HAWK - Hawkeye Wrestling Club News ( Klub )

Established in 1978

Formed in 1978 by two individuals wanting to enhance the University of Iowa wrestling fan experience, HAWK is the oldest collegiate wrestling fan support organization.

Returning from the NCAA wrestling tournament from College Park, Maryland in 1978, Morrie Adams and Abe Waters conceived to organize a group of individuals similarly interested in Iowa Hawkeye wrestling.

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Written by Morrie Adams, Pres. of HAWK

Congratulations to National champ, Tony Ramos. Ramos joins an elite group of Hawkeyes who have experienced the rare air at the top of the podium. Ramos, being the creative man that he is, captured the crown with a 2 point near fall in over time. That accomplishment has never been seen in a championship match.

Derek St. John wasn’t able to repeat as a national champ, but he also joins an even more elite group of Hawkeye’s who have been 4 time all-Americans.

The Hawkeyes finished in 4th place behind national champs Penn State. Minnesota made the team race go down to the finals, but they lost their two finals matches and Penn State won their two final matches. Following Minnesota was third place Oklahoma State with four in the finals and two national champs. Oklahoma State, in my opinion, overachieved at nationals, but still fell 13 points short of Penn State.

As a team, the Hawkeyes probably fell short of their talent, but still finished in 4th place. For most teams, a 4th place finish would be a huge accomplishment, but anything short of a national team title is less than expected, for the coaches, athletes and many fans.

The Hawkeyes crowned 6 all-Americans including Ramos. Finishing 4th place for Iowa was 285 pounder Bobby Telford. Telford went 4-2 for the tournament. Also going 5-2 was Cory Clark (125) who finished 5th along with Derek St. John who went 5-2 for the tournament. Placing 6th was Mike Evans (174) who, in my opinion, pinned the national champ in the semi-finals. I have always defended wrestling officials, but this time I couldn’t defend an official who didn’t have the courage to make the call. Nathan Burak was the 6th all-American with his 8th place finish.

As we say thanks for your efforts to the three seniors; Ethan Lofthouse, St. John and Ramos, I am already getting excited for next year with a lot of young talent. If you didn’t get to see some of the younger talent perform this year, you are in for a surprise, as they should provide us with lots of excitement and many Hawkeye victories.