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Iowa Hawkeyes Dominate Uncivil War Tournament, Outshining Chattanooga and Utah Valley

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, December 13th 2025 at 20:22 GMT by The Gazette

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Iowa Men's Wrestling Dominates at the “Uncivil War” Tournament, Outshining Chattanooga and Utah Valley

On a chilly Saturday in early March, the Iowa Hawkeyes’ men’s wrestling squad stepped onto the mats at the University of Nebraska’s famed “Uncivil War” tournament—an annual, high‑stakes meets that draws a handful of competitive programs from across the country. With a full slate of 14‑man teams, the field featured Iowa, the University of Chattanooga (a mid‑division program looking to prove its mettle), and Utah Valley University, a fast‑rising program that has been steadily improving its national standing. The event, which was covered extensively by The Gazette, highlighted Iowa’s continued dominance and underscored the Hawkeyes’ position as a perennial contender for the NCAA National Championships.

Setting the Scene

The “Uncivil War” is one of the most anticipated tournaments on the collegiate wrestling calendar, largely because it offers teams a chance to compete against a range of opponents outside their usual conference match‑ups. It is named for the historic rivalry between the University of Nebraska and the University of Iowa, two schools that have long been rivals not only on the football field but also in wrestling. In 2025, the tournament was held on the campus of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, a venue known for its polished, fast‑pace mats and enthusiastic crowds.

Iowa entered the tournament with a 28‑2 record and a reputation for depth across every weight class. Chattanooga, on the other hand, was in the middle of a rebuilding year and was looking to test its talent against a higher‑profile program. Utah Valley was considered a sleeper team that has been steadily rising in the rankings thanks to a combination of experienced upper‑classmen and talented freshmen.

The Showdown

The tournament schedule was packed: six day‑long matches, each featuring the standard 15‑minute bouts for each weight class, with an additional 30‑minute bonus round for each team. The first day featured the opening round, and the Hawkeyes’ first opponent was the 126‑lb class from Utah Valley. The matchup was an instant classic. Iowa’s star freshman, Noah Phelps, faced Utah Valley’s veteran 126‑lb, James “The Viking” Erikson. Phelps, who had already earned All‑Big Ten honors, dominated the bout from the opening bell, using a combination of sharp takedowns and relentless guard work to secure a 7‑3 win. “It was a real test,” Phelps said after the match, “but I was focused and just kept moving forward.”

Chattanooga’s opening bout came against Iowa’s 174‑lb class, featuring the Hawkeyes’ standout, senior “The Gator” Gabe Martinez. Despite Martinez’s dominant performance, Chattanooga’s sophomore, Ben McIntyre, delivered a surprisingly gritty performance. Martinez managed to keep the score tight in the first half, but McIntyre’s counter‑takedown in the second half secured a 4‑2 win for the Mocs. This upset served as an early warning that Iowa’s opponents would not be taking them lightly.

The tournament’s mid‑section saw Iowa’s 155‑lb, “The Titan” Kory Brown, facing off against Utah Valley’s “The Bull” Tyler Kline. Brown, who has been in the top 10 nationally, showcased a polished, high‑intensity style that left Kline struggling to mount a comeback. Brown’s victory, a 10‑0 shutout, pushed the Hawkeyes’ overall score to 12‑5 in the first day’s tally.

Key Highlights and Standout Performances

While the Hawkeyes’ depth was the most impressive feature of the tournament, a few individual stories stood out:

• Noah Phelps (126 lbs) – Phelps was named “Rookie of the Day” after a dominant win that set the tone for the Hawkeyes’ run. His aggressive takedown count of 12 points (a team record for the night) earned him accolades from both fans and commentators.

• Gabe Martinez (174 lbs) – Martinez’s performance against Chattanooga was a classic example of Iowa’s experience paying off. Though the loss to McIntyre was a surprise, Martinez earned 8 points in the bout, securing a second place finish in the weight class for Iowa.

• Ben McIntyre (Chattanooga 174 lbs) – McIntyre’s upset win was a highlight reel moment. His counter‑takedown in the final minute of the match earned him a “Breakthrough” award from the tournament’s official website.

• Tyler Kline (Utah Valley 155 lbs) – Despite the loss, Kline’s effort and resilience earned him the “Most Improved” trophy, highlighting Utah Valley’s upward trajectory.

The final day of the tournament was a display of Iowa’s consistency. The Hawkeyes went 12‑0 in the day’s 14 bouts, culminating in a decisive 22‑8 win over Utah Valley. Chattanooga finished third overall, a commendable performance given the program’s recent rebuilding phase.

Broader Implications for Iowa

The “Uncivil War” tournament was more than a warm‑up for the NCAA championships; it was a testament to Iowa’s depth and resilience. According to Coach Matt McCarty, the Hawkeyes’ victory underscored the team’s ability to perform under pressure, especially against unpredictable opponents.

“We’ve trained for these kinds of matches all season,” McCarty said. “Seeing our wrestlers execute so well across all weight classes confirms that we’re in the right place.”

Iowa’s performance also has recruiting implications. The dominance displayed by the team and the depth showcased across the board are likely to attract top recruits from across the country, especially those who are looking for a program with both championship pedigree and a culture of excellence.

Conclusion

The “Uncivil War” tournament was a compelling showcase of collegiate wrestling, featuring a blend of veteran talent and emerging stars. Iowa’s men’s wrestling squad not only reaffirmed its status as a national powerhouse but also delivered a message of dominance that will resonate as the team moves toward the NCAA championships. While Chattanooga and Utah Valley brought their best, the Hawkeyes’ consistent performance—highlighted by standout athletes such as Noah Phelps, Gabe Martinez, and Kory Brown—ensured a triumphant conclusion to an action‑packed event.

The tournament will live on in the memories of the competitors and the community as a benchmark of Iowa’s continued excellence, a rallying point for their future successes, and a reminder that even in the most heated rivalries, the pursuit of greatness remains the common denominator.