UNI’s Dylan Peters returns to the mat for senior season

CEDAR FALLS — Dylan Peters missed a big part of his life.

The Northern Iowa senior remained surrounded by the sport he loves, but he was more of a spectator forced to rehab from ACL surgery. He had to settle for watching his Panther teammates train through the offseason.

'It sucks sitting there not being able to wrestle or compete with these guys,' Peters said. 'Obviously, I did everything I could. I was in here every day with these guys. It would be different if I was isolated and didn't get to be here.'

Peters tore his ACL last December, but finished the season as UNI's 33rd two-time All-American. After the procedure in April and a six-month offseason hiatus, Peters has returned to the mat in a limited capacity, preparing for his final campaign.

According to UNI Coach Doug Schwab, there might be a silver lining in Peters stepping away for a bit.

'I don't think he's ever had six months off since he was probably 5 years old, because he's competed all the way through, so for a guy to have that taken away I don't think it's always bad,' Schwab said. 'It was always there. He could just go back into it. Now, he didn't have a choice. Now, he can go back into it and be real excited for his senior season.'

Peters wasn't idle during the summer. Instead of working on takedowns and turns, he toiled on a stationary bike, running on an underwater treadmill and lifting weight to maintain his upper-body strength.

'We did it all,' Peters said of the heavy rehab. 'We did everything we could.'

Peters has resumed drilling and hard sparring in the wrestling room. He will miss the first couple competition dates, but has the goal to return for the Nov. 18 home dual against Virginia Tech.

'I'm on the verge of being back,' said Peters, adding, 'Things are starting to feel good. I'm hoping to be back soon.'

Peters demonstrated his toughness as a junior, deciding immediately to continue his season and delay surgery. The 125-pounder pushed himself through the pain, posting an 18-4 record and placing sixth at the NCAA Championships in New York, despite injury defaulting from the final bout.

Peters provided an example for the Panthers to follow.

'He tears his ACL in December,' Schwab said. 'He used that obstacle as a way to motivate him. Now, for him this year, he's going to be in such a better place because he knows what he can handle.

'He did place on one leg. It's hard to wrestle that way when you're hurt. ... He made up his mind right away and to me that is very indicative of our team and how we're going to move forward from having any type of setback.'

The Panthers may have a different mentality the next time they feel banged up or sore. Sophomore 157-pounder Bryce Steiert said Peters is a great leader by example.

'The kid is just tough,' Steiert said. 'He's resilient. He always stays composed. That's probably his biggest factor. It doesn't matter the match or the situation, he's always composed and ready to win at any moment.'

The injury hampered his physical ability, but Peters was able to become more cerebral. He had to be more strategic and listen to his coaches. He has also learned to listen to his body.

'I think it made me a smarter wrestler,' said Peters, who was sixth as a freshman and a three-time NCAA qualifier. 'I'm aware of more things. I know what I need. I know what's too much. I know what's not enough.'

Schwab said they also worked on the mental aspect, putting the injury in the past and focusing on his capabilities. Showing what he could do with a severe injury could provide the confidence that he is a national title contender.

'I think he truly understands (he's) one of the best guys,' Schwab said. 'I'm pretty sure I'm close but I'm not sure if I'm the best guy. I don't think there's no doubt now that he is one of the best guys in the country at 125. I know there are some other good guys there, but having him healthy and feel good.'

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