IOWA CITY – University of Iowa three-time NCAA champion Joe Williams will serve as honorary captain Saturday when the second-ranked Hawkeyes host fourth-ranked Minnesota on Mediacom Mat inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Williams, a native of Harvey, Ill., won consecutive NCAA titles from 1996-98. He wrestled at 158 pounds in 1996 and 1997 before winning his third title at 167 pounds in 1998. He was named Outstanding Wrestler of the NCAA tournament in 1998, the same year he captured his second Big Ten title and capped a perfect 34-0 season.
Williams was a four-time All-American, earning a seventh place finish his freshman year, and was a Big Ten Champion in 1996 and 1998. His 129 career wins rank 11th in program history, and his 10 Midlands championships are a tournament record.
Williams competed at the 2004 Athens Olympics, and was a member of six United States World Teams. He earned bronzed medals at the 2001 and 2005 World Championships.
Williams will be recognized prior to the Iowa-Minnesota dual meet.
