The West Gym was completely sold out and packed with dedicated Panther fans as the Cyclones of Iowa State flooded Cedar Falls for a late season Big 12 matchup.

The venue errupted with  cheers and shouting and encouraged the UNI grapplers as they went up against their in state rival. The Cyclones came into this dual meet as heavy favorites as they were ranked 11th in the nation, but the Panthers ignored the rankings and defeated the Cyclones 22-13.

At 125 pounds, Jay Schwarm started the Panthers with a win. Schwarm, who is known for his pinning capablilities, won the match with a 6-3 decision. The match was close until Schwarm tacked on a towering 3:44 total riding time over Alex Mackall.

Ranked seventh at 141 pounds, Josh Alber ended his last West Gym dual meet on a positive note for the night. He was able to score a last second takedown against 12th ranked Ian Parker to win the match 3-1.

Taylor Lujan, the eighth ranked wrestler at 174 pounds, had fans on their feet when he picked up an electric pin against Marcus Coleman. Lujan had a tight cradle locked up to help seal the deal for UNI in the dual, giving the team an extra six points after his win by pin. 

For the last match of the night, Carter Isley, UNI’s heavy-weight was in a tight contest against Gannon Gremmel. The entire match was scoreless as neither man could get a takedown until Isley was able to do so in overtime.

“The crowd was wild and helped me feel energetic in overtime.” said Isley after his victory. The score ended up being a close 2-0.

With the regular season closing out, the Panthers take on the Big 12 tournament on Saturday, March 9, in Tulsa, Okla. After the Big 12 tournament the UNI wrestling team will take on the NCAA tournament on Thursday, March 21, in Pittsburgh, Pa.