No. 5 UNI Wrestling Remains Undefeated, Topples ISU, 24-13

Coach Doug Schwab earned his first win against Iowa State since taking over the UNI Panthers wrestling program, winning 24-13, the Panthers’ biggest margin over ISU since 1951. The No. 5 Panthers beat the No. 17 Cyclones 22-6 in 1951.

“Our seniors wanted to go out beating them,” said Schwab. “We wanted to continue building and make a statement.”

UNI remains just one of three teams unbeaten in the top 25, improving to 10-0. They are 5-0 in the Mid-American Conference.

Iowa State got the early lead at its strongest weight class. No. 2 Kyven Gadson earned a major decision. However the Panthers would take the next five, earning bonus points at 125 pounds with a major decision by No. 6 Dylan Peters, a tech fall by 133-pounder Joe Colon and a first-period pin by No. 14 Joey Lazor.

Headed into this weekend, top-ranked Colon was third in the nation for tech falls. He now has eight on the season.

Iowa State got the next three, but No. 5 Ryan Loder extended UNI’s lead with a 5-0 decision.

The Panthers got their win in front of the second sold-out house this season.

“Our guys feed off (the crowd) and love it,” said Schwab. “We tell our guys - win or lose – let’s try to score points and make it exciting for fans.”

UNI’s last undefeated season (10-0) was in 1956 under Bill Koll. The team took 10th at that year’s national tournament.

Next Up: UNI will host Kent State at 1 p.m. Sunday in the West Gym for its second meet of the weekend. Kent State is tied for fourth in the conference rankings, while UNI is favored.

FINAL RESULTS: UNI 24, ISU 13