Iowa State Wrestling lands commit from No. 1 ranked 160-pounder in the nation

Iowa State Wrestling has landed a major commitment from the No. 1 ranked 160-pounder in the country, MJ Gaitan, from southern California.

Gaitan let the program know about his commitment on Wednesday, reported by StaleMates Media Wrestling Company on Twitter.

Gaitan is a senior at Temecula Valley High School. That makes him the second commit from the state of California for Kevin Dresser after receiving a commitment from Gaitan’s teammate, Ethan Perryman.

Gaitan finished the 2021-22 season as a California state champion.

Among his other accomplishments, Gaitan is Super 32 Champion, JUunior Greco Fargo Champion, and an NHSCA All-American.

He is listed as the No. 35 recruit in the top-150 recruits by MatScouts.

Here’s Gaitan’s full statement about the decision to commit to Iowa State that he posted on his instagram:

“Today I make one of the biggest decisions in my life. First and foremost I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I did all things through him. Secondly, I want to thank my family and coaches for all the life lessons and dedication you showed me. Your guidance led me to this decision with prayer. Thirdly, I want to thank my home town Temecula California, you made me a State Champion and allowed me to represent California all over the country. I hope I made you proud. Now I’m moving on to further my wrestling career at Iowa State. I have competed all over the country and have never felt the love for wrestling more than in Iowa. Iowa you are true fans of the sport, thank you. My heart has California but I know Iowa will have a piece of it shortly. It’s time to represent California and Iowa at Iowa State. Let’s go Cyclones!!! All Glory to GOD!!!!”