The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) wrestling team achieved two decisive victories on the opening day of the 2026 NWCA/USMC Multi-Division National Dual Meet Championships in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The Panthers defeated Cal State Bakersfield with a score of 44-0 and Ohio with a score of 43-0 at the UNI-Dome.
During Pool B competition, UNI secured four pins and earned bonus points in 15 out of its 20 match wins. These results marked the first time since the 2012-13 season that UNI scored over 40 team points in consecutive duals.
In their match against Cal State Bakersfield, Trever Anderson began at 125 pounds and overcame an early deficit to win by major decision, 11-3. Julian Farber followed at 133 pounds with a technical fall victory after trailing early. Cory Land won his bout at 141 pounds by decision, while Caleb Rathjen secured a major decision at 149 pounds. Cael Rahnavardi pinned his opponent at 157 pounds. Ryder Downey, Jared Simma, and Carson Babcock all delivered major or technical decision victories in their respective weight classes. Nick Fox earned his first win of the season by pinning his opponent at 184 pounds, and Grant Stromberg closed out the dual with a shutout win at heavyweight.
Against Ohio, Anderson again started strong with a narrow win at 125 pounds. Farber recorded another pin at 133 pounds. Land dominated for a technical fall victory at 141 pounds. Ethan Basile and Rahnavardi contributed wins at 149 and 157 pounds respectively, with Rahnavardi securing a major decision. Downey continued his success with an overwhelming victory at 165 pounds. Simma also posted a major decision win, while Fox claimed another pin—his second of the day—at 184 pounds. John Gunderson added a major decision win at 197 pounds before Adam Ahrendsen concluded the sweep for UNI in the heavyweight division.
The Panthers are scheduled to compete next against Bloomsburg and Drexel on Saturday morning as part of continued action in the championships.
Fans can follow UNI wrestling throughout the season on social media platforms including Facebook (University of Northern Iowa Wrestling), X (@UNI_wrestling), Instagram (@uni_panther_wrestling), and on their official website UNIpanthers.com for news and updates.