The Iowa wrestling team secured a transfer commitment from former George Mason 197-pounder Cayle Byers on Feb. 25. Byers chose Iowa over Oklahoma State, Penn State, and other high profile programs.

A native of Chugiak, Alaska, — and a two-time Alaska state high-school champion — Byers went 67-17 in two seasons at George Mason. He qualified for the NCAA championships twice and reached the round of 12 in 2009.

Byers was charged with assault on law enforcement in November 2010.

George Mason granted him a full release, giving him one year of eligibility remaining. He will join a Hawkeye team that went 14-0-1 in dual meets this season and won the Big Ten regular-season title.

Eight starters from this season will return next year; Byers could fill the hole left by senior Luke Lofthouse, who is the only 197-pound wrestler on the Iowa roster this season.

— by Sam Louwagie