AMES — The Iowa State wrestling team is set to take center stage Nov. 8 against Stanford in its season opener. The Cyclones welcome new talent and return many familiar faces from last season.
Head coach Kevin Dresser addressed the media Tuesday to answer questions about the 2024-25 campaign.
“This is always an exciting time of year,” Dresser said. “This is one of the most talented teams I have had, but talent doesn’t guarantee championships. If this team can stay disciplined, this team is capable of a lot.”
Iowa State finished fourth in the nation last season, claiming the program’s first Big 12 title and 18th conference championship in program history. The Cyclones finished with their best point total since 2010.
Following performances as All-Americans, seniors Yonger Bastida and Anthony Echemendia, as well as junior Casey Swiderski, will return this season for the Cyclones. The All-Americans on the roster will hope to guide the younger talent brought in after the 2023-24 campaign.
“I’m looking forward to every match,” Echemendia said. ”When you’re on a team with All-Americans and national champions, the younger guys believe. They believe in their training and believe in the guidance from the coaching staff.”
The Cyclones have been a notoriously successful program in recent years, but this season has yet to be written. For veteran wrestlers like Bastida, it’s less about the past and more about looking ahead.
“There are a lot of young, hungry guys on this team,” Bastida said. “This is a new season, and the past won’t affect us. We have learned as a program to get better and to move forward.”
The Cyclones have made new additions in transfers CJ Carter, Christian Carroll and Evan Bockman, along with countless freshmen. The leadership from the successful veterans is something that Iowa State will rely on this upcoming season.
Carter wrestled at Iowa Western Community College and won a JUCO national championship in the 285-pound class. His experience is something that the Cyclones hope to utilize as the season gets underway.
“The biggest thing for me is adding more moves to my bag,” Carter said. “It’s a big jump from community college to division one, but I think I can bring the competition into the room over the next couple of years.”
In addition, Iowa State has added former national champion David Carr to the coaching staff. Carr defeated Penn State’s Mitchell Mesenbrink 9-8 in Kansas City to claim his second national title.
“We preach the importance of buying into what Dresser and the other coaches are saying,” Carr said. “When they hear it from us, it’s easy for these guys to believe in our message.”
Iowa State will kick its season off against Stanford in the second meeting between the two teams at Hilton Coliseum. The Cyclones will look to improve their record to 2-0 against the Cardinal and open the season with a win.
The matchup will take place at 7 p.m. Nov. 8 and will be streamed on ESPN+.
