Photo courtesy of Iowa Athletics: Drake Ayala was a three-time All-American and two-time NCAA runner-up at the University of Iowa. New Iowa State head coach Brent Metcalf has hired the former Fort Dodge Dodger star as an assistant coach.

AMES – It may seem somewhat unconventional on paper, but Drake Ayala’s decision to join the Iowa State University men’s wrestling staff was steeped much more in logic than emotion.

Ayala was officially added to new Cyclone head coach Brent Metcalf’s staff on Wednesday. The announcement ended a week of rampant speculation that the Iowa Hawkeye star would be on the move after graduation later this month.

“A lot went into it and I know it may seem complicated, but it was actually super simple for me,” said Ayala, the two-time national runner-up for the Hawkeyes who recently completed his senior campaign. “I have a tremendous relationship with and respect for Brent Metcalf and (assistant) Derek St. John. Actually, dating back over six years, Coach Metcalf was recruiting me when I was in high school (at Fort Dodge Senior High).

“At the end of the day, this is a great professional opportunity for me that I couldn’t pass up. I’ve always had an interest in and a passion for coaching. I’m really looking forward to it. I have a lot to learn and I’m anxious to get started.”

The details of Ayala’s job description are still being ironed out. He will work both in the room and on the recruiting trail for Metcalf – a former Hawkeye star himself who first became a full-time assistant under Kevin Dresser in 2018 and has been with the Cyclones ever since.

Dresser was named the inaugural director of men’s and women’s wrestling at ISU less than three weeks ago, with Metcalf being announced as his successor.

Ayala, a three-time Dodger state champion, placed fifth at this year’s NCAA Tournament for the Hawkeyes. Rather than pursuing other opportunities on the mat moving forward, Ayala came to the conclusion that it was time to move on.

“I’m just ready,” Ayala said. “I’ve had a long career (as an athlete) and I’ve poured so much into myself. I want to do that for others now. This transition (into coaching) just feels right for me now. Of course I could keep competing and see what happens, but it’s time.

“I have very few regrets. I didn’t get (a national championship) like I wanted, so I’m not content with how it all ended necessarily. But I’m at peace with the way things went and where I am today.”

Ayala added he has “absolutely no ill will” toward the Iowa program and coaches Tom and Terry Brands.

“I want to set the record straight about that,” Ayala said. “We have a strong relationship. We talked about it and came to a mutual agreement. They’ve been super supportive and are happy for me.

“I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience with them at Iowa. I’m very grateful for that time and their understanding (about this opportunity).”

Ayala is aware of the ancillary risks involved with making the move from Iowa City to Ames. He isn’t worried about lingering hard feelings or a damaged reputation, though.

“The people who know me and the ins and outs of the coaching business get it,” Ayala said. “Again, I loved my time as a Hawkeye wrestler. This is going to be a new chapter in my life, and I’m excited to get going. Coach Metcalf is someone I really want to work for and learn from.

“At the end of the day, the people who have offered love and support from day one will be there no matter where I’m at or what I’m doing. My dad reminded me that the friends and family in my corner will always be in my corner.”

Ayala is one of Fort Dodge’s most decorated wrestlers ever. The 2021 Schultz Award recipient – given annually to FDSH’s top male senior athlete – was a four-time state finalist and three-time Fargo Nationals champion. He won 171 matches as a Dodger, was named the Dan Gable Iowa Mr. Wrestler of the Year twice, earned academic All-American honors, and committed to Iowa as a consensus Top-10 national recruit.

Ayala went 84-26 overall as a Hawkeye, attaining All-American status three times. He reached the NCAA finals in 2024 and ’25.

Metcalf went undefeated during the regular season as both a junior and a senior in 2008-09 and 2009-10 with the Hawkeyes. He was a national finalist three times, and an NCAA champion at the end of his sophomore and senior campaigns.

St. John, also a former Iowa All-American standout, recently finished his 10th season with the Cyclones. He will be the associate head coach under Metcalf.

St. John was a two-time NCAA finalist with the Hawkeyes, and a national champion in 2013.