EVANSTON, Illinois -- The University of Iowa wrestling team closed out the first session of the 53rd Ken Kraft Midlands Tournament in first place with 44.5 points, 11.5 points ahead of second place North Carolina State. The Hawkeyes posted a 26-5 individual record, 14 of those victories resulting in bonus points.
Defending champion Cory Clark contributed two bonus point victories at 133, pinning North Dakota State's Nicolas Clunga at 1:48 and earning an 18-0 technical fall over Jacob Colon (Grand View).
Thomas Gilman, seeded first at 125, gathered a major decision victory in his lone first session match over Shakur Laney (Ohio U.