Busy weekend for IU Wrestling

The Hoosiers saw their No. 23 ranking vanish during the week thanks to a loss last Sunday to Cleveland State. But the IU wrestling team isn't putting much stock into those rankings as they prepare for a big weekend that has them competing in four dual meets in two days. \nThe Hoosiers will travel to Eastern Illinois to face the Panthers on Friday before returning to Bloomington to face Eastern Michigan, Missouri Valley, and Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Saturday.\nRankings may not be an issue, but health might be. At the Wendy's Duals last Sunday, freshman 125-pounder Joe Dubuque was injured.\n"In the last match I just took a shot and my knee buckled," Dubuque said. "The MRI came back negative, so it's nothing too serious."\nDespite this optimism, Dubuque's presence at this weekend's competitions remains uncertain. If Dubuque were absent it would not be good news for the Hoosiers. IU has benefited from strong performances from upper and lower weight classes. Without Dubuque wrestling at 125, the Hoosiers may have difficulty overcoming the inconsistent middleweight performances that have troubled the team this year.\nBut the Hoosiers are not showing any signs of shaken confidence. \n"We expect to win all four meets," junior 184-pounder and team captain Ty Matthews said. "That's not being cocky or anything, that's just being confident."\nOne would think that the lost rankings, injury worries and four meets in two days might be cause for concern. But coach Duane Goldman quickly dispelled that idea and reiterated the team's confidence.\n"Even though we lost to Cleveland State, I still think we were the better team," Goldman said. "I also think we are better than all four teams we'll face this weekend."\nAlthough the team is confident, Dubuque said they are aware nothing will come easy.\n"Four wins is going to be hard, you can't take them lightly" Dubuque said. "But we think we can do it"