Ames — Daniel Herrera, a heavyweight wrestler from Iowa State, has transformed his life. Once a fast food fan who enjoyed McDonald’s for breakfast, Carl’s Junior for lunch, and In-N-Out for dinner, he has lost over 40 pounds and embraced a much healthier lifestyle.
On Friday night, Herrera’s hard work paid off. He secured a comeback win against No. 11 South Dakota State, helping the 14th-ranked Cyclones win 20-15. “It’s mind-boggling,” Herrera said. “You watch your body change, and sometimes I look at myself and think, ‘Wow, I’ve never looked like this before.’”
His rise has been crucial for Iowa State, especially as the team copes with the loss of four starters to injuries. Despite these challenges, three Cyclones have achieved All-American honors, including Yonger Bastida, who has struggled with a knee injury this season.
Coach Kevin Dresser praised Herrera’s dedication. “He went from roughly 280 pounds to 245, and you can even see his abs a little bit now,” he said. Dresser’s team, now with an 11-4 record (5-1 in the Big 12), is aiming for a sixth straight win over Northern Iowa this Sunday.
This match promises to be intense, with Herrera likely facing top-15 opponent Lance Runyan. Other key matchups include Iowa State’s Jacob Frost against No. 4 Cael Happel and Evan Bockman facing No. 2 Parker Keckeisen.
“The crowd will definitely be pumped up, and that energy will help us,” Dresser mentioned. “It’s important to feel that rush, much like the Big 12 championships.”
Herrera has turned a difficult situation into an opportunity for growth. After suffering close losses last weekend to tough opponents, he feels confident and ready to take on the challenge. “It’s all about mindset. You have to be excited to compete and thankful for every opportunity,” Herrera shared.
