University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2023
- Class:
- 2005
Described as a "good on his feet wrestler who had the ability to score takedowns on his opponents when needed," Sean Stender was among UNI's top wrestlers of the 2000s, putting the Panthers on the national stage with deep runs in the NCAA Tournament.
A native of Donahue, Iowa, Stender came to UNI after compiling 149 wins at North Scott High School with a state title as a senior at 189 pounds. The three-time high school state medalist quickly became one of the nation's top contenders at 197 pounds with 94 career wins, including 37 victories in dual meets.
Stender qualified for his first NCAA Tournament as a sophomore following an NCAA West Regional championship. After earning fourth at nationals in 2003 in Kansas City, he joined teammates Eric Hauan and Dylan Long as participants in the 2004 NWCA All-Star Classic, an honor only ten other Panther wrestlers had received all-time.
Stender earned his second NCAA Regional title and trip to the NCAA Tournament in 2004, winning his first three matches before finishing in sixth place in St. Louis. Saving his best season for his last, he won 37 bouts during his 2004-05 senior season with seven pins and four major decision victories. Clinching his third NCAA Regional crown, Stender earned the five-seed for the national championships in St. Louis cruised into the 197-pound final, falling short of an NCAA title in a 5-4 decision to Jake Rosholt of Oklahoma State.
Stender is one of just nine UNI wrestlers all-time to be named a three-time NCAA All-American. Following his collegiate career, he continued to wrestle on the national stage while also serving as a volunteer assistant coach for UNI, competing at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials in the Freestyle 97 kilogram bracket where he finished third.
Stender is currently a Field Sales Consultant for Henry Schein Dental in Polk City, Iowa, where he resides with his wife Angie, and their three children, Owen, Mosley and Sawyer.
