ISU wrestling coach Kevin Jackson did not hesitate to address the upcoming dual meet this Sunday against intrastate rival Iowa in his press conference Monday.

Jackson, who is in his first year as coach of the ISU wrestling program, said maintaining focus is the main goal for the team heading into Sunday’s meet.

“It’s a very exciting week for us,” Jackson said. “We’re in kind of a reloading phase in preparation for the Hawkeyes. It’s a big event for us, big event for the wrestling community, big event for the state; so we’re excited about it, but we’re trying to maintain our composure in preparation for the Hawkeyes.”

Jackson admits he circled Sunday’s date on his calendar the day he was hired as head coach of the Cyclone wrestling program, and the current circumstances leading up to the final week before that date have escalated the level of excitement for the team.

“We want to win every time we step on the mat, but our goal is to be national champions,” Jackson said. “The national championship runs through Iowa City. [The meet against Iowa] is one of the reasons I’m happy to be here because that is a strong challenge for us and we’re looking forward to it.”

Injuries have plagued the team after two weekend tournaments. Senior Nick Gallick, who entered the season ranked second in the nation at 141 pounds, suffered a deep tissue bruise on his thigh during the Harold Nichols Open in Ames two weeks ago.

Gallick traveled to the NWCA All-Star Invitational last weekend and was ready to compete, but Jackson decided to sit him and give him more time to let him recover from his injury.

“If [Gallick] is not fully recovered, then we have Dalton [Jensen] ready to go,” Jackson said. “We’ll probably throw Dalton out there.”

Senior Nick Fanthorpe sustained an injury before the season started, which has prevented him from wrestling so far this season. Jackson says he is still 50/50 as of right now on whether or not he wants to bring Fanthorpe back.

Andrew Long has come into his own at 125 pounds for the Cyclones, winning both tournaments in his respective weight class. Long dominated Iowa’s J.J. Krutsinger in the championship matches of both tournaments after losing to him last year, which Jackson feels is a good sign for the redshirt freshman.

“I’m happy with his progress,” Jackson said. “We expect him to be at an even higher level in March, so let’s see how he competes on Sunday and then plan on him getting better after that.”

Senior Joe Curran and junior Jerome Ward both sustained injuries before the Kaufman-Brand Open in Omaha, Neb., last weekend. Jackson says a decision will be made on Thursday for who will get the nod to wrestle on Sunday at 184 pounds.

“We have to have [either] Curran [or] Ward participate in that dual,” Jackson said. “So it’s just a matter of whoever’s healthiest and who’s ready to compete on Sunday.”

Junior Nate Carr Jr. sustained an injury during the Harold Nichols Open and has not wrestled since. Jackson says Carr’s status is still uncertain for Sunday.

“Carr is a little bit of a question mark,” Jackson said. “We’re monitoring him every day, but right now we’re probably leaning toward Andrew [Sorenson].”

Sorenson, a sophomore, won the Harold Nichols Open at 157 pounds and took second at the Kaufman-Brand Open in the 157 elite division.

The Cyclones’ meet against Iowa starts at 6 p.m. this Sunday at Hilton Coliseum.