Completed Event: Wrestling versus Harold Nichols Cyclone Open on January 18, 2026 , , One Champ
Final
Wrestling
Harold Nichols Cyclone Open
One Champ
Iowa State University Athletics
Two-Time NCAA Finalist Drake Ayala Joins Cyclone Coaching Staff
05.06.2026 | Wrestling
AMES, Iowa – Two-time NCAA finalist and three-time All-American Drake Ayala has joined the Iowa State men's wrestling staff as an assistant coach, head coach Brent Metcalf announced Wednesday. Ayala, who wrestled at Iowa from 2021-2026, fills one of two available assistant coaching positions on the Cyclone staff.
"Drake is a great addition to our coaching staff," Metcalf said. "He just wrapped up an outstanding collegiate wrestling career, and I have no doubt that Drake will be a valuable resource for our lightweight athletes every day in the room. Drake's work ethic and desire to make those around him better make him a perfect fit for our staff."
Ayala was a four-time NCAA qualifier for the Hawkeyes and posted an 83-26 career record. He reached the national finals in 2024 and 2025, finishing as runner-up both years, before placing fifth in his final season. Of his 83 career victories, 52 came by bonus-point margin including 31 tech falls, 16 major decisions and five pins.
"I am incredibly excited to join the Iowa State staff as an assistant coach," Ayala said. "Coach Metcalf is building something special in Ames, and I'm honored to join the staff and contribute to that vision. I have a great deal of respect for the way this program carries itself on and off the mat, and its values and goals align closely with who I am and where I come from. I'm excited to give my all to help Cyclones chase World, Olympic, and NCAA titles."
Last season, Ayala compiled an 18-10 record which included 11 bonus-point victories. He placed third at the Big Ten Championships and fifth at the national tournament while leading the Hawkeyes with seven tech falls.
Following a season competing unattached in 2022-23, Ayala reached the NCAA finals in back-to-back years in 2024 and 2025 with season records of 27-5 and 21-3, respectively. He was the Big Ten runner-up at 133 pounds in 2025.
In 2021-22, Ayala placed eighth at the Big Ten Championships to automatically qualify for the NCAA Championships, becoming just the third true freshman to compete at the NCAA Championships under Tom Brands.
Ayala was a two-time NWCA Scholar All-American and was a three-time winner of Iowa's John and Dorothy Sill Most Dedicated Wrestler team award.
A Fort Dodge, Iowa native, Ayala had a successful prep wrestling career as a three-time Iowa state champion and four-time finalist. He wrestled to a 171-3 high school record and was a Super 32 champion (2020) and two-time junior freestyle national champion (2019, '21).
Ayala's hiring is pending completion of a background check.
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
