“No-Brake Drake” Ayala ready for last ride for Iowa men’s wrestling

IOWA CITY – No-Brake Drake.

University of Iowa Coach Tom Brands referenced the nickname for his veteran two-time NCAA finalist. His pedal-to-the-metal style of wrestling fueled by a deep gas tank – in practice or competition – makes it a perfect moniker for the former Fort Dodge four-time state champion.

“I've been waiting for his name to come up,” Brands said during the annual men’s wrestling media day Wednesday. “No-Brake Drake Ayala from Dirty Dodge.

“He's always been serious about the sport of wrestling. He's always wanted to win. He was a winner coming in. He was a winner when he got here. He's still a winner.”

Ayala embarks on his last ride with the Hawkeyes, entering his senior campaign in search of ascending to the top step of the NCAA podium. The senior 133-pounder is determined to make the most of every moment from his last media day to the start of his final college season.

“I've been here for five years,” Ayala said. “So, it's mostly just like taking in the everyday things. I'm just taking it all in. I'm super grateful to be here and I love what I do.”

A hometown headline first coined the phrase. Ayala said he was a freshman when Brands began using the nickname in practice. He has employed that approach to competition, recording 36 bonus-point victories including 19 technical falls with seven last season.

“It’s cool,” said Ayala, a three-time national qualifier with 65 career victories. “I like it. When I wrestle like that it works out for me.”

Ayala recalled family printing T-shirts, displaying the tagline. No, they aren’t readily available. He said he objected to them, which kept them in their boxes.

“And I was so mad because I didn't want shirts made of me and they made the shirts,” Ayala said. “I don't know why I was so mad, but yeah, I guess it just stuck and Tom loves that nickname. He calls me that all the time.”

Ayala has been a victory away from the ultimate goal, marching to the 125-pound national finals in 2024 and advancing to the 133-championship bout last season. He was forced to settle for silver both times.

“He's been close twice,” Brands said. “It sucks the first time. It really sucks the second time. He's addressing the things that he needs to address in a mature, professional way, and you can't say anything better about how he has taken care of himself, No. 1, and No. 1 right alongside that, making sure that he's holding those around him accountable as well.”

“I honestly feel like I've gotten a lot better just this summer, really,” Ayala said. “Obviously, I got to go prove it on the mat.

“Just everywhere. Getting better on top, getting better on bottom, getting better on our feet, attacking both sides of the body and just being myself.”

Ayala is a leader for an Iowa team, attempting to improve on a fourth-place NCAA finish and third at the Big Ten Championships. Brands said leadership skills are an innate trait and he has been a winner in all aspects of life. He praised his maturity, keeping other accountable. Ayala leads by example.

“He’s somebody that you look at him and he’s doing the right things,” heavyweight Ben Kueter said. “He lives a really clean lifestyle. I think that’s what sets him apart from a lot of people.”

Ayala said he has evolved from his first days in the program, being thrust into the lineup as a true freshman, overcoming injuries and competing in NCAA title bouts. He said he has cherished the friendships he has made and appreciates the experience, attributing his growth to the Iowa coaches.

“I had to grow up, for sure,” said Ayala, who was 21-3 last season. “I grew up as a man, as a person. I feel like I learned a lot about myself. Those two finals losses I learned a lot, but I also learned a lot my freshman year. I

learned a lot in my injuries. I'm way different.”

“I've learned a lot about myself and I've went through some things. That's my journey. That's just my path.”

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Ayala is one of four All-Americans from last year’s squad. He was joined in the finals by 165-pound runner-up Michael Caliendo. Patrick Kennedy, who was fourth at 174, and eighth-place Kueter are also back.

Angelo Ferrari was the top recruit in the Class of 2024 and saw limited action during his redshirt season. He is a national champion contender at 184. NCAA qualifier Gabe Arnold is back and is expected to vie for the 174 spot.

Kennedy talked about a light practice where wrestlers didn’t want to come off the mat.

“That’s the attitude of the team,” Kennedy said. “These guys like the mat. They’re hungry for the mat and that makes your wrestling better overall. It’s way more of the team thinking that way this year than the last couple years, so that’s what excites me about this team.”

They also welcomed some talent from the transfer portal. All-American Nasir Bailey (141) and NCAA qualifier Jordan Williams (157) moved in from University of Arkansas-Little Rock. Former Rutgers three-time NCAA qualifier Dean Peterson will factor in at 125.

Massoma Endene is a graduate transfer from Wartburg and is expected to take over for national champion Stephen Buchanan at 197. Endene, a member of the 2024 U23 U.S. World freestyle team, was a three-time NCAA Division III national champion for the Knights after reaching the NJCAA finals at Iowa Lakes.

“There's a lot of dialogue about who's going to be at what weight, and it is upon us,” Brands said. “The time is upon us. I'm as excited as anybody to see who's going to grab the spot and run with it. That's the message.”

Iowa opens the season against Bellarmine on Nov. 6 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

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