Takeaways from Iowa State wrestling media day on Chittum, Bastida and gambling investigation

AMES − The Iowa State wrestling program has several intriguing storylines to follow this season, from its desire to be a top-five team at the NCAA Championships to David Carr's final season and the NCAA's lingering sports-wagering probe.

At the center of coach Kevin Dresser's thoughts during Tuesday's media day was the season in front of him, and making sure to get some fun jabs at the rival "down the road" in Iowa City.

Here are some takeaways from Cyclones media day:

Iowa State's goal: Finish in the top five at NCAAs

It was a disappointing finish for the Cyclones in 2023-23. Fans had hoped the program would take a leap in stature. Instead the team finished in 11th place.

The Cyclones again believe they are capable of reaching the top five, potentially even walking away with a trophy (top-four finish) if things fall into place.

Carr cited the new recruits coming in − such as Cody Chittum, the Frost twins and others − mixed with the experience of guys like himself that has him hopeful.

Yonger Bastida said he's been telling people that this ream is capable of having at least six or seven All-Americans.

"Since Dresser came here, our team is getting better and tougher," Bastida said.

As a former All-American himself, Bastida knows what it takes to get there, so that's some strong praise for guys in the room.

Bastida is going to be at the center of the team's hopes for points at the NCAAs alongside Carr. Moving up to his desired class of heavyweight this year, you could see the excitement he has for the 2023-24 campaign. Sitting at around 230 pounds, his athleticism is going to be key in wrestling bigger guys in the class.

Carr, a four-time All-American and 2021 NCAA champion, said he will miss his weight-cutting partner, but has a lot of confidence that Bastida will surprise some people this year.

"He's so explosive, so fun to watch," Carr said. "I'm sad that this is like my last season with him."

We'll dive more into the lineup in future stories, but wrestlers like Carr, Bastida and others make the Cyclones an intriguing team to watch.

"This team is capable of being right up in the hunt," Dresser said.

Cody Chittum, Will Feldkamp banged up, expected to be back soon

There were some concerns during wrestle-offs that the likes of Chittum and Feldkamp were missing from the event, but Cyclone fans can exhale. Both of them are expected to be back in the next week or two, according to Dresser.

Chittum later said he expects to be back on the mat within a week. He'll wrestle at 157 pounds this year and have a fierce competition with Jason Kraisser for that spot when healthy.

Will Chittum be the guy at 157? Maybe, maybe not, but Dresser has loved what he has seen so far from a wrestler who said he's willing to "tear something" to get a takedown.

"He's been a joy," Dresser said. "Wrestling is really important to him. He's high-energy."

Chittum, a Tennessee native, changed his commitment from Iowa to Iowa State. He cited the Cyclones' coaching staff as a big reason he's enjoyed his time here. While the cold has been challenge for him to find fishing and hunting spots, he seems to be adjusting well. His sister also goes to Iowa State and they are sharing a challenging Econ class.

"We're both not doing well," Chittum joked. "We're getting through it."

It's his high-energy, joking demeanor and ability to wow people that will make him a fan favorite whenever he does get that chance.

"He's been a stud," Carr said. "He's been very impressive. He works hard, he does all the things right outside of the room. Fans are going to love to watch him."

Coach Kevin Dresser gives update on sports-wagering probe

Just like the Hawkeyes down the road, the Iowa State program is facing uncertainty with the sports-wagering probe.

Because of the Family Education Right and Privacy Act (FERPA), schools and coaches cannot discuss specific cases until they get the athlete's consent. However, Dresser did share that a "few guys" are affected by the probe and NCAA suspensions. They are still practicing, and Dresser is hoping to get them back after the vote from the NCAA on Nov. 8 that could reduce or eliminate suspensions. As long as an athlete did not bet on his or her own team, it seems likely that NCAA suspensions will be lifted.

"We just tell them to put their head down and come to work every day," Dresser said.

Paniro Johnson is the lone wrestler from the Cyclone program known to be involved in the sports-wagering probe. Dresser mentioned that Johnson is a little banged-up physically at the moment.

Johnson is still facing two charges related to the case, a Class D felony for identity theft and an aggravated misdemeanor for tampering with records. While the NCAA could reinstate his eligibility with that Nov. 8 vote, the school or Big 12 could still bring punishments for underage gambling if found guilty.

Johnson had a jury trial date set for Nov. 14.

The hope is for all the athletes affected by the probe to be retroactively reinstated following the vote by the NCAA Division I Council, but Dresser said that it remains to be seen how quickly the NCAA will move.

Dresser is pleased that the NCAA is reevaluating the "antiquated" punishments for these athletes and hopes to get good news soon.

"I don't usually feel bad for the NCAA many times, but in this particular situation I do," Dresser said. "The last thing they wanted to do was to get a bunch of stuff thrown at their desk and deem guys ineligible."

Eli McKown covers high school sports and wrestling for the Des Moines Register. Contact him at Emckown@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @EMcKown23.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa State wrestling media day takeaways on Cody Chittum, gambling