In a nationally televised wrestling match Tuesday night between Iowa and Minnesota on the Big 10 Network, 2023 Greene County High School graduate Kale Petersen was inserted into the Hawkeyes lineup at 133 lbs. The three-time Iowa high school State Champion and true freshman lost to 29th ranked Tyler Wells, who improved to 8-2, by a final of 6-4. Petersen wrestled unattached at the Soldier Salute in late December in Coralville, but this was his first appearance in Iowa’s lineup and in front of a national TV audience. He’s thought to be the first from the Jefferson-based program in an Iowa wrestling dual meet lineup.

Wells never trailed after opening with a takedown for a 3-0 first period lead, then added another takedown in the third period. Takedowns in college are worth three points as opposed to two points in high school. Petersen had three escapes and a penalty point for stalling by Wells. Another highlight for the former Ram was a two minute ride out in the second period.

The Hawkeyes won the dual meet 22-9 to improve to 7-0 while the Gophers fell to 5-1.