The UNI wrestling team competed in the Big 12 Wrestling championships this past weekend in Tulsa, Okla.

The Panthers were competing with their season on the line as they fought for spots to wrestle in the NCAA championship. Six Panthers were able to qualify and the team was able to grab third place over all, putting up 82 points, sitting behind Iowa State’s 114.5 points and Oklahoma State’s outlandish 158.

The standout performances came from the two finalists Taylor Lujan and Drew Foster, as the two upperclassmen both were attempting to defend their Big 12 titles. Foster was the lone Panther able to regain his position as king of the conference at 184 pounds.

Just a couple weeks ago, Foster lost to Sam Colbray of Iowa State in the West Gym, and ultimately was able to get revenge in the Big 12 finals, winning 4-1. Foster’s leg defense and takedown scoring ability were what led to the victory.

“I was excited to be wrestling in the finals again. The biggest thing was being clear minded and confident in myself,” said Foster in reference to his mind-set prior to the match.

The 184-pound contender is still not satisfied, as he will soon be battling to be a national champ.

Regarding his movement towards the championships, Foster said, “I need to continue to find ways to score when guys try to slow me down. Also, I need to keep my feet and hands moving and continue to be gritty.”

Six Panthers will be competing for a national championship, including Lujan and Foster, in Pittsburgh, Penn. from Thursday, March 21 to Saturday, March 23.