Completed Event: Wrestling versus Harold Nichols Cyclone Open on January 18, 2026 , , One Champ
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Iowa State University Athletics
Future And Current Cyclones Stand Out At USA Nationals
11.16.2020 | Wrestling
OMAHA, Neb. – Over the weekend, a troupe of Iowa State wrestlers competed at USA Wrestling's UWW Junior and U23 Nationals. The Cyclones saw three championship performances with recent-signee Conor Knopick (UWW Junior Grego, 55 kg), sophomore Ramazan Attasauov (U23 Freestyle, 57 kg) and sophomore Joel Shapiro (UWW Junior Freestyle, 86 kg) all claiming titles at their respective weights.
Seniors Ian Parker (U23 Freestyle, 61 kg) and Gannon Gremmel (U23 Freestyle, 125 kg) also reached the podium in Omaha, each wrestling back to a third-place finish in their respective weight classes.
It was a great opportunity for head coach Kevin Dresser and his staff to get a feel for what their lineup might look like this winter. In total, 25 ISU grapplers took the mat at the CHI Health Center Omaha this weekend.
Conor Knopick – 55kg UWW Junior Greco National Champion
It was a big week for Knopick. After the No. 29 overall prospect in the class of 2021 officially signed his NLI to join the Cyclones, Knopick turned his attention to the 55 kg bracket at UWW Junior Greco Nationals. Wrestling in his hometown, Knopick cruised to the title at 55 kg. He went 4-0 on the weekend, including a 12-5 victory over Billy Sullivan in the finals. In total, Knopick outscored his opponents by a 42-11 margin for the tournament.
Ramazan Attasauov – 61 kg U23 Freestyle National Champion
U23 Nationals provided the platform for a breakout-performance from Attasauov. He posted a 5-0 mark for the tournament that was capped off by a first-period fall in the finals over Danny Vega. Attasauov's path to the finals was not an easy one. In the quarterfinals, he defeated two-time All-American and Hodge Trophy Finalist, Patrick Glory, 6-6 on criteria. He followed that up with a semifinal-win over All-American, Rayvon Foley, with a late pushout to take the match 5-4.
Joel Shapiro – 86 kg UWW Junior Freestyle National Champion
Moving down to 86 kg, Shapiro looked comfortable at his lighter weight. He compiled a 6-0 record, while only surrendering six points combined in his six matches. Shapiro outscored his opponents by a 36-6 margin in Omaha. In the finals, Shapiro squared off with Rutgers' incoming-freshman, John Poznanski. Shapiro controlled the match against the No. 26 overall recruit in the class of 2020, winning the championship bout by 4-2 decision.
Ian Parker – 61 kg U23 Freestyle Nationals Third-Place Finisher
In the second round, Parker fell to Mitch McKee in a 15-12 barnburner. From there, the 2020 All-American went 6-0 to earn a third-place finish. Along the way, Parker defeated Jack Skudlarczyk, Taylor LaMont, Drew Matin and All-American Micky Phillipi. In the third-place bout, Parker was dominant in a 6-1 victory over Austin DeSanto. Parker's offense was on display in Omaha, tallying 71 match points in seven matches.
Gannon Gremmel – 125 kg U23 Freestyle Nationals Third-Place Finisher
Gremmel compiled a 6-1 record in the 125 kg bracket, with his only blemish coming in the quarterfinals against Iowa's Anthony Cassioppi. In his six wins, Gremmel outscored his opponents by a 48-12 margin. In wrestling back for third, Gremmel took out Zach Schrader, Luke Luffman, Ethan Laird and Jordan Wood.
Players Mentioned
Pollard, Dresser, Metcalf, St. John Wrestling Press Conference
Thursday, April 16
Kevin Dresser Interview (NCAA Championships Session 6)
Saturday, March 21
Kevin Dresser Interview (NCAA Championships Session 4)
Friday, March 20
Yonger Bastida Press Conference (Semifinals)
Friday, March 20
