By Ryan Suchomel
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Iowa wrestling wants to be No. 1. At everything.
To that end, they are inviting 16,000 fans to Carver-Hawkeye Arena for Saturday’s dual meet against No. 1 Oklahoma State (3-0), the defending national champions.
Iowa hopes to break the NCAA wrestling attendance record of 15,646, currently held by the University of Minnesota.
“I think it’d be awesome, “senior Joe Johnston said. “People will start talking about Iowa wrestling and how great it is again.”
The record was set on Feb. 1, 2002, in a dual between Iowa and Minnesota in Minneapolis. Overall, Iowa has been a part of every one of the 35 best-attended duals.
But they did not host No. 1.
“We pride ourselves at Iowa of having the best fans and the best support, “Iowa coach Jim Zalesky said. “Iowa is in the record … but it was up at Minnesota. We’d like to have it back here at home.”
Carver-Hawkeye Arena holds 15,500 for basketball games, but special permission was given to put the wrestling mat on a stage and put seats on the floor. The wrestling arena record is 15,291, set when Iowa defeated Iowa State in 1992.
“It’s more for bragging rights, “Iowa assistant coach Tim Hartung said. “It’s being part of a historical event. It’s a chance to see two great programs going at it.”
Iowa and Oklahoma State have combined for 52 national titles. The Cowboys lead the series against Iowa 21-16-1, and beat the Hawkeyes for the fifth straight time, 26-12, last season in Stillwater, Okla.
“Anytime these two programs get together, it’s a big meet, “Zalesky said. “It’s the best two programs. I’m not sure of any sport where you get (52) national titles between two programs.
“I don’t know if there is any other sport that has that, but if there is, let me know.”
The meet also marks the first time ex-Hawkeye Steve Mocco returns to Iowa City as a Cowboy. The defending national champion at heavyweight will face Iowa sophomore Matt Fields (11-2), who lost three times in three tries against Mocco last season.
“I want to get a chance to meet him, especially at home, “Fields said. “It’s a big chance for me to prove that I can beat the best people.”
Zalesky said he didn’t expect fans to give Mocco a warm reception.
“When you come here, don’t expect anyone to be too friendly to you, “Zalesky said. “Don’t expect to see any ‘Welcome Back Steve,’ or ‘I Love You Steve’ signs anywhere.”
For No. 6 Iowa (3-0) the meet will also be a measuring stick as they head into National Duals and the Big Ten dual season.
“Any support we can get, we feel is going to help, “Zalesky said.
Reach Ryan Suchomel at 339-7368 or [email protected].
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