Wiltz

A season for the ages
Ryan Young - The Daily Iowan
Issue date: 5/15/08 Section: Sports

When it comes to wrestling, winning isn't the only thing that matters to 149-pounder Brent Metcalf. How he wins is important, too.

Call him a chip off the block of his head coach, Tom Brands. Call him a wrestling workaholic with a bottomless-pit appetite for triumph.

Either way, following a climactic sophomore season, the junior-to-be is both a Big Ten and NCAA champion, a Dan Hodge trophy winner, and now, The Daily Iowan's Male Athlete of the Year.

It's tough to argue against a year that featured a 39-1 overall record, 12 pins, seven technical falls, and nine major decisions.

Since ending his national-title run two months ago, Metcalf said, he's not quite an Iowa City celebrity, but he has received a few pats on the back.

"I've had a few people in my classes come up to me and say congratulations and stuff," he said. "Those people were probably wrestling fans in the first place, though. Definitely, this campus and this atmosphere, people recognize your success, and it makes it fun."




Despite leading the Hawkeyes to their first national title since 2000 with a comeback victory over Penn State's Bubba Jenkins in the NCAA championship finals, Metcalf hasn't taken a break from competition. A national title isn't enough.

Soon, he will venture to Las Vegas for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, beginning on June 13. He's hungry for a gold medal.

Asked which accomplishment - a gold medal or a national champion - holds more importance in his mind, Metcalf said it depends on the time of year.

"When it's college national championship time, that's the most important thing in the world right now, right then," he said. "Now, we're past that and in the summer months where Olympic and world championships become the main focus. It's like a cycle."
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__________________
"He quits, not because he wants to, but because he has to. He has no choice.
" -Tom Brands 01/20/08

goferphan

This kid is a throw back who is impossible not to like.

__________________
"Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut."

LoSt

Personally I dont like his style, he's too aggressive. Sometimes it seems like he's really rough on his opponent and I just dont think thats called for.

__________________
Dart Shark; Keen wrestling enthusiast/analyst or sinister journalistic nazi?

Wiltz

LOL, Really. Have you tried watching male ice dancing? That may be the sport for you.


You crack me up.

__________________
"He quits, not because he wants to, but because he has to. He has no choice.
" -Tom Brands 01/20/08

LoSt

I try

__________________
Dart Shark; Keen wrestling enthusiast/analyst or sinister journalistic nazi?

Herkey#1

I hope you are joking

Wiltz

Yes, he's joking.

__________________
"He quits, not because he wants to, but because he has to. He has no choice.
" -Tom Brands 01/20/08

Stardust

I heart LoSt.

__________________


Super 32 Challenge - November 1, 2008
NC Mat

"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can" -- John Wesley

RYou

A season for the ages
Ryan Young - The Daily Iowan

I think not. C'mon, just think of all of the great seasons had by others that this title insinuates were inferior.

Was it a great season ? Sure. One for the ages ? I think not.

RYou

We shall dub the young Ryan.