I've posted several times over the past 5 years or so that a large part of Iowa's decline in dominance relates to coaching style.
Sanderson figured it out a long time ago - recruit talent, not just intensity, and form a culture where dominance and focus derive from self-motivation, NOT from constant preaching. His wrestlers are as focused as you will ever see, but they also develop kind of a relaxed confidence. No situation on the mat phases them. No panic, just focus and when you spot a weakness, attack it in the blink of an eye.
Fry brings up an important point about the physical breakdown that inevitably occurs with Iowa wrestlers, but, possibly more importantly, there's a mental breakdown that occurs. The constant preaching about hard work, intensity, improving, being accountable, yada, yada, results in a bunch of burned out zombies by the time nationals comes around.
In terms of the current squad, I actually think there's a lot to work with there. Endene has been a pleasant surprise. Peterson can make some noise but needs to be more consistent. I disagree about no title contenders. Ferrari definitely has a chance.
At the end of the day, though, the climate in that room is not going to change anytime soon. There's absolutely no chance that TnT are going to change their ways. None.
