to make it to #2. That is not Iowa. Not the program Gary Kurdelmeier and Dan Gable built.

A lot like Oklahoma State under John Smith. Winning and looking good and now falling off the radar. Sad and worse than Iowa now.

Penn State underperformed, if you listen to the expectations. They still won the team title. Iowa appeared to settle for #2 and appears to be OK with it.

Keep in mind that Iowa has the best wrestling facility in the world being built as we speak.  This would certainly qualify as "doing something different."

[VakAttack]

Iowa won the team title two years ago and were heavy favorites to win it the year before that (heavier than the year they won it).  Right now they're reloading,  A lot will depend on Ayala, Chittum, Arnold, and Kueter (hopefully he wrestles) hitting.  Drake looked really good as a true freshman until his shoulder injury.  Chittum looks great in Free, but we know that doesn't always transfer styles.  Arnold was really impressive this year, but will presumably redshirt if 5th place Nelson Brands returns.

If the recruiting pans out this year and next year, I would say Iowa should be challenging for a title in two years.  If it doesn't, they won't be (obvious statement is obvious).