The University of Northern Iowa wrestling team’s season is off to a rough start. The Panthers have squared off with four Big Ten teams including the top-ranked team in the nation, the University of Iowa. The Hawkeyes racked up a 48-3 win against the Panthers. UNI then dropped a home match against Iowa State University. The No. 2 ranked Cyclones shut out the Panthers 42-0.
The Panthers also ran into three other ranked foes: the University of Maryland, Boise State University and the University of Wisconsin. The No. 8 ranked Maryland Terps defeated the Panthers 25-9, while Terrance Young (125 pounds), Brett Robbins (149 pounds) and Christian Brantley (heavyweight) each secured wins for the Panthers. UNI was shut out again by No. 9 ranked Boise State 31-0. This was the second loss for the Panthers at the Cliff Keen/NWCA National Duals.
The Panthers earned a victory in dual against Bloomsburg. Young started the dual off with another win to get the ball rolling for the Panthers. Alec Hoffman (141 pounds) scored a 6-3 decision before Robbins secured a major decision to put the Panthers up big early. Jarion Beets (174 pounds) snuck by with a 7-6 decision as the Panthers won the last four matches of the dual to secure a 22-16 win. Andy O’Loughlin (184 pounds), Dustin Bauman (197 pounds) and Brantley (heavyweight) followed Beets with close wins to help the Panthers.
The Panthers will look to get back on track Jan. 22 and 23 when they play host to Northern Colorado and South Dakota State to open the conference season. The Panthers have dominated the conference winning the title every year in existence. UNI is hoping that this tough non-conference schedule and preparation will pay off now that the conference season is nearing.
Panther wrestling struggles with top-notch competition
Published: Thursday, January 14, 2010
Updated: Thursday, January 14, 2010
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