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Hawkeye Wrestling Dominates Rutgers in Soldier Salute

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, January 5th 2026 at 7:02 GMT by The Gazette

Hawkeye Wrestling Shines in Soldier Salute: Five Key Observations & Future Outlook

The Iowa Hawkeyes wrestling team delivered a resounding performance at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Saturday during their annual Soldier Salute dual meet against Rutgers, winning decisively with a score of 35-9. While the final score reflects dominance, the event offered more than just victory; it provided valuable insights into the team's strengths, areas for improvement, and potential trajectory as they head deeper into the season. Here are five key takeaways from Iowa’s Soldier Salute performance, gleaned from The Gazette’s coverage and considering the broader context of the Hawkeyes’ season so far.

1. Realto's Continued Ascent Solidifies Top Spot at 157: The most significant narrative emerging from Saturday was undoubtedly Caelen Realto’s continued stellar performance. Wrestling at 157 pounds, Realto secured a dominant victory over Rutgers’ Dylan Stevens (ranked #20 nationally) with a pin in the second period. This wasn't just a win; it solidified his position as the clear frontrunner for the starting role at that weight class. Prior to this season, Iowa had been searching for consistent production at 157 since Austin DeSanto’s departure. Realto has answered that call emphatically. As The Gazette noted, his aggressive style and relentless pressure are proving difficult for opponents to handle. This performance follows a string of strong showings, demonstrating he's not just a flash in the pan but a genuine contender for All-American honors. The team desperately needed someone to anchor this weight class, and Realto appears ready to do so.

2. A Mixed Bag at 165: Kai Rosario’s Progress & Potential Concerns: The 165-pound matchup between Iowa's Kai Rosario and Rutgers' Mitch Sams was a more challenging affair. Rosario secured the victory, but it wasn’t without difficulty. While he ultimately prevailed, the match highlighted areas where he needs to refine his technique and improve his resilience under pressure. The Gazette's reporting points out that Rosario is still adapting to collegiate wrestling, and there are moments of brilliance interspersed with periods of hesitation. He shows flashes of potential – a strong takedown game and good mat awareness – but consistency remains the key. This weight class, as a whole, has been an area of experimentation for Iowa, and while Rosario is currently the starter, the coaching staff will be looking for him to elevate his performance consistently moving forward.

3. The Heavyweight Battle Continues: Moore's Win Highlights Ongoing Competition: At heavyweight, the competition remains fierce. Connor Rieck-Hancock had previously held down the starting spot, but Saturday saw Jace Frederick get the nod, and he delivered a victory over Rutgers’ Yaraslau Simiachynau. However, it was Brady Loyd who wrestled against Purdue earlier in the week, further muddying the waters. The Gazette emphasizes that this ongoing battle for the heavyweight position is beneficial for the team, fostering a competitive environment that pushes each wrestler to improve. The coaching staff clearly values depth at this crucial weight class and will likely continue rotating wrestlers to find the optimal combination of strength and experience. This competition also signals Iowa’s ambition to be strong in the heavyweight division, a traditionally important category for tournament success.

4. The Upper Weights Show Strength & Depth: Beyond the individual matchups, the Soldier Salute showcased the overall depth and potential within Iowa's upper weight classes (174-285). Victories at 174 (Patrick Ramirez), 184 (Alex Thomsen), and 285 (Frederick) contributed significantly to the final score. This demonstrates that Iowa isn’t just relying on a few star wrestlers; they have a well-rounded team capable of competing effectively across multiple weight classes. The Gazette highlighted the positive energy emanating from these upper weights, suggesting a strong sense of camaraderie and shared commitment to success. The continued development of these wrestlers will be crucial as the season progresses and the competition intensifies.

5. Soldier Salute's Significance Extends Beyond Wrestling: As the name suggests, the Soldier Salute isn’t just about wrestling; it’s about honoring military personnel. The event provides a unique opportunity for the team to connect with veterans, active-duty service members, and their families, fostering a sense of community and gratitude. This tradition is deeply ingrained in Iowa wrestling culture, reinforcing the program's values of discipline, respect, and service. The atmosphere at Carver-Hawkeye Arena was electric, fueled by the enthusiastic support of the crowd and the appreciation for those who have served. This connection to the military adds a layer of meaning and significance that transcends the sport itself.

The Iowa Hawkeyes’ Soldier Salute performance provided valuable insights into their current standing and future potential. With Realto leading the charge at 157, coupled with consistent strength in the upper weights and ongoing competition across multiple weight classes, the team appears well-positioned for a successful season. While challenges remain – particularly at 165 and heavyweight – the Hawkeyes’ depth and unwavering commitment to improvement suggest that they are ready to face whatever lies ahead. The Soldier Salute served not only as a victory but also as a reminder of the program's rich tradition, strong values, and enduring connection to the community.