Iowa wrestling head coach Tom Brands tests positive for COVID-19

(UI Athletics news release)

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa head wrestling coach Tom Brands has tested positive for COVID-19. Brands tested positive during his regularly scheduled rapid antigen test Wednesday morning, followed by a PCR test to confirm the diagnosis.

Brands is asymptomatic and will remain home until Feb. 13. Wrestlers, coaches, and staff members are tested daily as part of the Big Ten Conference return to play protocols.

Iowa wrestles Sunday in West Lafayette, Indiana, against Purdue and Ohio State. 

“Our guys are preparing for competition just as they always do. We are ready to go,” Brands said. “I will continue to work remotely. We have a good thing going and we are going to keep moving forward. Right now our focus is on Purdue and Ohio State.” 

The top-ranked Hawkeyes are 3-0 this season with five Big Ten duals remaining on the schedule. The Big Ten Championships are March 6-7. The NCAA Championships are March 18-20.