The dual meet of the year is upon us, and this year’s CyHawk meeting is taking place on the world stage! Broadcast live on ESPN. This is quite the historical event and it features two outstanding teams with state bragging rights on the line. The dual meet features two top 10 ranked teams with 19 of the 20 starters ranked nationally. The 8th ranked Cyclones host 4th ranked Iowa at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, with the meet starting at 2 p.m.

History: The Hawkeyes have dominated the series winning 68 of 86 meetings between the two teams. The Iowa Hawkeyes have also won 18 straight.

The years meeting between the two rivals appears to be one of the closest meeting between the teams in years! The Hawkeyes are a perfect 2-0 on the season while the Cyclones are also undefeated at 3-0.

Keys To Victory: For the Hawkeyes: Iowa needs to win the close ones while not giving up bonus points.  For Iowa State, the Cyclones need to score bonus points at 184 and heavyweight. If both teams win 5 matches, these bonus points could decide the meets outcome.

So without any further ado lets take a look at each match and I will do my best to give you a winner and team score.

125  No. 17 Drake Ayala vs. No. 8 Kysen Terukina 

This match-up right here will decide the fate of the dual, so I expect both wrestlers to show up and bring their A games. While Drake is a perfect 4-0 against Iowa State, Terukina brings to the mat a 100% bonus rate on the season!  I see this match being action packed from the get-go, with Ayala squeaking out a hard fought 7-5 decision. Putting the Hawkeyes on the board first 3-0.

133 No. 8 Brody Teske vs. No. 19 Evan Frost

This match is one that the Hawkeyes are heavily favored in, however Teske can’t take Frost lightly. Frost likes to shoot and has done a fantastic job so far this season with a perfect 3-0 record. Teske looked great last weekend against Oregon State and will need to do the same in Ames to secure the victory. I see Teske winning the one with  a hard fought 7-3 decision, putting Iowa  up 6-0.

141 No. 1 Real Woods vs. No. 19 Anthony Echemendia

This match is much much closer than it looks on paper. Echemendia and Woods are both fantastic on their feet and the exchanges while standing should be some of the most exciting of the night. The difference  here is Woods ability to turn guys from the top position. If Woods gets in opportunity on top he could really rack up some points. I see Woods with a 12-5 decision, and the Hawks take an early 9-0 lead.

149 No. 9 Victor Voinovich vs. No. 14 Casey Swiderski

While the Iowa wrestler is the higher ranked of the two, I expect Swiderski to impose his will and take control of the match. I see a 14-5 decision for the Iowa State Wrestler, putting the Cyclones on the board for the first time. Iowa leads 9-4.

157 No. 2 Jared Franek vs. No. 18 Cody Chittum

Just like 141, this match is much closer than it looks on paper. Chittum is the real deal and a strong all-american contender. Franek is currently 7-0 with a 71% bonus rate and should be able to rely on his experience to beat the talented freshman. I predict Franek with a 5-2 victory, extending Iowa’s lead 12-4.

165 No. 5 Mikey Caliendo vs. No. 2 David Carr 

This is the only Top 10 match-up of the night, and its an exciting one. Carr is a returning NCAA Champion and one of the most talented wrestlers in the country at any weight. Caliendo is an exciting offensive minded wrestler with a chip on his shoulder. Carr is heavily favored in this one, however Caliendo has defeated an NCAA Champion in the past and would love to do so here. I think Carr controls the match and wins a comfortable 14-7 decision. Iowa leads 12-7.

174 No. 17 Gabe Arnold vs. No. 21 MJ Gaitan

Both these wrestlers have a very bright future ahead of them, and both are undefeated on the year. I expect Arnold to use his incredible speed and strength to control the bout. I see Arnold with a comfortable 7-1 vistory, extending Iowa’s lead 15-7.

184 No. 30 Brennan Swafford vs. No. 6 Will Feldkamp

Iowa State is heavily favored in this match and will be looking for bonus points. While Swafford will do his best to keep the match close. I expect Swafford to have improved since his last outing, where he was teched by Oregon States Trey Munoz. Even with some improvement Feldkamp cruises to a 21-9 victory, making the score 15-11 with 3 matches to go.

197 No. 22 Zach Glazier vs. No. 24 Julien Broderson

Both these wrestlers are undefeated on the year, and both are looking to make a name for themselves. I see this match being an absolute dogfight. With Glazier picking up a hard fought victory and securing the dual. Iowa leads 18-11 heading into the final match.

285 Bradley Hill vs. No. 7 Yonger Bastida

With the meet out of reach Bastida racks up a bunch of takedowns before earning the technical fall. The final score of the dual is 18-16 in favor of the Hawkeyes.

Conclusion: Although I have the Hawkeyes winning on paper their is still a lot that could sway this match the other way. In all honesty this match has at least 5 toss ups, while the Cyclones are the only team I see with bonus potential. The only guaranteed winner in this match-up is us the fans! See you in Ames!

The rugged landscape of the Superstition Mountains is not easily conquered, but accessing the dry, cactus-laden desert trails is no problem if you’re riding in a Hummer H1. This exciting tour begins and ends at your Scottsdale or Phoenix hotel. For more information or to book this activity, click here.

Your driver expertly navigates the rugged terrain in the off-road vehicle, crossing dirt, mud, water, and rock with ease. This activity takes about two hours and costs $271.50.

• Ride the desert trails in a Hummer H1 with an experienced guide.
• Learn interesting information on plants, wildlife and the Native tribes of the Sonoran Desert.
• Morning and afternoon departure times; easily fit this experience into your schedule.
• Stop to take photos of the beautiful desert landscapes.
  

Once you meet your guide at the WeKoPa Resort you will head drive about 10 minutes and enter the offroad trails in the Tonto National Forest in the ultimate off road vehicle – the Hummer H1, where you will spend 2 hours traversing river beds and sandy washes, while learning all about the splendor of the Sonoran Desert. Your expert guide will offer history of the area, as well as teaching you all about the cactus and fauna. You will stop to view points of interest, drink water, take photos, and have snacks. Once you have finished the H1 Hummer desert tour you will be brought back to your car at the starting point. For more information or to book this activity, click here.

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Explore Arizona’s Verde River with a dedicated guide on this private kayak tour. This trip begins and ends at 1093 Bates Rd, in Cottonwood, Arizona. For more information or to book this activity, click here.

Depart from a designated pickup point in a UTV and enjoy an off-road adventure on the way to the launch point. This trip takes about two hours and costs $110.00.

Sit atop your kayak and enjoy a guided tour through the river, taking in the landscapes along the way. Enjoy stops at several water holes to swim and cool off before heading back. For more information or to book this activity, click here.

• Enjoy the views of the Verde River on a kayak.
• See more than you would if you explore on your own.
• All necessary kayaking equipment is provided.
• A private tour ensures a personalized experience. 

  

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This adventure is one for the memory books!! This trip begins and ends at 23015 N 128th St, in Scottsdale, Arizona. For more information or to book this activity, click here.

Hike through the Sonoran Desert outside Scottsdale to a local peak before taking the exciting way down.  Harness up, lean back and enjoy the descent…just you, the ropes and the rock face. This trip takes about four hours and costs $192.00.

Your guide will ensure you are comfortable with the rappelling technique in a safety briefing before you set out. Beat the Arizona heat with an early start, even earlier in the summer. Safety first. Helmet, ropes and harness, and instruction are included Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, your guide will bring the water. Kids can do it too. They need to be over 9 and have an adult with them.

Join us for a half day of rappelling! Enjoy the great outdoors while working your way up in height while rappelling down. Don’t forget the Photo opportunities and to enjoy the desert beauty. Come an be our guest! For more information or to book this activity, click here.

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With admission to Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde, enjoy a day of spotting African animals in spacious, natural-style habitats. The Out Of Africa Wildlife Park is located at 3505 AZ-260, in Camp Verde, Arizona. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

This entry ticket includes access to the African Bush Safari, as well as all shows taking place the day of your visit. Through these activities, along with tours, walks, and observations, the wildlife park strives to both entertain and educate the public about animals, some of whom border on extinction. This activity lasts about 5-6 hours and costs $42.95.

While many animal attractions boast of getting up close and personal, none can claim the immersive nature of Out of Africa with its African-like sanctuary; one that respects the animals with spacious natural habitats and provides you with an unforgettable experience. Here, every animal has a name and a story waiting to be shared. In this animal kingdom, education and entertainment and FUN!

Out of Africa offers a full day of activities and viewing, all covered with the price of admission. Be thrilled with exciting shows like Tiger Splash® and Predator Feed, or hitch a ride on the African Bush Safari Tour with your expert guide. With hundreds of exotic animals from around the world you’re in for an experience that will make your heart soar long after your visit. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

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