AMES — After an 18-day buffer following the Collegiate Duals in Nashville, Iowa State is set to take on West Virginia in this season’s second conference match.
The Cyclones won the last six matchups against the Mountaineers, with the last one coming by a score of 29-11. West Virginia is 7-1 on the season, with the team’s only loss against California Baptist.
The first Big 12 dual of the season for Iowa State ended in a 27-12 win over North Dakota State in Humboldt, Iowa, highlighted by flashy performances from sophomore Cody Chittum and freshman Daniel Herrera.
“It’s been a little while since we’ve been on the road,” head coach Kevin Dresser said. “We’re excited to get back on the road together after an off day today, especially in the second dual in conference play.”
Senior Kysen Terukina is projected to appear for the Cyclones at 125 against the Mountaineers. Terukina defeated Missouri’s Mack Mauger, Iowa’s Joey Cruz and Northern Iowa’s Garrett Rinken at the Soldier Salute on Dec. 30, beating out teammate Ethan Perryman.
“It was good to get [Terukina] back in the lineup, but it’s still early for him,” Dresser said. “He’s great about separating himself, and I thought it was a great start for him.”
The Cyclones’ early injuries have yet to cease as the second half of the season gets underway. Iowa State is still without former All-Americans Anthony Echemendia and Casey Swiderski. Sophomore Connor Euton is also inactive, as he has medically redshirted the remainder of the season following an ACL tear.
“We’re focused on getting some guys in the right places,” Dresser said. “If we could figure out this health thing, we’ll be good in February and going into March.”
Dresser has called several young talents into the lineup this season, including Herrera and Nate Schon. Herrera is set to travel to West Virginia alongside veteran heavyweight Yonger Bastida.
“We’ve got a number of guys who are capable of stepping up and winning matches,” senior Evan Bockman said. “Guys like [Herrera] can compete with just about everyone, and that’s exciting to see.”
Ahead of the dual with West Virginia, sophomores Aiden Riggins and MJ Gaitan switched weight classes. Gaitan previously wrestled at 174 and Riggins at 165.
“I’m excited to see how they do,” Dresser said. “Some guys are disciplined regarding change, and some aren’t. Many things go into it, but I think it’s a change that will benefit them both. We won’t know fully until they get out there and compete.”
After missing the conference opener against NDSU and sweeping the Collegiate Duals, Bockman is projected to wrestle at 184 against the Mountaineers.
“I’ve been a little banged up these last few weeks, but I’m ready to go,” Bockman said. “A lot of soreness comes during the middle of the season, but that’s just part of being tough. Every good wrestler experiences it. You just learn to live with it.”
The dual between Iowa State and West Virginia is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday from Morgantown. It will be live-streamed on ESPN+.
