This past weekend, the UNI wrestling team was on the road to take on two ranked opponents. The first was the third-ranked Missouri, who were hosting the meet in Columbia. The next was No. 10 Virginia Tech, who, like the Panthers, were also visiting. Both of the meetings didn’t end well for UNI, as Missouri and Virginia Tech both came out on top. 

The two matches marked the beginning of dual competition in the Panthers’ season. 125-pound redshirt sophomore Brody Teske was more than up to the challenge as he gave UNI the early lead over the Missouri Tigers by pinning No. 18 Noah Surtin. This was Teske’s second fall of the year. He was also the only bright spot for the team against Virginia Tech, as he represented the sole win for the Panthers over the Hokies, which was against All-American Sam Latona. 

Both Kyle Biscoglia and Cael Happel were able to help Teske in the Missouri match, as they each got victories over their opponents. Biscoglia took on No. 27 Trey Crawford in the 133-pound match, who he was able to defeat in a 10-0 major decision thanks to his extensive riding time. Happel was making his college dual debut as he took on No. 12 Allan Hart, who was seeded sixth at last year’s national championship. Happel, ranked No. 29, did not let his opponent’s resume get to his head, winning 9-6. 

Redshirt junior Pat Schoenfelder faced off against No. 9 Peyton Mocco for the third time in their career. Each of them had one win over the other, with Mocco winning in 2018 and Schoenfelder winning in 2019. Schoenfelder was able to break the tie in his favor as he won 11-9. 

Despite those impressive UNI wins, the rest of the Missouri team was able to get wins against six Panther wrestlers, giving them the overall victory by the score of 25-16. 

Virginia Tech proved to be a bigger challenge than the Tigers, as they dominated every weight class except for Teske at 125-pounds. The Hokies won easily 39-3, sending UNI home winless. 

Now at 0-2, the Panthers will regroup next weekend as they host their first event of the season with the UNI Open. Matches will commence at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11 in the UNI-Dome.