Face of PSU Wrestling
- Thread starter mcpat
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I can’t choose just one wrestler-my finger hovered and hovered! I think the hallmark of PSU wrestling is the quantity and quality of incredible wrestlers. So, even though he was a Cyclone, I had to choose the architect of the new dynasty.
It would be interesting to talk with Zain, since he was a true freshman when DT and Ed Ruth were here. Did he come because of either of those two or because of Cael? My money's on Cael.
Who do you consider to be the face of Iowa wrestling?
Gable? Brands? Spencer Lee? Someone else?
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Silly rabbit. Everybody knows it is Gary Kurdelmeier. The man behind Iowa's first two championships, the oversized mat to take advantage of Iowa's superior conditioning to embarrass a rugged Oklahomer Sooner team, the hiring of Dan Gable and the teaching Gable how to coach.
Without Kurdelmeier there is no Hawkeye Gable, no Hawkeye Brands and no Hawkeye Spencer.
Look at the vote totals that have accumulated so far. I don't think there is any question about who represents the program.
The answer is obviously Cael but let's say it can't be coaches.
DT is viewed as the pioneer. He was the big commit for Cael that signaled PSU wrestling will get those type of wrestlers.
That being said, I remember in the early days, Quentin Wright was talked about almost as much, at least in the biggest moments. Maybe it was his uncanny ability to look like a R16 wrestler every Fall before turning into a champion by March. Revisionist history will forget Q sometimes unfortunately but let's not forget, Q had the original win an individual title for yourself and the team moment.
The torch is always passed. In 2016-2019, Zain, Nolf, Nickal took over. In 2021, Carter and Aaron took over and now, we're seeing Levi, Mitch start the transition and I anticipate if Luke Lilledahl has the season many expect, it'll be him very soon (especially with PSU 125 curse being broken)
DT is viewed as the pioneer. He was the big commit for Cael that signaled PSU wrestling will get those type of wrestlers.
That being said, I remember in the early days, Quentin Wright was talked about almost as much, at least in the biggest moments. Maybe it was his uncanny ability to look like a R16 wrestler every Fall before turning into a champion by March. Revisionist history will forget Q sometimes unfortunately but let's not forget, Q had the original win an individual title for yourself and the team moment.
The torch is always passed. In 2016-2019, Zain, Nolf, Nickal took over. In 2021, Carter and Aaron took over and now, we're seeing Levi, Mitch start the transition and I anticipate if Luke Lilledahl has the season many expect, it'll be him very soon (especially with PSU 125 curse being broken)
Alex Marinelli, 4x B1G champ. There is no higher achievement in wrestling.
AJ was almost the future face of Iowa wrestling. No matter, the double birds splits will live on forever. 
It's hard to argue Gable not being the permanent face of Iowa wrestling forevermore.
Had Spencer won 4 he might have taken over and I have a feeling he might just be the future face after some world medals once he moves to the coaching ranks at Iowa.
For now I am good with Tom sticking his tongue out while twisting his shoe.
It's hard to argue Gable not being the permanent face of Iowa wrestling forevermore.
Had Spencer won 4 he might have taken over and I have a feeling he might just be the future face after some world medals once he moves to the coaching ranks at Iowa.
For now I am good with Tom sticking his tongue out while twisting his shoe.
This should be an easy choice. if you eliminate Cael, the rest don't matter because there never would have been a PSU run of championships without Cael
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