As Cael Happel’s time in the purple and gold comes to an end in the upcoming weeks, he’s had a lot of time to reflect on his time in Panther Country the last half decade.
“I think about myself for how much I’ve grown as a human and a wrestler over the last five years, but I also think about how far this program has come. When I first got here, we were maybe a top 25 team, and now we’re fourth in the entire country.”
And the growth is evident. Happel went from a wrestler who went 0-2 at the Big 12 tournament in his first two seasons to the guy standing atop of the podium in his last. He helped lead the Panthers to their best team finish ever at the Big 12 tournament, coming in at second place with 149.5 team points. Safe to say UNI wrestling is in a better place.
Growing up in small town Lisbon, Iowa, Happel found his love for wrestling at a young age.
“I wanted to stick out, otherwise you just kinda blend in with everybody, and for me, that’s where I think I got my independence from. That and my mom raising that many kids at once.”
Cael is one of nine Happel children. You read that right. Nine: Mackenzie, Carter, Reegan, Cael, Quincy, Addy, Cade, Kyler and Jaycie — each of them unique in their own way. Their dad, Dean, was a three time state champion for the Lisbon Lions, and has coached his kids as they grew up. Their mom, Dawn, has probably been to more sporting events than I can fathom. Together, they’ve raised all their children to be hardworking and to enjoy the journey of life, and in doing so, have become one of the most iconic wrestling families in the state of Iowa.
During his time with the Lions, Happel became Iowa’s 28th four-time state champion, dominating his competition throughout the bracket. In 15 of his 16 state tournament matches, he didn’t allow a single takedown. He finished his illustrious high school career with a record of 218-5, which puts him at No. 2 on the Iowa high school wrestling all-time win list, trailing only Nathan Haynes of Missouri Valley (219 wins). He was awarded the Bob Steenlage Iowa High School Wrestler of the Year in 2020, and earned the Fareway Dan Gable Wrestler of the Year Award two times. Happel also filled up the trophy cases in the Lisbon hallways, leading the Lions to four state championships in his time in the red and black.
A sought after national recruit after his high school success, Happel was ranked No. 22 by MatScouts.com. Despite his eye popping numbers, Happel only took one official college visit, which landed him in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
“UNI checked all the boxes for me; It felt like a calling, it felt so much like home. The people I was around treated me like family and welcomed me with open arms. That’s what I was looking for in a place and a program, where they care about you more off the mat than they do on it.”
After a visit to Panther Country, Happel canceled all his remaining visits and committed. A big reason for that is the culture around UNI wrestling, built by head coach Doug Schwab.
“He walks his talk and I think that’s something we all admire about him. He won’t ask us to do something he won’t do.”
Schwab’s impact has, undoubtedly, positively affected the entire team. Everyone who talks about him tells of his enthusiasm and care for each and every wrestler. They also rave about his motivational speeches.
“I’d follow that guy through a brick wall and then some. He’s the best leader I’ve ever been around.”
Schwab has built the culture of UNI wrestling, but it wouldn’t be possible without guys like Happel. Team meals, disc golf, and Bible studies; this team is as tight as they come. Another aspect of Happel’s life that has grown since his time in Cedar Falls is his faith. He credits his faith for making his last year enjoyable and doing everything with purpose.
“Being able to surrender the outcome and putting your full trust in God and his plan for you, win or loss, boils it down to a simple purpose. When you look at it like this is something we get to do and this is a gift he gave us, it makes it special and it makes it fun.”
Happel, as well as his UNI wrestling teammates, have talked about how easy it is to wrestle for one another. They’ll get one more opportunity to “sprint through the finish line” this season.
“I couldn’t be more thankful but there’s still work to do, so I’m just trying to soak in these last moments. It’s gonna be a fun last three weeks.”
Happel and the rest of the Panther train will wrestle at the NCAA Division I Men’s Wrestling Championships from Thursday, Mar. 20 to Saturday, Mar 22. The event takes place in Philadelphia, with the top eight placewinners earning All-American honors.
