March 26, 2009
- Iowa and the Big Ten Network
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
- 2008-09 UI wrestling media guide
- Big Ten Network highlights
IOWA CITY, IA — The University of Iowa wrestling team won its 22nd national title last week at the NCAA championships in St. Louis, MO. Junior Brent Metcalf was the only Hawkeye wrestler in a national title match. Metcalf was criticized by many for his actions near the end of his 149-pound title match. The 2008 national champion lost a hard-fought match to Darrion Caldwell of North Carolina State.
An action by Metcalf near the end of the match caused the Iowa team to lose a team point. The following are statements by Metcalf and Iowa Athletic Director Gary Barta regarding the matter.
Brent Metcalf’s statement:
“I would like to extend an apology to Darrion Caldwell, his family, the NCAA and the wrestling community for my actions in the NCAA title match. I certainly had no malicious intent. With five seconds left in the match, I was attempting to finish to the end, as I’ve always been trained to do. In a split second after the whistle, my momentum carried me into Darrion’s celebratory back flip. My reaction was a result of self defense and partly, frustration. I want to extend my congratulations to Darrion for his championship.”
Gary Barta’s statement:
“Brent has taken this situation seriously from the beginning. I’m satisfied with the manner and sincerity with which he’s handled it. He is a tremendous student-athlete and has been a terrific role model on the mat, in the classroom and in the community. I look forward to his 2009-10 season and his quest to earn another national championship.”