AMES – In Iowa State’s first dual inside Hilton Coliseum since Nov. 15, the No. 13 ranked Cyclones swept all but two divisions, defeating No. 22 ranked Oklahoma 25-6. In the team’s return, three Cyclones made their dual-action debut wearing the block logo.
In the wake of countless injuries, medical redshirts, and new absences, a handful of new wrestlers enter the Iowa State lineup. At 125, 157 and 197, three unfamiliar faces found their way into the mix.
Sophomore Ethan Perryman kicked things off at 125, losing one of the only two matchups on the night. Perryman lost a close 5-2 decision against No. 29 ranked Antonio Lorenzen, one of Oklahoma’s most experienced lightweight talents.
“[Perryman] is still developing,” Dresser said. “Unfortunately, that’s how things go sometimes, but he’ll be back at it in practice to hopefully fix some of his mistakes.”
At 157, freshman Kane Naaktgeboren entered his first home dual since Nov. 8 against Stanford, defeating freshman Layton Schneider. After scoring four back points, Naakegeboren took an early 7-0 lead before closing the match in an 8-3 decision.
It was sophomore Nate Schon, however, at 197, who stole the show in place of the now-absent Christian Carroll. Schon defeated sophomore Bradley Hill in a hard-fought 14-7 decision. Schon’s victory was his first dual win of the season after a promising finish at the Jan. 19 Cyclone Open.
“[Schon] has been hurt a lot throughout his career,” Dresser said. “He’s been banged up, and you hate to see that. He’s got some tricks, and he wrestled smart tonight.
The starting lineup is still without All-American senior Anthony Echemendia, but according to Dresser, depth has been a key to the Cyclones’ success amid roster changes.
“It’s always next man up,” Dresser said. “One guy gets banged up, and it’s about who’s willing to step up and help us win the big matches.”
In the pair’s return, sophomore twins Evan and Jacob Frost both recorded wins. Evan Frost’s win over No. 22 ranked Cleveland Beltron at 133 extended his win streak to double digits, a precursor to Jacob Frost’s win over No. 19 ranked Mosha Schwartz at 141.
The pair recorded wins over a ranked opponent in the same dual for the first time in the 2024-25 season. Both wins came by decision, with Evan winning 9-0 and Jacob 10-4.
“The Frost brothers are incredible,” Dresser said. “They ride well, they can turn, they’re the whole package, and we love to see them keep winning.”
Jacob Frost has found his rhythm since joining the starting lineup at 141. Following an impressive performance at the Virginia Duals, Jacob Frost placed first at the Cyclone Open before his win tonight.
“I used to get caught up on what [Evan Frost] was doing,” Jacob Frost said. “I never watch what goes on before me, only what happens in my match. We still watch film and whatnot together, but never in competition.”
The night’s final matchup took place between Cyclone heavyweight freshman Daniel Herrera and Oklahoma’s No. 26 ranked Juan Mora. Nearing the end of the first period, things got dicey.
A shot to the face of Herrera resulted in a brief moment of hands being exchanged between the two opponents, something that Dresser says is just part of the sport.
“Sometimes things get heated,” Dresser said. “[Herrera] is at a man’s weight, and when you’re in that position, you have to look forward to the challenge.
The heavyweight matchup between Herrera and Mora went the distance, resulting in the second of two losses for Iowa State. Mora’s scrappy 4-2 decision victory was his ninth victory of the season.
