The thrilling match between Iowa State and Arizona State on February 7, 2025, at the Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa, left spectators on the edge of their seats as the No. 14 Iowa State team emerged victorious with a final score of 26-15. The match showcased the outstanding performances of eight sophomores who displayed exceptional skill and determination on the mat.
One of the standout moments of the night came from Carter Fousek, a 157-pound sophomore, who delivered a remarkable comeback victory with a pinfall after initially falling behind 6-0 in the match. Reflecting on his win, Fousek mentioned, “He was ready to go, but I just knew if I stayed in there I’d have a chance. I was tired but I had to try something too and it just worked out.”
Coach Dresser’s Milestone Win
The match also marked a significant milestone for Iowa State head coach Kevin Dresser, who achieved his 250th career win, with 90 of those victories coming from his tenure at Iowa State. Dresser expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the team, acknowledging the support of Jamie Pollard in providing him with the chance to reach such a milestone. Reflecting on his journey, Dresser humbly commented, “For this year they haven’t come as easy. It’s also a sign that you are probably getting old. I’ve been fortunate enough to be at two great institutions with Virginia Tech and Iowa State.”
Missed Bonus Point Opportunities
While the Iowa State team celebrated several wins, there were missed opportunities for bonus points in some matches. Redshirt sophomore Paniro Johnson, competing in the 149-pound weight class, fought hard to secure a victory against Arizona State’s No. 21 Jesse Vasquez. Although Johnson emerged victorious with a 10-4 decision, he fell short of achieving bonus points, indicating an area for growth in his performance. Coach Dresser noted the positive strides Johnson was making, stating, “The old Paniro would have been happy with a 3-2 victory, so I think we are getting a new and improved Paniro.”
Another notable performance came from redshirt sophomore Aiden Riggins in the 165-pound weight class, who demonstrated his dominance on the mat by securing a major decision. Riggins’ relentless pursuit of points and strategic maneuvers showcased his skill and determination. Dresser emphasized the importance of capitalizing on such opportunities, stating, “[Aiden] Riggins was knocking on the door of a tech, and when you get those opportunities you really need to be greedy.”
Herrera’s Challenge
In a challenging match-up, heavyweight freshman Daniel Herrera faced Arizona State’s No. 5 Cohlton Schultz, who presented a formidable opponent due to his experience and unique wrestling style. Despite the tough competition, Herrera displayed resilience and tenacity on the mat, holding his own against the seasoned wrestler. Coach Dresser commended Herrera’s efforts, acknowledging the difficulty of facing such a skilled opponent, stating, “He doesn’t take a lot of leg attempts but he controls the mat really well. He has a very unique style. If you take a shot on him then he squashes you and runs around you and gets three points. It’s not a thing of beauty but it is effective.”
Looking ahead, Iowa State’s next dual is set against No. 15 Pittsburgh, promising another exciting matchup for both the team and fans. As the team prepares for the upcoming challenge, they remain focused and determined to continue their winning streak. The match will be streamed on ESPN+ for wrestling enthusiasts to witness the action live.
As the dust settles from the intense showdown between Iowa State and Arizona State, one thing remains clear—the passion, skill, and dedication of these young athletes continue to inspire and captivate fans, leaving a lasting impression on the world of collegiate wrestling. The journey of these talented wrestlers is a testament to the power of perseverance, teamwork, and unwavering determination in the face of formidable opponents.
