After beating No. 21 Oklahoma 29-10 on Friday, No. 3 Iowa State’s tour of the Sooner State continues when it takes the short trip to Stillwater to take on No. 5 Oklahoma State Sunday.
The excitement for this dual meet was palpable in the Iowa State Wrestling team lounge during Tuesday’s media availability.
“I think that we’re the biggest enemy in just about any arena we go into…,” senior Isaac Dean said. “But I think it’ll be a cool environmental experience somewhere else.”
Most athletes relish any chance they get of silencing an opposing team’s crowd. Better yet, the Cyclones have the chance to shut down the top-five Cowboys inside Gallagher-Iba Arena, the home venue for the Pokes, known as “The Rowdiest Arena in the Country” and “The Madison Square Garden of the Plains.”
“Everyone keeps telling me how big that environment is going to be and how many eyes are going to be on that match…,” Dean said. “I’m kind of getting more used to that, so I’m not really too worried about it.”
Dean, a Rider University transfer, wasn’t familiar with wrestling in front of big crowds. But what better way to acclimate than to transfer to Iowa State, whose known around the country for its passionate wrestling fandom.
“I think it’s helped me, at first I think it was a bit overwhelming…,” Dean said about starting at Iowa State. “But it’s a really good feeling to be somewhere where the hard work you put in, when you know, when it pays off, you feel it from people who are watching and supporting us.
That hard work is evidenced by Dean’s performance this season. He has a 12-4 record as well as a 5-2 dual record. Dean is one of the best 184-pounders and has been ranked No. 11 in the country in his weight class.
On Sunday, Dean will square off with redshirt freshman Zack Ryder, who is ranked No. 8 in the 184-pound class. Ryder has posted a 9-5 record this season. Both Ryder and Dean are coming off losses in their individual bouts on Friday. Each should be eager to get back on track, and it should make for a great matchup on Sunday.
It is expected that senior Rocky Elam will compete against Oklahoma State. He didn’t appear in Friday’s contest against the Sooners because he’s been on a “pitch count” to avoid injury and stay healthy for the postseason.
“Everything we do in duals is preparation for the nationals,” Elam said. “So it’s been all practice, and it’s been all good … every time I get one of those live reps, I know I improve.”
Despite limited action, Elam has been phenomenal in his appearances. He’s gone 11-0 overall and has a 4-0 dual record. Elam’s also notched 28 takedowns to only one against him. The No. 2 197-pounder has been making the most out of his final college season.
“It’s fun to wrestle in Hilton, it’s fun to wrestle at Gallagher,” Elam said. “And yeah, like I said, this is just my last shot at it, so I’m gonna put myself out there as many times as necessary, that’s reasonable for my body and for my preparation.”
Like Dean, Elam shared his teammate’s enthusiasm for wrestling in one of the craziest venues in the sport, especially when it’s a head-to-head between the No. 3 and No. 5 teams in the nation.
“I always love going to arenas where the fans are kind of sitting on top of you,” Elam said. “And that’s kind of what Gallagher’s like … so anytime the crowd gets excited, it just makes it that much more fun.”
