University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Young Family Foundation’s $400,000 gift leads way on UNI Wrestling Training Facility fundraising
7/22/2024 10:00:00 AM | Wrestling
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa --- The Young Family Foundation of Waterloo has announced a lead gift of $400,000 toward a new training facility for UNI's storied wrestling program.
Mike Young, a director of the foundation, said the project is vital to the future of UNI wrestling and that he hopes the donation will help spur additional support for the training facility.
"The fact that UNI has produced so many All-Americans and national champions and has seen so much success on the mat is something to be proud of," Young said. "UNI wrestling continues to compete at an elite level, and they deserve a training facility that matches the caliber of the program."
"The University of Northern Iowa greatly appreciates the Young Family Foundation of Waterloo stepping forward to support our wrestling training facility," said President Mark Nook. "UNI is committed to helping grow the sport of wrestling throughout the state of Iowa and nationwide. Strong community backing for this project is essential to its success and demonstrates the support the Cedar Valley and the state have for the sport of wrestling. The Young Family Foundation gift will encourage other organizations and individuals to get onboard the Panther Train and invest in the future of wrestling at UNI."
The university is engaging architects to develop plans for a facility to replace the former wrestling space in the West Gym. Conceptual plans include features such as weight and cardio training spaces, multiple wrestling mats, locker rooms and office space as well as a rehabilitation room and training room.
"The Young Family Foundation has built a legacy supporting the Cedar Valley community. UNI Athletics is grateful to the Young family for making the wrestling training facility part of their legacy," said Megan Franklin, UNI's director of athletics. "The new home of UNI wrestling will enable our student-athletes to compete at the highest level for generations to come."
The Young Family Foundation of Waterloo is a long-time loyal supporter of the University of Northern Iowa. Their $400,000 gift adds to previous support of the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center (GBPAC) and the McLeod Center.
"These (GBPAC and the McLeod Center) are really public facilities that provide opportunities and entertainment for a huge part of our state, and the same is true for the wrestling facility project," Young said. "We've always felt that UNI is a foundational part of our community and that the quality of life in the Cedar Valley is better because of the university."
"On behalf of our team, alumni and fans, we are incredibly grateful to the Young family for their generous showing of support towards our program and towards the building of a new wrestling training facility," said UNI head wrestling coach Doug Schwab. Their commitment to supporting the University of Northern Iowa at all levels is paramount towards the growth of wrestling in the Cedar Valley and all around the state. As the lead gift in a major project for the university, we hope their contribution is just the first step in inspiring others to help make a new facility for the Panther Train a reality."
The wrestling training facility project is a part of UNI's Our Tomorrow campaign and will be solely financed by private gifts. Donations to the project are tax-deductible through the UNI Foundation and can be made outright or as a multi-year pledge. Gifts of $5,000 or more will be recognized on a donor wall within the new facility.
For more information, visit https://ourtomorrow.uni.edu/wrestlingtrainingfacility. Additional questions can be directed to Steve Gearhart, associate vice president of University Advancement, at 319-273-5968 or steve.gearhart@uni.edu.
