It’s a huge blow for the Iowa wrestling team as standout heavyweight Yonger Bastida will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury. It hurts Bastida’s collegiate career and hurts the Iowa wrestling team’s effort to be competitive. That’s where fans and teammates pull for him while focusing on recovery and the future as this sport, with its tenacity and resilience, kicks in.
Originally from Trinidad, Cuba, Yonger Bastida started wrestling young and his accomplishments were fast to follow. At the esteemed Cerro Pelado International he took a silver medal and he’s also won titles at the U20 Pan American Championships and U20 World Championships. But in 2020 he made the move onto the collegiate wrestling scene at Iowa State University where he adapted well to the environment. Before a recent injury, Iowa wrestling had a vital contributor in the form of an NCAA Division I All American and a Big 12 Champion.
Earlier in early November, Yonger Bastida hurt his knee during a warmup that he later found to be much worse than first suspected. He competed post injury briefly, with a victory over Iowa, but his output had diminished. Because of complications that have continued, Bastida said he will sit out the rest of the season and seek a medical redshirt. This is a personal development setback as well as taking a piece away from what makes Iowa wrestling competitive. Now it’s about his recovery and preparing himself for a smart return next year.
While Coach Kevin Dresser was disappointed with Yonger Bastida’s injury, he said the best course for the uncertainty of his recovery was to seek a medical redshirt. Bastida returned to work on Monday, using Bastida’s competitive spirit to thank his colleague but also to acknowledge the need to bolster his long term health. The loss of that key wrestler, as it emotionally affects the Iowa wrestling team and staff, also causes them to continue to help one another adapt without him.
Impressive starts to the season turned out to be the story of the Hong Kong senior singles section as Yonger Bastida first won before defeating Iowa’s Ben Kueter. While his performances were superb, he was dominant and versatile at heavyweight and would be a key asset to his Iowa State teammates. His absence leaves a big hole in the team’s starting lineup.
News of Yonger Bastida missing out on Iowa wrestling’s lineup has left a sizable void in the lineups, but will also put a dent into the team’s chemistry and deliverability. His leadership among heavyweight wrestlers, as well as his consistency, leaves more weight on the shoulders of the younger wrestlers. Upcoming matches against Oklahoma and Oklahoma State will be a challenge for a team already tested by depth. The stumbling issues are almost too old to mention, but the team is certainly adaptable, and coach Dresser is confident of that. Now, there’s an expectation to compete while getting ready for the Big 12 Championships without that team’s key wrestler.
Medical redshirting gives athletes a year of medical relief to rejoin the team without losing a year of eligibility, so they can recover and come back with a fresher spring in their football. To be eligible, you need to have a season ending injury, and been in less than 30% play in the season. But the advantages are that it helps recovery, and the problems are that it can’t always get them there during the game, and there are NCAA rules to follow and you have to take care of your academics as well as your rehab. This option allows Yonger Bastida to keep their minds on long term health and a complete comeback next season.
A medical redshirt permits athletes to sit out a season due to injury while preserving a year of eligibility, allowing for additional recovery time and a stronger return to competition. To qualify, the injury must be season-ending, and the athlete should not have participated in over 30% of the season. Despite the recovery benefits, challenges include adhering to NCAA requirements and balancing academics with rehabilitation. For Yonger Bastida, this option emphasizes long-term health and a full return next season.
Yonger Bastida’s teammates in Iowa wrestling have articulated their support and admiration for his resilience, highlighting how greatly his presence is felt in both competition and camaraderie. They are dedicated to uplifting team spirit and rallying around him throughout his recovery. Despite this setback, the team is resolute in their commitment to unity and adaptability as they progress through the season.
Yonger Bastida’s injury serves as a reminder of the unpredictable challenges that athletes encounter throughout their careers. For Iowa wrestling, this situation presents a chance to showcase resilience, adaptability, and steadfast support for a teammate. As Bastida concentrates on his recovery, the team’s progress will be characterized by their united strength and commitment to overcoming adversity.
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