UNI Wrestling Opens 2019 at Harold Nichols

PDF OF 2019 MEDIA GUIDE

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – UNI wrestling opens its 2019 season at the Harold Nichols Open in Ames Saturday.

"They have had enough of talking," said head coach Doug Schwab. "They've had enough of beating of each other and the work. It's time to knock the wall over and break through."

Last season at the Harold Nichols, the Panthers crowned six champions and grabbed the top two spots of the freshman division at 165 pounds. Dan Kelly took second in the open division at 165 pounds.

Jay Schwarm at 125 pounds, Taylor Lujan at 174 pounds and heavyweight Carter Isley return to defend their titles at the same weights. In the freshman division, last year's champions from the team were Jack Skudlarczyk at 133 pounds, Triston Lara at 149 pounds and Pat Schoenfelder at 165 pounds. Austin Yant took second to Schoenfelder.

UNI is coming off a top-25 finish at the 2018 national tournament and returning a roster loaded with NCAA experience. All six Panthers who qualified for the 2018 tournament return. The group is joined by Bryce Steiert who made two trips to nationals before redshirting last year. The Panther roster also includes 2018 NCAA qualifier Keegan Moore, who transferred from Oklahoma State.

Three Panthers are looking for their second All-America title. Jacob Holschlag made the 197-pound podium last year with a fifth-place finish, and Max Thomsen and Drew Foster earned AA honors in 2017 at 149 pounds and 184 pounds, respectively.

Steiert returns after limited competition as an unattached wrestler last season. At the top of his wins last year was a 3-2 decision over eventual All-American Chance Marsteller of Lock Haven.

"We've prepared these guys incredibly well," Schwab said. "Now it's time unleash the dogs. Let them go and see where they're at."

The Panthers will be on the road until they host their open tournament in the UNI-Dome 9 a.m. Dec. 8.

SEASON TICKETS

Season tickets are still available for $49. New this year is mat-side seating requests for $99. Fans can order tickets online at UNIPanthers.com/tickets or call (319) 273-5455

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