The ISU wrestling team will attempt to beat Iowa for the first time since 2004 this weekend in Iowa City.

The Cyclones (0-1, 0-0 Big 12), who lost to Old Dominion by a 22-13 final in Ames last Sunday, will be entering Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Saturday in search of their first win of the season. Saturday’s dual meet will be part of the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series, which Iowa State currently leads 9-2 this season.

“We looked a little tired; we looked a little flat,” said ISU coach Kevin Jackson of the Cyclones’ performance against Old Dominion. “Obviously, it’s a disappointing loss, but we don’t have any time to hang our head. We’ve got Iowa this week, and we’re in full preparation for them and that’s what we’re shooting for right now.”

The recruiting competition between the in-state rivals increases the intensity of this matchup and adds even more weight to its outcome.

Iowa’s recent dominance of the series — having won seven straight — illustrates this aspect of the rivalry. This, Jackson said, creates a lot of added pressure for his team.

“Kids want to lean towards that, and that’s what they’ve grown up seeing — especially in the state of Iowa,” Jackson said. “I think, nationally, we’re right there with them with the national-ranked kids that we do bring in.”

ISU redshirt sophomores Kyven Gadson and Michael Moreno, both of whom are sons of former Cyclone All-Americans, knew they wanted to wrestle for Iowa State long before they verbally committed to the school.

Gadson, currently ranked No. 15 at 197 pounds by Intermat, grew up in Iowa City and wrestled at the Hawkeyes Kids Club. But in fourth grade, Gadson decided he wanted to be a Cyclone.

“Ever since then, I’ve always had dreams about going into [Carver-Hawkeye Arena] and pulling out a big win,” Gadson said. “That’s just what I’m focused on this week.”

Moreno, who is from Urbandale, Iowa, said he was never recruited by Iowa in high school. Several of his teammates were, however, and from Moreno’s perspective, so much of the recruiting decision goes into the overall feel and comfort that a program presents.

“When it came down to it, Ames, Iowa, was just a better fit,” Moreno said. “I think that’s what any recruiting decision comes down to, is that fit. If you fall into that niche, then that’s where you belong. Anybody that has that environment surrounding them is going to choose that place over some other place.”