Drake Ayala wrestles for the Iowa Hawkeyes. | facebook.com/photo?fbid=4733247360103529&set=pcb.4733248126770119
Drake Ayala wrestles for the Iowa Hawkeyes. | facebook.com/photo?fbid=4733247360103529&set=pcb.4733248126770119
Drake Ayala is one of the most decorated recruits ever for the Iowa wrestling program. Considered the No. 9 pound-for-pound prospect in the 2021 class, the Fort Dodge native was a three-time state champion, Hawk Central reported.
So far, he continues living up to enormous expectations with a momentum-setting performance in the Hawkeyes 33-6 win over Northwestern.
Ayala out-pointed seventh-ranked Michael DeAugustino, 6-5, at 125 pounds while Max Murin defeated No. 4 Yahya Thomas, 4-3, at 149 pound to get the Hawkeyes off to a quick lead that was never threatened.
Ayala used a cradle to turn a 3-1 deficit into a 5-3 advantage in the second period, Hawkeye Sports reported. The freshman began the third with an escape to build his lead to 6-3. It was his second consecutive win over a top 10 opponent.
“Wrestling is fun. Being a Hawkeye is even more fun,” Drake Ayala said on his Instagram.
Ayala is 5-3 against ranked opponents this season. Iowa has won 27 straight dual matches and 26 straight conference duals. It’s the program’s longest streak since winning 39 straight from 2007-12.
“We like what we have there,” Iowa head coach Tom Brands said. “The story is going to keep writing itself.”
As for Ayala, “he will keep writing his own story,” Brands said.
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