As the winter season comes to an end, so does the Panther’s wrestling season. To officially close out their year, UNI competed in the NCAA tournament this weekend in St. Louis, MO. 

Although they didn’t place top 15 in the tournament, UNI had two Panthers that made it into the hunt for finals. 

Panther sophomore Cooper Moore from Ada, Okla. was a two time qualifier this year in the NCAA tournament. After making it into the next round, No. 13 Moore fell to the No. 5 and No. 10 wrestlers in the 165 lbs. weight class. 

This season, Moore earned his place as UNI’s second wrestler to win two consecutive MAC titles. Moore started strong by winning his first 10 duals of the season and only fell in one of his MAC duals. 

Blaize Cabell has been a heavyweight powerhouse for the Panthers this season and he too was a two time qualifier for the NCAA tournament.  Ranked No. 7 in the NCAA, Cabell was put up against the No. 3 and No. 2, and fell to both Friday night. 

As a junior this season, Cabell was the only Panther undefeated in dual competitions, with the second most dual points in UNI history at 57. Cabell took second at the MAC Championships and went undefeated until then. 

All Panthers put in a great effort this season, with other records broken beyond Moore and Cabell. Training will begin soon for next year, as the Panthers look to improve in their upcoming season.