Iowa Hawkeyes: 2008 NCAA Wrestling Champions. A Hawk Central Web site.

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Phil Keddy

There were bursts in most of Phil Keddy’s matches last year that showcased his explosive skills and expansive potential. But there were lapses, too, and they contributed largely to a 14-16 record during his mysterious freshman season.

It wasn’t a matter of ability. Keddy possessed remarkable quickness and horsepower for a wrestler at 184 pounds.

It wasn’t a matter of conditioning. The Hawkeyes always have had the fitness of sled dogs. But Keddy said he didn’t trust his ability to hold up for seven minutes.

“It was definitely more of a mental thing,” Keddy said. “(The difference this season is) mainly being able to wrestle seven minutes — I came out hard last year, but I wasn’t ever able to finish any of my matches — and knowing I’m as good as these guys and I should be able to beat them just by wrestling seven minutes or whatever it takes.”

Keddy was arguably Iowa’s most improved wrestler this season. He took a 24-8 record into the NCAA Championships and didn't lose to a wrestler ranked outside of the top six all season.

He placed sixth at the NCAA meet, nearly knocking off eventual champion Mike Pucillo of Ohio State in the quarterfinals before winning two consolation matches to reach the medal stand.

— Andy Hamilton