Celebrating 100 seasons of UNI Wrestling
Celebrating 100 seasons of UNI Wrestling
Panther Anniversary
The return of male students to the Iowa State Teachers College after World War I sparked the beginning of wrestling as an intercollegiate sport. In 2023-2024, the UNI wrestling team celebrated its 100th anniversary season.
With three national team championships, scores of All-American athletes and 44 individual NCAA champions, the history of Panther wrestling runs deep.
Wrestling has served as a rich part of UNI’s fabric since its initial varsity team was formed in 1923. The proud history of UNI Wrestling includes the 1950 team that captured the NCAA Division I title at the West Gym. The Panthers also were crowned NCAA Division II champions in both 1975 and 1978. The 1978 NCAA Championships were hosted at the UNI-Dome. The program boasts five Olympians, including Bill Smith, ’51, who won the gold medal at the 1952 Helsinki Games.
More recently, Parker Keckeisen (184 lbs.) became UNI’s 10th three-time All-American after winning the silver medal at the 2023 NCAA Championships. The Panthers have claimed 17 individual NCAA titles, including Drew Foster (184 lbs.), who won UNI’s most recent individual crown at the 2019 NCAA Championships.
We have men that are going to go make differences in the world. Right now they’re making a difference in this program.
History and Memorable Moments
1923
The Iowa State Teachers College won its first intercollegiate wrestling meet vs. Cornell College, 16-8.
1925
The West Gym officially opened its doors. UNI wrestling was one of many sports to call the building home during its history, including volleyball, basketball and swimming.
1940
The Teacher’s College wins the figurative “Iowa State Championship,” through victories against University of Iowa, Cornell, and its biggest rival the Iowa State Cyclones.
1947
Bill Koll, ’48, is named the Most Outstanding Wrestler of the 1947 NCAA Wrestling Championships after winning a national title.
1950
The Panthers won a national title in front of the home crowd when UNI hosted the NCAA Division II National Wrestling Championships.
1978
The Panthers won their second Division II national team title in four years in the UNI-Dome.
1984
On Nov. 30, 1984, UNI rolls past Missouri State 57-0 for its largest margin of victory in a dual meet in program history.
1997
UNI-Dome hosts the NCAA Division I National Championships.
2010
Doug Schwab, a 1999 NCAA champion and three-time All-American is hired as the ninth head wrestling coach in UNI history.
2017
UNI Wrestling joins the Big 12 Conference.
Olympians
Bill Smith, '51
Bill Smith - Gold (Helsinki)
In 1952 Bill Smith won an Olympic gold medal in the freestyle wrestling welterweight class of the games held in Helsinki. Today, UNI’s official competition mat is named in his honor.
Bill Nelson, '50
Bill Koll, '48
Gerald Leeman,'48
Bill Nelson - (London)
Bill Koll - 5th (London)
Gerald Leeman - Silver (London)
Maynard Harmon
Maynard Harmon - (Los Angeles)
Bill Smith, '51
Bill Smith - Gold (Helsinki)
In 1952 Bill Smith won an Olympic gold medal in the freestyle wrestling welterweight class of the games held in Helsinki. Today, UNI’s official competition mat is named in his honor.
Bill Nelson, '50
Bill Koll, '48
Gerald Leeman,'48
Bill Nelson - (London)
Bill Koll - 5th (London)
Gerald Leeman - Silver (London)
Maynard Harmon
Maynard Harmon - (Los Angeles)
