The ISU wrestling team has been on a big stage this season with a No. 15 ranking and an undefeated mark to start the season at 5-0.

But on Sunday, the Cyclones will face its biggest stage so far.

“There is no better environment than the Iowa-Iowa State dual meet,” said ISU coach Kevin Jackson. “The importance at which the state and the country look at this event is second to none, and we expect that kind of environment. There is no question that there is going to be a high level environment, but we need to make sure that our guys still compete and make what it really is — just another wrestling match.”

Iowa State is set to face its in-state rival and No. 4 ranked Iowa on Sunday as a part of the annual Cy-Hawk series. But in recent years, Iowa State has failed to match up with Iowa.

In fact, the last time the Cyclones came out on top against the Hawkeyes was in 2004.

But even though the team hasn’t recorded a win in almost 10 years, it still knows how big of an impact this dual can have.

“A win would be huge,” said Kyven Gadson. “It’s something we need as a young team again, to get our confidence rolling. We’re 5-0 right now, but to beat Iowa in Hilton and be able to get to 6-0 would be really special for us.”

But the Hawkeyes are also perfect at 3-0 to begin their season and have eight of their 10 starting wrestlers ranked in the top-10 nationally in the Intermat poll.

Iowa’s strengths lie at the 125, 133 and 141 weight classes. The Hawkeyes have three top-ranked wrestlers competing in these classes, which is an area the Cyclones have struggled in the past.

“To say that we’re an underdog in some of those lower weight classes would be a bit of an understatement,” Jackson said. “They have some good kids in the light weight classes. But that’s our challenge. I’m confident that our guys will go out there and give us their best. If they do that, I’ll feel pretty confident.”

In fact, many ISU wrestlers have never competed in the Cy-Hawk rivalry before, including redshirt freshman Lelund Weatherspoon.

And while Weatherspoon may not know what to expect, he still feels mentally prepared for whatever he may face.

“I don’t really know what it’s going to be like,” Weatherspoon said. “But I just need to wrestle to the best of my ability and wrestle like myself. I just want to be ready and do all that I can do.”

But for the wrestlers who did compete in the meet last year, a lot of leftover feelings remain. And when they get their shot at redemption Sunday afternoon, they are going to be using that feeling from last year to push them forward.

“I was really angry after that dual last year,” Gadson said. “I didn’t come here to lose to Iowa. I don’t like losing to them. I don’t like losing to anybody. If we can get that spark going right now, it can be a big help for us in the long run.”