On Friday, Jan. 17, the UNI wrestling team traveled to Tempe, Arizona for a dual against conference opponent Arizona State. The Panthers came into it undefeated in duals as a team on the season. They would continue the winning streak in dominating fashion, 33-10.
UNI’s Trever Anderson had a tough battle to get things started, as he went up against the reigning national champion at 125 pounds. Anderson put forth a valiant effort, but ultimately fell short in an 11-8 decision. The next match at 133 was close as well, but this time UNI got the decision as Julian Farber escaped with the 5-4 decision win.
The next few wrestlers for the Panthers continued to dominate and help the Panthers build up a lead. At 144 pounds, Cael Happel dominated on his way to a 19-5 major decision victory. Colin Realbuto was even more dominant in his match at 149 pounds. Facing a highly ranked opponent, Realbuto was able to eventually get a pin. This gave him a win by fall, and got the Panthers six points. At 157 pounds, Ryder Downey kept it going for the Panthers, getting the 17-1 tech fall. Halfway through the dual, the Panthers led 18-3.
The Sun Devils picked up their second victory of the day at 165 pounds, as Nico Ruiz was able to beat UNI’s Jack Thomsen in an 8-1 decision. The winning did not become a habit for Arizona State however, as the Panthers bounced back with three straight victories. At 174 pounds, Jared Simma had a couple of takedowns that led him to a 21-5 tech fall win. Parker Keckeisen, at 184 pounds, and Wyatt Voelker, at 197 pounds, each won by tech fall as well. Keckeisen won 25-9, while Voelker won 19-4.
By the last match of the day, the Panthers already had the dual well in hand, but Arizona State got one more win. In this heavyweight fight, Lance Runyon was put up against a four time All-American for Arizona State. Cohlton Schultz would defeat Runyon by a 13-3 major decision. This match concluded the dual, and the Panthers moved to 9-0 on the season with the 33-10 victory.
The Panthers will get back on the mat in the McLeod Center on Friday, Jan. 24. They will have their biggest challenge to date, as they will be hosting one of the top rated teams in the country, No. 3 Oklahoma State.
