UNI releases additional renderings of new wrestling training facility

Feb 20, 2024

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The University of Northern Iowa has unveiled additional conceptual renderings of its new wrestling training facility. Fundraising for the project has been ongoing since UNI received permission to plan the training facility from the Iowa Board of Regents in November 2023.

Make a contribution today: https://ourtomorrow.uni.edu/wrestlingtrainingfacility

“The people around our athletes are the most important, but having a facility that meets our needs is critical,” said Coach Doug Schwab. “I’m thinking about how we can get our next 100-year-old building. How that will happen is a lot of fans, a lot of donors and a lot of people who believe in what we're doing beyond the wrestling mat.”

UNI is working with architects to develop more detailed plans for the facility. Preliminary costs to provide similar square footage as the wrestling space in the West Gym are being determined.

This project will be solely financed by private gifts. With the support of the state’s passionate wrestling fans and donors across the region, UNI will build a facility that enables our student-athletes to compete at the highest level for years to come. Gifts of $5,000 or more will be included on a donor wall in the new facility.

The new facility will meet the program’s existing and anticipated future needs with room for multiple mats, weight and cardio training space, locker room, training room and rehabilitation space, as well as office space for the wrestling staff. UNI officials have previously indicated that incorporating elements of the West Gym into the design of the new wrestling facility is essential.

UNI Wrestling fans can cheer the Panthers on against Big 12 Conference opponent No. 7 Missouri at 7 p.m. on Friday. UNI will then conclude its regular season slate with a home match against Wisconsin at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets for both of these dual matches at the McLeod Center are still available: https://unipanthers.com/tickets

Under Schwab, the Panthers finished eighth in the nation in NCAA Division I dual meet attendance last season, averaging 2,812 during six home duals at the McLeod Center. UNI also posted the fourth-best team grade point average (GPA) in the nation at 3.48 with a program-high seven student-athletes earning spots on the National Wrestling Coaches Association 2022-23 Scholar All-America Team.

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 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.

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UNI Wrestling Training Facility Steering Committee