Iowa wrestling coach Tom Brands held a highly anticipated Media Day press conference, drawing attention from fans and media alike.
During the event, a notable topic was the arrival of new wrestlers Jacori Teemer and Stephan Buchanan, who both transferred to Iowa from Arizona State and Oklahoma, respectively. Teemer recounted his experience of stepping onto campus, revealing that his nerves were so intense he felt as if he shed ten pounds on that first day.
Buchanan echoed those sentiments, confessing he braced himself for a more intimidating atmosphere upon arrival. “I definitely thought it would be a lot more of a hostile environment,” he remarked, highlighting the anxiety shared by newcomers.
With the coaching staff known for their strict training regimens and the recent influx of talent, many wondered how Iowa’s wrestling culture would adapt to this fresh roster. However, coach Tom Brands remained reserved in sharing his perspective, emphasizing that he preferred letting his athletes illustrate the environment with their own experiences.
“I’m not going to sit here and tell you that we have great culture in our room,” Brands candidly stated. “You figure that out for yourself.”
Interestingly, a single word consistently emerged when wrestlers were asked about the program’s culture: Family.
This notion of family took various forms. Sophomore Gabe Arnold shared humorous stories of engaging with his teammates over video games, such as “Call of Duty Black Ops 6,” creating a lively dynamic of camaraderie. Long-time team member Nelson Brands joked about being teased by redshirt freshman Ryder Block for owning a mortgage, showcasing the lighthearted interactions that characterized their relationships.
These quirky moments served to immediately integrate newcomers into the team, dispelling any preconceived notions they might have had. “When you come in here, they treat you like family,” Buchanan emphasized. “They care about you, not just as a wrestler but also as a person outside the mat.”
The close-knit atmosphere extended to the coaching staff, as Teemer and his peers recognized that the intensity displayed by Tom and Terry Brands was consistent with the passion they witnessed as fans. From Terry’s signature rocking in his chair during matches to Tom’s viral moments in the press, the undeniable passion was palpable.
For many new wrestlers, this fierce dedication translated into an immediate sense of support from their coaches, helping them acclimate to the rigorous demands of the program. Teemer revealed his surprise at the depth of care he experienced, stating, “The picture they painted from the outside, it’s not the same. (Tom Brands) is a great guy, he’s a loving guy. He will be hard on you, but that’s just going to make you better.”
Having spent only a few months at Iowa, Teemer expressed that it felt more like five years, attributing this to the powerful relationships he formed with the coaching staff. Recognizing the high-pressure environment, he acknowledged that it would propel him toward new heights in his pursuit of a national title.
This philosophy resonated strongly with athletes like Arnold and Drake Ayala, who initially committed to joining Iowa and the Brands brothers for similar reasons. Ayala’s younger brother, Dru, also followed his path, illustrating the family-like allure of the program during the recruiting phase. Ultimately, they discovered a coaching staff and environment conducive to competing at the highest level while being supported every step of the way.
The entire team is rallying behind a common objective: to pursue individual national titles, united as one family.
“Once they come in, they’re a part of our family,” Ayala said, reflecting on the close-knit dynamics cultivated within the group. “We’re a close group of guys. It’s like a family around here.”
This sense of unity is precisely why Tom Brands smiles knowingly when queried about the program’s culture. Although external perceptions may vary, the deep connections within the wrestling room remain as robust as ever. “You ask about culture, holy mackerel, I’ve sat up here (at media day) and talked about how much I love it,” Brands asserted confidently. “So it must be pretty good.”
Eli McKown covers high school sports and wrestling for the Des Moines Register. Contact him at Emckown@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @EMcKown23.
**Interview with Iowa Wrestling Coach Tom Brands and New Wrestlers Jacori Teemer and Stephan Buchanan**
**Interviewer:** Thank you all for joining me today! Coach Brands, let’s start with you. Media Day was quite the event, with the arrival of new wrestlers like Jacori and Stephan making waves. What was your focus during the press conference?
**Tom Brands:** Thanks for having us! My focus was mainly on the new additions to our team. It’s crucial to let the athletes share their experiences and adapt to our environment in their own way. The culture here is built by the wrestlers themselves, and I want them to articulate how they feel about it.
**Interviewer:** Jacori, you mentioned feeling an immense amount of nerves when you first arrived on campus. Can you elaborate on that?
**Jacori Teemer:** Absolutely! It was surreal stepping onto campus for the first time. The excitement and pressure were so intense that I felt like I lost ten pounds that day. But as I settled in, I realized it was all part of the journey.
**Interviewer:** Stephan, you also shared some initial apprehensions about the atmosphere in Iowa wrestling. How has that changed since joining the team?
**Stephan Buchanan:** Initially, I expected a more hostile environment, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised. Everyone, from my teammates to the coaching staff, has made me feel welcome. They genuinely care about me as a person, and that makes a significant difference.
**Interviewer:** Coach Brands, there seems to be a consistent theme of ‘family’ among the athletes you coach. How do you cultivate this sense of family within the team?
**Tom Brands:** It’s all about creating an environment where athletes feel comfortable and supported. We build relationships through shared experiences, and humor definitely plays a role. I encourage the guys to engage with each other, joking and bonding over things like video games. It’s these moments that help integrate newcomers.
**Interviewer:** Gabe Arnold and Nelson Brands shared some fun interactions with teammates. Do you think these light-hearted moments are vital for team bonding?
**Tom Brands:** Definitely. Those moments of camaraderie are as important as the hard training. When wrestlers bond off the mat, it creates a solid foundation for trust and support during those intense practices.
**Interviewer:** Jacori, you mentioned that Tom Brands is not only hard on you but also shows a lot of care. How has that impacted your experience so far?
**Jacori Teemer:** It’s been eye-opening. From what I heard before joining Iowa, I expected a tough exterior, but I found someone who genuinely wants me to improve and succeed. That balance of intensity and care has made it easier to adjust to the rigorous demands of this program.
**Interviewer:** Stephan, do you feel that this ‘family’ atmosphere will play a role in your performance on the mat this season?
**Stephan Buchanan:** Absolutely! Knowing that the coaches and my teammates are there for me not just as wrestlers, but as individuals, gives me the confidence to push myself further. It feels like we’re all in this together.
**Interviewer:** Thank you all for sharing your insights! Exciting times ahead for Iowa wrestling. Good luck this season!
**Tom Brands, Jacori Teemer, Stephan Buchanan:** Thank you!
