What do Jake Beeson of Pratt Community College and Christian Kanzler of the University of Illinois have in common?
Answer: Each notched a college win over the University of Iowa’s Cobe Siebrecht.
Siebrecht joined Bretlie Reyna, Caleb Rathjen, and Joe Kelly as potential 157-pound starters at the beginning of the season. Now, the spot is securely Siebrecht's. And he’s in a position to reach the podium at the NCAA championships in March.
The Lisbon, Iowa, native has back-to-back wins over returning All-Americans, which places him squarely in the conversation as a contender at the weight.
Iowa’s latest star is 10-3 on the season with victories over Minnesota’s Brayton Lee on February 3 and Michigan’s Will Lewan on February 10.
Lewan, a 2017 U17 World champion, placed fifth at the NCAA Championships last year while Lee, a 2019 U20 World teamer, placed sixth in 2021.
Contrast that with Siebrecht, a one-time 1A state champion, who was 6-3 over the past two seasons at 149 pounds.
The 5-foot-10 Seibrecht’s unorthodox and fun style has made him a fan favorite with Hawkeye faithful. He made his presence known with a fall over Penn’s Anthony Artalona early in the season, and he delivers excitement during most of his matches.
His wild sudden-victory counter for a takedown against the stingy Lewan was a sight to behold. Even Siebrecht had a hard time describing it in the post-match press conference.
“I’d have to go rewatch it,” Siebrecht said. “He was in on my leg and I kind of swam out and around — he was kind of finishing a shot — and I just kind of cartwheeled over him. I don’t know. I just kind of did it.
“I guess I just kind of feel what’s going on and do what I can to score and not give up that takedown in overtime.”
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— Iowa Hawkeye Wrestling (@Hawks_Wrestling) February 11, 2023
#13 Cobe Siebrecht gets the sudden victory over #10 Will Lewan, 3-1.#Hawkeyes 19, Michigan 0 pic.twitter.com/QVnJgeRnRr
Siebrecht continues to be a success story that Hawkeye fans love: a homegrown Iowa product that was raised just up the road from Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The sophomore All-American contender can add to his growing popularity when his team takes on Oklahoma State on February 19 for the final dual of the season.