UNI Wrestling: Schwarm Cracks Top 10 for Falls in U.S.

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CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – UNI wrestling's Jay Schwarm enters every day in West Gym looking to leave it all on the mat and enjoy each opportunity.

Schwarm is ranked No. 17 at 125 pounds and ranks eighth in number of falls among all Division I wrestlers in the country. To Schwarm, his focus is not on his ranking or record but instead having fun and making the most of his five years at Northern Iowa.

The Bettendorf Iowa, native redshirted his first year on campus and as a redshirt freshman was inserted into the lineup when two-time All-American Dylan Peters tore his ACL.

Working with a wrestler of Peters caliber only made Schwarm better.
"I learned how to be consistent. In life, in work ethic, working out in the (wrestling) room, doing the right things like diet and cutting weight."

With Peters now graduate, he has stepped into that leadership role for the younger guys. Most nights during the week, you can always find a few freshmen hanging out with Schwarm and his roommates. His goal is to help them get adjusted and only has one complaint.

"Sometimes, I don't know if they know they have their own dorm room, because they are always over their eating all our food," Schwarm said.

Becoming the man at 125 pounds has allowed Schwarm to take the reins, and his hard work did not go unnoticed.

"He has just been consistent, had a really good spring and summer," said head coach Doug Schwab. "We needed him to get stronger and he did just that."

Schwarm's dedication to wrestling started with his dad throwing him in the sport, because he had way too much energy. A quick bond was formed, and Schwarm has not lost focus of what is important when it comes to wrestling.

"The rest of the season I just want to have fun and enjoy the opportunities that present themselves," Schwarm said.

Panther fans have two more opportunities to catch high-energy wrestler Schwarm at the West Gym. The Panthers wrestle Iowa State Feb 10 and against Missouri Feb 17.

Fans should be ready for a new walk-out song for the rap-obsessed Schwarm. "Hot in Here" by Nelly will be playing as Schwarm gets ready to leave it all on the mat.

""Hot in Here" is a great song, because West Gym is super hot, and it gives the fans a chance to have a good time."

He said he plans to do the same with wrestling no matter what happens in his next two years. His focus is to have no regrets and graduate with his degree in communications.

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UNI Wrestling: Schwarm Cracks Top 10 for Falls in U.S.

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