Ironside still influencing Eastern Iowa wrestlers

Mark Ironside (right) demonstrates how to convincingly fake a grab for the leg with former Coe wrestler and camp assistant Jared Creason as part of a session of his Ironman Wrestling Camp at Cedar Rapids Jefferson in 2004.

 

Mark Ironside is a beloved wrestling figure in Eastern Iowa. It could be the two prep state titles he won for Cedar Rapids Jefferson, his four-time All-American and two-time national champ career for the University of Iowa or the energetic, passionate and sometimes brutally honest radio analysis for Hawkeye wrestling.

A different side to the Brands Brothers

IOWA CITY – Terry and Tom Brands exposed a different side to their personalities, but shared it in a manner familiar to many wrestling fans.
The twin brothers spoke with intensity and passion, commanding the attention of those in attendance, but instead of dominance and pins the message highlighted their spirituality and religion.

Something that makes you say, “Hmm?”…

Terry and Tom Brands are twin brothers who led the University of Iowa wrestling program as competitors in the 1990’s and currently lead the Hawkeyes with Tom as head coach and Terry as an assistant coach.

I have a terrible time telling them apart. Fortunately, I have yet to call them by the wrong name. I’m sure it will happen. The strangest thing presented itself when I transcribed the interviews after they spoke at an Athletes In Action luncheon Wednesday at the Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame.

The interview with Tom lasted 7 minutes and 53 seconds. The interview with Terry, cue the X-Files music, last exactly 7:53. Totally unintentional and something I found a little eerie.

Brands brothers to speak at Athletes in Action event

IOWA CITY – University of Iowa wrestling coaches Tom and Terry Brands will be the featured speakers at an Athletes in Action Christian Leadership Event April 15 at the University of Iowa Hall of Fame.
The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. A $10 donation is requested for lunch.
Call or e-mail Verne Folkmann at (319) 354-5530 or vernefolkmann@mchsi.com for more information or reservations.