IOWA CITY, Iowa – Iowa wrestler Michael Kemerer was the guest on Wednesday’s Hawk Fanatic radio show and podcast.

The Pennsylvania native addressed multiple topics, including his unusual status as a seventh-year senior who just recently turned 25 years old.

Kemerer is currently ranked second nationally at 174 pounds, and winning an individual national title is about all that he hasn’t accomplished as a Hawkeye.

Kemerer took advantage of the free Covid year to return for the 2021-22 season. He also was granted a medical hardship season as a Hawkeye due to an injury.

Kemerer talked about his decision to be a Hawkeye, and about how he and fellow Pennsylvania native Kaleb Young started Iowa’s recruiting pipeline to Keystone State.

Kemerer is a year ahead of Young in school, but Young committed to Iowa as a high junior and about two weeks before Kemerer committed to the Hawkeyes.

Iowa’s roster is now filled with Pennsylvania natives, including three-time 125-pound national champion Spencer Lee, who is currently recovering from knee surgery and not competing.

The Pennsylvania natives have played a key role in lifting defending national champion Iowa back to championship status. Iowa was also a heavy favorite to win the national title in 2020 before the event was canceled due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 global pandemic.

Kemerer’s interview starts about 90 minutes into the podcast and lasts for nearly 30 minutes.

We appreciate Michael taking time from his busy schedule to speak with us.