5 Takeaways from Session III of NCAA Wrestling Championships Iowa advanced three wrestlers to the NCAA semifinals, with Michael Caliendo, Patrick Kennedy, and Angelo Ferrari securing their spots after overtime victories in the quarterfinals. Iowa State’s Yonger Bastida earned his second All-American honor, marking his first since 2022. The session highlighted strong performances from Iowa’s squad, with key moments shaping the tournament’s momentum. Iowa’s success began with a strong start, posting a 16-2 record on Day 1. However, the Hawkeyes faced a setback in Session III, losing their first three quarterfinal matches. Despite this, they rebounded with five consecutive wins, including victories for Caliendo (165), Kennedy (174), and freshman Angelo Ferrari (184). Ryder Block (149) and Gabe Arnold (197) also contributed by winning consolation matches, helping Iowa close the session with seven wins in their final eight bouts. Caliendo, the lone quarterfinalist favored by seed, delivered a dominant performance with a 14-3 major decision over Stanford’s E.J. Parco. His 102nd career victory solidified his status as one of Iowa’s most consistent performers. Caliendo’s journey to the semifinals underscored his experience and adaptability. After a pin and technical fall in earlier rounds, he faced a tough challenge from Parco but maintained composure to secure the win. “It’s a grind of a tournament; you just have to take it one match at a time,” Caliendo said. His ability to perform under pressure has been a hallmark of his career, with previous finishes including a NCAA runner-up title last season and fourth- and seventh-place finishes in prior years. Patrick Kennedy’s path to the semifinals was equally notable.#iowa #iowa_state #michael_caliendo #patrick_kennedy #angelo_ferrari
