Iowa wrestling’s Michael Caliendo reaches NCAA semifinalsIowa’s Michael Caliendo, a sophomore, is an All-American for the second time of his careerIowa redshirt freshman wrestler Kolby Franklin announced his retirement from the sport Tuesday after a series of injuries.A 197-pounder for the Hawkeyes, Franklin was projected to battle with Zach Glazier for the starting spot last season before Glazier went on to finish as a Big Ten finalist.”Throughout my career, I dealt with a lot of serious injuries and wasn’t big on sharing those struggles with the world,” Franklin said in an Instagram post. “That being said I have struggled with a serious neck injury for the past few years, eventually decided to get surgery to give myself one last chance, and injured my neck again post surgery. I knew the day would come that my career would end but I never envisioned it being this soon. I will be stepping away from competition in the sport of wrestling and medically retiring with my health in mind. I want to thank everyone who contributed to my career and helped me along the way.”Franklin was a big-time get for coach Tom Brands and the staff, formerly the No. 27 pound-for-pound wrestler on Matscout’s big board for 2022. A former Fargo champion as a freshman before finishing his prep career at Iowa City High, Franklin never got the chance to wrestle the way he wanted due to injuries.He’ll finish his collegiate wrestling career with an 8-4 record attached, 14-6 overall, with runner-up finishes at the Solider Salute, Luther Open, Cyclone Open and Don Parker Open in his freshman season. His talents were showcased a few times, with narrow loses (4-0) to All-American Jacob Warner and a win over Glazier at the 2022 Soldier Salute”The Iowa Hawkeyes, I will forever be grateful that you trusted in me and made me a member of your team,” Franklin said. “This I truly believe is the best place on earth to be an elite wrestler. I couldn’t dream of doing everything I had the opportunity to do any other way!”Eli McKown covers high school sports and wrestling for the Des Moines Register. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @EMcKown23



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