The University of Northern Iowa wrestling team continued their undefeated Western Wrestling Conference season against the Utah Valley University Wolverines Friday in Oren, Utah. Entering the dual meet, the Panthers looked to build upon three consecutive dual meet victories in which they knocked off the University of Wisconsin, Air Force Academy and the University of Northern Colorado to remain perfect in the new year.
Building a solid lead for the Panthers (5-3, 3-0 WWC) were senior Cruse Aarhus (125 pounds), No. 12-ranked sophomore Joe Colon (133 pounds) and freshman Levi Wolfensperger (141 pounds). Aarhus began the dual with a 6-1 decision over Colby Christensen, followed by Colon, who notched a 16-3 major decision against Blake Mangum. Not to be outdone, Wolfensperger continued the winning streak and earned a 6-4 decision over Avery Garner. The three wins gave the Panthers a quick 10-0 lead.
Utah Valley (3-7, 0-3 WWC) answered with a 7-4 decision by No. 13-ranked Josh Wilson (149 pounds) over Panther freshman Seth Noble, cutting the lead to 10-3. The dual was Noble's first since a meet against the University of Iowa, where he wrestled at 141 pounds.
UNI answered back with a 16-4 major decision from junior David Bonin (157 pounds) against Napoleon Aniciete, who continues his strong season, improving to 21-6 on the year. With the win, the Panthers extended their lead to 14-3.
Sophomores Riley Banach (165 pounds) and Onni Prestidge (174 pounds) suffered consecutive losses at the hands of Utah Valley's Ethan Smith and Monte Shmaulhaus. The pair of falls gave the Wolverines a 15-14 lead over the visiting Panthers. With three matches remaining, the lead was only temporary.
No. 6-ranked sophomore Ryan Loder (184 pounds) made quick work of his opponent, registering his ninth fall of the season in four minutes, 39 seconds over Dominic Borelli. In the victory, Loder improved his overall and team-leading record to 24 wins. The fall gave the Panthers a team lead of 20-15.
With two matches remaining and a small five-point team lead, the Wolverines gave the Panthers all they could handle. Freshman Taylor Kettman (197 pounds) lost a 6-3 decision to David Prieto that came down to the final moments of the match, setting up a heart-stopping scenario to end the dual meet.
Heading into the final match the Panthers and Wolverines were neck-and-neck at 20-18. The winner of the final match would win the dual meet. Consequently, the loser would hold the burden for their squad. However, junior Blayne Beale (285 pounds) quickly ended any potential suspense by registering a dominating 12-4 major decision over Dusin Dennison. The win sealed the team victory for UNI at 24-18.
As a team, the Panthers recorded their fourth consecutive dual meet victory. Individually, Aarhus, Colon, Bonin, Loder and Beale all remain undefeated at 3-0 in WWC matches on the season.
The Panthers return home Friday to host intra-state rival Iowa State University at 7 p.m. in the West Gym.
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