Wrestling State Champs and Football

**cloneu** · 02-13-2008, 09:59 AM

With the start of state wrestling tournament today I was thinking about wrestlers on the football team. I know we have at least 3 wrestling state champs on the ISU football team (Taylor Mansfield, Kyle Slifka, Jesse Smith)

Is there anybody that I am forgetting? I am not sure on anybody outside of Iowa. I always like to see some big guys on the team with wrestling backgrounds.

**clone2011** · 02-13-2008, 10:04 AM

I don't recall any other top wrestlers being on the team, but I remember last fall the DMR ran a story about how Ace was a phenomenal gymnast and had some lofty goals in the sport until some friends introduced him to football. I'd like to meet these friends of his and thank them in person!

**cloneu** · 02-13-2008, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by clone2011

I don't recall any other top wrestlers being on the team, but I remember last fall the DMR ran a story about how Ace was a phenomenal gymnast and had some lofty goals in the sport until some friends introduced him to football. I'd like to meet these friends of his and thank them in person!

No doubt on that. Too bad we didn't still have gymnastics, he could have been a double sporter.

**BryceC** · 02-13-2008, 11:02 AM

I'd still like to see them put some weight on Mansfield and have him put his hand down. I love wrestlers on the lines.

**clonez** · 02-13-2008, 11:10 AM

Brandon Johnson was a state champ in Nebraska I'm pretty sure.

**cjbogler** · 02-13-2008, 12:39 PM

I think we should recruit more wrestlers for our team!!! I know this isnt an Iowa board but Ferentz loves wrestlers for his line on both O and D. You have to be mean to be a wrestlers and thats exactly what you need on the lines. Wrestlers from day one are taught to keep there head up hips low and butt back, the same things you learn being a linemen. I might be a little biased towards wrestling cause I wrestled for over half my life but i think wrestlers are more disapplined athletes. Im sure people will argue with me but that is my personal opinion.

**cloneu** · 02-13-2008, 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by cjbogler

I think we should recruit more wrestlers for our team!!! I know this isnt an Iowa board but Ferentz loves wrestlers for his line on both O and D. You have to be mean to be a wrestlers and thats exactly what you need on the lines. Wrestlers from day one are taught to keep there head up hips low and butt back, the same things you learn being a linemen. I might be a little biased towards wrestling cause I wrestled for over half my life but i think wrestlers are more disapplined athletes. Im sure people will argue with me but that is my personal opinion.

I agree for the most part. I like having the wrestlers on the D-line, aggressive, explosive, good leverage, tackling/taking down a guy. Then for the o-line basketball players, quick feet, mobile, etc.

Obviously these are generalizations of both sports, wrestlers and basketball players can have any of these qualities.

**singsing** · 02-14-2008, 06:03 PM

I remember Troy Davis always credited his football skills to wrestling. I would love to see Cael do some work with the football team. Balance and leverage translate well into any sport.