Iowa State Wrestling Faces Unexpected Challenges at Massive 12 Championships
A surprising lineup change shook up Iowa State’s performance at the Big 12 Wrestling Championships, as junior Garrett Grice stepped in for Evan Frost at 133 pounds. The decision, initially described as a coach’s choice, stemmed from a combination of health issues for Frost, impacting his ability to compete at his peak.
Frost’s Road to Recovery: Flu and Shoulder Injury
Evan Frost’s season took an unexpected turn following a road trip against Oklahoma and Oklahoma State in February. He initially battled the flu, sidelining him for the entire month. However, shortly after recovering from the flu, Frost sustained a shoulder injury, further complicating his ability to prepare for the postseason.
Iowa State head coach Kevin Dresser explained the difficult decision, emphasizing the importance of fielding wrestlers who are physically and mentally prepared for the rigors of competition. “Saw that he (Frost) was struggling with everything, his mat workouts haven’t been great,” Dresser said. “None of this is anything negative about Evan Frost. It’s just, when the human body isn’t performing, we got to look at the guys that can perform.”
Grice Steps Up Despite Injury History
Garrett Grice, who has faced his own injury challenges this season – specifically a knee injury that kept him out for much of the year – answered the call. He returned to competition in February and demonstrated his resilience with key victories, including wins over ranked opponents from Northern Iowa and Missouri.
Dresser praised Grice’s determination, noting his timely recovery and valuable contributions to the team. “He got hurt right away in November this year and literally wasn’t cleared to wrestle until three weeks ago,” Dresser said. “It was kind of timely that he got healthy to come in and help us at this time. He’s won a couple of big matches for us for sure.”
The Road to NCAA Qualification for Grice
Despite losing his first-round match at the Big 12 Championships to Oklahoma State’s Jax Forrest, Grice remains in contention for an NCAA Championships berth. He must finish seventh or better in the tournament to secure an automatic qualifying spot. He ultimately battled through the backside to qualify for the NCAA Championships.
Impact on NCAA Qualification at 133 Pounds
Frost’s absence from the Big 12 Championships affects the number of automatic qualifiers at 133 pounds. With Frost unable to compete, the Big 12 will send seven wrestlers to the NCAA Championships instead of the usual eight.
Looking Ahead: Frost’s Future
Despite the setback, Frost retains one year of eligibility and will have the opportunity to return to the mat next season. He finished the 2025-26 season with a 13-1 record, including notable wins over Drake Ayala of Iowa and Dominick Serrano. Dresser emphasized his commitment to Frost’s long-term health and success. “Evan Frost is a heck of a competitor for us,” Dresser said. “At the end of the year, when you require your body to respond the most, his body responded the least in all phases. It’s my job to keep him healthy.”
FAQ
Q: Why was Evan Frost replaced in the lineup?
A: Evan Frost was replaced due to a combination of a recent bout with the flu and a subsequent shoulder injury, impacting his ability to perform at his best.
Q: Who replaced Evan Frost at the Big 12 Championships?
A: Garrett Grice replaced Evan Frost at 133 pounds.
Q: What does Garrett Grice need to do to qualify for the NCAA Championships?
A: Garrett Grice needs to finish seventh or better at the Big 12 Championships to qualify for the NCAA Championships.
Q: Will Evan Frost be eligible to wrestle next season?
A: Yes, Evan Frost has one year of eligibility remaining.
Did you know? Garrett Grice has registered seven bonus-point victories this season (five pins, two tech falls).
Explore more about Iowa State Wrestling at cyclones.com/sports/wrestling.
