UNI defeats Wisconsin for first time in nine years, 25-15

The University of Northern Iowa wrestling team (4-3, 2-0 WWC) defeated a Big Ten Conference opponent, the University of Wisconsin (5-4, 0-2 Big Ten) last Friday, 25-15. The win broke a nine-dual winless streak against the Badgers.

The Panthers dug Wisconsin into a hole early, and the Badgers never recovered. Senior Cruse Aarhus (125 pounds) made a statement in the night's opening match, topping UW's Austin Hietpas with a 17-2 technical fall. The West Gym has been good to Aarhus, who has compiled two technical falls and a major decision in the Panthers' three home duals this season.

Joe Colon (133 pounds) gave UNI five more early points as he also defeated his opponent, Shane McQuade, with a 17-2 technical fall. The redshirt sophomore is undefeated in dual action this season at 3-0.

UNI racked up even more bonus points in the night's third match, as redshirt freshman Levi Wolfensperger (141 pounds) defeated Thomas Glenn with a 9-0 major decision. After Wolfensperger's victory, the Panthers found themselves up 14-0.

From that point, it was tough for Wisconsin to recover, as the Panthers even held three out of the four matches that they lost to regular decisions. Meanwhile, David Bonin (157 pounds) and Ryan Loder (184 pounds) both compiled major decisions, and Blayne Beale (285 pounds) won by decision.

Bonin used a takedown with eight seconds left in the third period, in addition to a riding time point, to turn his win over Shawn Perry into a major decision. The junior Louisiana native is 3-0 in home duals this season. Bonin also leads the Panthers in career wins with 61.

Loder was one point away from a technical fall, but he had to settle for a 16-2 major decision over UW's Timmy McCall. The sophomore continued his dual-match perfection, as he boasts a 7-0 dual record and 23-1 overall record.

Beale put an exclamation mark on UNI's win, topping the Badgers' Cole Tobin with a 5-2 decision. A crucial takedown with 1:08 left in the third brought the 1,000-plus West Gym crowd to its feet.

The Panthers' next dual meet will take place Jan. 27 in Orem, Utah, as UNI faces Western Wrestling Conference opponent Utah Valley.