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2 hours ago
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In a rare move, former Iowa high school state wrestling champion Gabe Arnold appears to be returning to the University of Iowa program.
Arnold, who shined at Iowa City High after a state championship career in Georgia, was dismissed earlier this summer from the Hawkeyes. But, according to Pat Mineo of The Wrestling Room, he is back on the team and slated to possibly rejoin the lineup.
A two-time NCAA qualifier, Arnold was the Class 3A state champion in Iowa as a senior at 182 pounds. He had a standout career in Georgia as an amateur before moving up to Iowa City for his final year after committing to Tom Brands and the Hawkeyes.
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Arnold was a two-time National prep champion and won the 79kg title at the 2023 U.S. Open. He was also a World Team Trials runner-up that year in freestyle, placing twice at the World Team Trials as a sophomore.
In his first season with Iowa, Arnold went 8-1, including a win in a Big Ten Conference dual. Last year, he was 19-7 overall, going 10-2 in duals and 5-2 in the league, giving him a 27-8 career record.
Arnold did not place either season at the NCAA Championships, finishing fifth at the Big Ten Championships as a redshirt freshman.
It was never made public what led to the dismissal of Arnold. That news back in June came just days after Class of 2026 super prospect Bo Bassett announced he was decommitting from the Hawkeyes after giving them a verbal commitment earlier in the year.
Iowa's expected lineup for the coming season should be strong, as Angelo Ferrari will be battling with Arnold for the 182-pound position. Two-time NCAA runner-up Drake Ayala is back along with newcomers such as transfer Dean Peterson, Nasir Bailey and Jordan Williams.
Ben Kueter, Arnold's teammate his final year of high school, also returns at heavyweight along with the likes of Miguel Estrada, Kael Voinovich, Michael Caliendo, Patrick Kennedy, Joey Cruz, Leo DeLuca and Harvey Ludington.
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