Hoosiers aim to upset No. 17 Purdue

Indiana wrestling has had its ups and downs this season with half of the lineup out due to injuries and a schedule that pitted the wrestlers against some of the highest ranked individuals in the nation.

However, after last week’s match against Michigan, IU Coach Duane Goldman and staff are quickly approaching the end of the road, with only three matches left before the Big Ten Championships.

Next on Indiana’s radar is in-state foe Purdue, and the two teams will continue the years of rivalry 6:30 p.m. today in West Lafayette.

After the loss to Michigan last weekend, Goldman expressed that he thought the team has “been working hard and improving a lot every match,” but there is still room for improvement.

Going into Purdue without a single win in the Big Ten, Goldman noted that the team must put aside thoughts of the outcome as a whole and instead become motivated on an individual level.

“They’ve been motivated every time they have stepped out and we have been helping them on an individual level. They’re very focused on doing what they can do as an individual, not just looking at the team score, and making sure they are taking care of themselves and doing the best they can when they step on the mat,” Goldman said.

With this in mind, Goldman said that while the execution is not exactly where he would like it to be, his wrestlers have been doing what he has asked them to do, which will help them every bit against the 17th-ranked Boilermakers.

“They are definitely implementing what we’re talking about and I think it helped them in their matches, and I got to commend them for that; I’m pleased with their effort, I think their effort is good,” Goldman said. “You wish for them that it would translate into more victories, but by the same token they’re doing well.”

With a No. 17 national ranking, Purdue will feature seven nationally ranked wrestlers out of the 10 weight classes, compared to IU’s three. Purdue also boasts a 13-5 overall record and four wins in the Big Ten, including victories against Michigan and Wisconsin, teams that handled the Hoosiers.

Goldman noted that he is only focused on how his wrestlers perform and if they are giving it their all.

“That’s all you can do,” said Goldman. “All you can do is the best you can do, and that’s what they’re doing.”

Monday’s rivalry match will mark the continuation of the Crimson and Gold Cup, the competition between the two schools. A win would be worth a full point in the Cup and would represent the first victory in the Big Ten this season, as well as a much-needed confidence boost.