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145 T o all the student-athletes grousing about their position on a depth chart, meet Uni- versity of Iowa junior Phillip Laux. Laux began his college wrestling career at 125 pounds, where the incumbent Hawkeye at that weight is senior omas Gilman. Gilman, a two- time All-American and defending NCAA finalist, is ranked No. 1 in the nation. Now Laux competes at 133 pounds, where the incumbent Hawkeye is senior Cory Clark, a three- time All-American and two-time NCAA finalist who is ranked No. 2 in the nation. Laux filled in for an injured Clark during Iowa's two December duals. He was defeated by nation- ally ranked opponents and aer splitting four matches at the Midlands Championships and falling to No. 1 Nathan Tomasello of Ohio State on Jan. 27, Laux's career record sits at 11-11. Yet on Jan. 11 Laux stood in front of a University of Iowa Athletics Department all-staff meeting and told everyone how grateful he is for this opportu- nity. "Being a Hawkeye and attending the University of Iowa is a privilege I am very thankful for," Laux said. "While at Iowa, I have met individuals — specifically other student-athletes along with my teammates — that I consider my best friends and who I look forward to having lifelong relationships with." As a junior at Iowa City West High School, Laux won an individual state championship at 103 pounds. He was the 113-pound champion as a senior. During his true freshman season at Iowa, Laux was 23-1 competing unattached. He is 8-8 this season and has five career dual starts. Laux acknowledged those who have helped him during his stay at Iowa, a journey that was briefly interrupted when he transferred to Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. "I have had the opportunity to create relationships with department staff," Laux said before naming Doug Coonrad (senior academic coordinator), Chris Brewer (associate director, athletics com- munications), Dave Aspelmeier (associate director, compliance), Jim Goodrich (Athletes in Action), Jesse Donnenwerth (wrestling athletic trainer), Luke Eustice (director of wrestling operations), and Travis Rutt (wrestling strength and condition- ing), as well as coaches and professors. "ey have impacted my life and helped shape me into a better, more fully-rounded individual," Laux said. "ey continue to help me develop during my time here as well as help me prepare for the world that waits when I leave the university." Laux reminded the group of the state of Iowa's unique makeup that is highlighted by a large num- ber of hard-working, dedicated, blue-collar farm- ers. "We have a staff and administration that is rep- resentative of the hard-working Iowans that the state's (foundation) is built upon," Laux said. "at's why I'm glad to represent the University of Iowa and the principles of win, graduate, do it right." As a wrestler, Laux continues to toil behind the scenes in the Dan Gable Wrestling Complex, help- ing Hawkeyes in and around his weight class im- prove. Barring further injury to Clark, chances are slim that Laux will be in the varsity lineup many more times this season. at doesn't dampen how appreciative he is to be a Hawkeye student-athlete. "In today's world where people want to be spoon- fed and feel entitled, gratitude isn't shown enough," Laux said. "I want to thank you all for your contin- ued support and for continuing to supply student- athletes with necessary tools to succeed both in and out of the competition arena."