Hawkeyes Dominate Again: Claim 7 Soldier Salute Titles and Third Consecutive Team Championship!

CORALVILLE, Iowa — The University of Iowa wrestling squad secured the 2024 Soldier Salute team championship, accumulating 248 points, as seven competitors claimed individual titles.

“There is much work ahead,” remarked head coach Tom Brands. “We are entering a training phase now, with our upcoming dual meeting scheduled for January 12. This competition is something we cherish; we love it in our own backyard/front yard.”

Drake Ayala captured the 133-pound title with a technical fall against teammate Kale Petersen.

Following the All-Iowa final, a duo of Hawkeyes triumphed in top-10 matchups to secure their titles, with Kyle Parco overcoming No. 6 Lachlan McNeil of UNC, 8-5, and Michael Caliendo edging past ninth-ranked Andrew Sparks, 7-6.

“He is a formidable opponent; I was eager for the entire tournament,” stated Parco. “It was a satisfying victory, yet I believe I need to wrestle a complete match. There are numerous aspects I need to enhance. I appreciate the feedback; it motivates me to improve. It provides me with tasks to focus on when I return to the room on Monday or Tuesday.”

Patrick Kennedy also defeated a ranked contender on his way to clinching the 174-pound title, winning a 6-2 decision against Navy’s 18^th-ranked Danny Wask.

Angelo Ferrari accepted a medical forfeit against teammate and sixth-ranked Gabe Arnold at 184 pounds.

Stephen Buchanan (197) triumphed over Missouri’s Aeoden Sinclair by major decision, 15-4, while Ben Kueter (285) recorded a narrow 1-0 decision against Minnesota’s Bennett Tabor.

In the consolation bracket, Jace Rhodes finished fourth at 141 pounds, while Joey Cruz (125) and Cullan Schriever (141) each secured sixth place.

The Hawkeyes will return to action to commence Big Ten competition against Wisconsin on Jan. 12.

 FINAL RESULTS

133 – #4 Drake Ayala (Iowa) tech. fall Kale Petersen (Iowa), 20-5

149 – #4 Kyle Parco (Iowa) dec. #6 Lachlan McNeil (UNC), 8-5

165 – #2 Michael Caliendo (Iowa) vs. #9 Andrew Sparks (Minnesota), 7-6

174 – Patrick Kennedy (Iowa) dec. #18 Danny Wask (Navy), 6-2

184 – Angelo Ferrari (Iowa) MFF #6 Gabe Arnold (Iowa)

197 – #2 Stephen Buchanan (Iowa) major dec. Aeoden Sinclair (Missouri), 15-4

285 – #12 Ben Kueter (Iowa) dec. Bennett Tabor (Minnesota), 1-0

 

THIRD PLACE RESULTS

141 – Tyson Peach (SDSU) dec. Jace Rhodes (Iowa), 9-3

 

FIFTH PLACE RESULTS

125 – Adrian Meza (Iowa State) dec. Joey Cruz (Iowa), 4-1 SV1

141 – Julian Tagg (SDSU) dec. Cullan Schriever (Iowa), 7-6