On Friday, Feb. 21, the UNI wrestling team went up against the University of Wisconsin for the last dual of the season. The Panthers were looking to finish what has been a dominant regular season on a high note. On the other hand, Wisconsin was looking to end what has been a relatively disappointing regular season with an upset win. In the end, it was the Panthers that came back to Cedar Falls with the dual victory.
The Panther started the day out well, at 197 pounds and heavyweight. At 197, Wyatt Voelker had a couple of takedowns, and ended up with an 8-1 victory, securing 3 points for the Panthers. At heavyweight, the first period was quiet, but in the second Lance Runyon took the victory with a pin, adding on 6 points. After the first two matches, the Panthers were already up 9-0.
The Badgers bounced back by getting victories at 125 and 133 pounds. Trever Anderson fell in a close match to Wisconsin’s Nicolar Rivera, 13-9, while Julian Farber lost 5-0 against Zan Fugitt. Four matches in, the score was 9-6 in favor of the Panthers.
Following the two losses, the Panthers rattled off 3 straight victories. At 141 pounds, Cael Happel was dominant, winning by tech fall 23-7, and earning 5 points for the Panthers. At 149 pounds, Colin Realbuto gave up a take down early, but bounced back and ended up winning by pin fall. The last of the 3 win stretch was at the hands of Ryder Downey at 157 pounds, and after there were no points in the first two periods, Downey scored 5 points in the third period to secure the decision win. The Panthers were now up 23-6.
The Panthers lost at 165 and 174 pounds. Both Jack Thomsen and Nick Fox lost by decision, and the Badgers added 6 points. To finish up the day it was Parker Keckeisen in the last dual of his dominant career. The 184 pound match was dominated by Keckeisen, who ended up winning by technical fall, 20-3. The Panthers won the last dual of the season, 28-12.
The Panthers finish the regular season with a 14-1 overall record, and as the fourth ranked team in the nation. There is still a lot of work to be done, as the Panthers will be competing at the Big 12 Championships on March 8 and March 9.
