It has been a week since the ISU wrestling team defeated Drexel and Grand View to start the season at 2-0, but coach ISU coach Kevin Jackson didn’t take much time to celebrate.

In a 24-16 win against Drexel, Iowa State (2-0) dropped the first three matches of the contest, one of which was a major decision, putting the Cyclones down 10-0 early on. Against Grand View, a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics school, the Vikings had a 9-7 lead before the Cyclones pulled away for a 22-18 victory.

“I don’t think anybody probably competed to the level where they can walk off the mat and say they are totally satisfied with their performance,” Jackson said. “I would say we got eight guys who aren’t satisfied with the way they competed and we can improve on that.”

Whether or not the Cyclones have improved will be tested this weekend, starting Friday night, Nov. 15, in a double dual against Midland and West Virginia at Hilton Coliseum.

Last season, Iowa State defeated West Virginia in the Mountaineers’ inaugural season as a member of the Big 12 by a score of 30-3. This will be the first taste of conference competition this season for both teams.

“Anytime you win is good, but really, truly, all that matters is the NCAAs,” said Luke Goettl of the dual against West Virginia. “It’s just a stepping stone until that point. Losing is not acceptable and if we wrestle to the best of our ability I think we’ll come out with a win.”

Harold Nichols Open

There won’t be much rest for the ISU wrestling contingent following Friday’s pair of duals as the Harold Nichols Open starts Saturday at Hilton Coliseum.

All-American Kyven Gadson said that despite the quick turn-around, the team will need to refocus in order to prove its worth.

“There’s been a few two-day tournaments this year so far for other teams, so for us to be a top team, we need to get back out there and be ready to go both days,” Gadson said.

In 2012, Iowa State put three wrestlers atop the podium at the event. Goettl is hoping that Friday’s duals will serve as a warm-up for Saturday’s tournament.

“It is what it is, and it always sucks making weight back-to-back [days], but it is what it is, so you can’t dwell on it,” Goettl said. “We should wrestle well Saturday; we get to warm up Friday night.”