Iowa’s Angelo Ferrari Shines in Upsetting Oklahoma State’s Plott

IOWA CITY – Iowa freshman wrestling standout Angelo Ferrari delivered a remarkable performance Sunday night, clinching a thrilling 6-3 sudden victory over Oklahoma State’s No. 3 ranked Dustin Plott. The match took place at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, drawing a vibrant crowd of 14,847 to witness yet another chapter in the storied rivalry between the two collegiate powerhouses.

Ferrari’s victory not only symbolized Iowa’s 21-16 win over the Cowboys but also marked a significant milestone in his burgeoning wrestling career. “It was awesome. Going against my brother’s (A.J.) old team and the biggest rivalry in college wrestling, it was the best moment of my wrestling career, so far,” said an ecstatic Ferrari after the match.

The bout served as a critical juncture for the Hawkeyes, who held a slim 14-11 lead with three matches remaining. Ferrari, undeterred by the pressure, took charge. Following a scoreless first period, he gained momentum in the second by scoring a takedown that brought the score to 3-1, despite Plott’s escape and riding time point that forced a third period.

In a tense overtime period, Ferrari showcased his tenacity, finally completing a takedown to secure the win. “I got to score points. It wasn’t my best match. I didn’t finish two or three of my attacks. I pushed through, which I’m glad I did,” said Ferrari, reflecting on his performance.

Coach Tom Brands praised Ferrari for his gutsy performance, stating, “He made it go his way. That’s a good example for a wrestling room.” The match resonated in the arena, echoing past thrilling moments in Iowa wrestling history.

Ferrari, who has been competing with five official dates while maintaining his redshirt eligibility, has shown remarkable promise this season. He previously triumphed at the Grand View Open and Soldier Salute and delivered critical wins against ranked wrestlers, now standing with an impressive 11-1 record.

In addition to Ferrari’s victory, the Hawkeyes secured four more individual wins, including notable performances from Stephen Buchanan and Michael Caliendo, the latter triumphing 10-1 against Cam Amine. Iowa’s solid team effort handed Oklahoma State its first loss of the season, continuing their strong momentum as they prepare for the Big Ten Championships on March 8-9 at Northwestern University.

“Good performance as a team. Still getting better,” Brands concluded, underscoring the team’s growth heading into the championship phase of the season.