UNI's statement on wrestling coach change

Here is the news release from the University of Northern Iowa. The Panthers head wrestling coach Brad Penrith was dismissed yesterday after an early evening meeting with athletics director Troy Dannen. Penrith, who had just signed a three-year contract extension last spring, was let go after 10 seasons, guiding the Panthers to a 90-75-4 dual record and coaching 14 All-Americans including 174-pounder Jarion Beets, who placed eighth this season and 2005 197-pound runner-up Sean Stender.

Here is the UNI news release distributed this morning:

University of Northern Iowa Director of Athletics Troy Dannen announced today that Panther head wrestling coach Brad Penrith will not be retained following the 2009-2010 season.

"I would like to thank Brad for his service to the University and the student-athletes in our wrestling program," Dannen said.  "Brad has carried himself with class and dignity throughout his career. But I believe now is the time for a change in leadership as we seek to achieve the competitive goals we have for wrestling at the University of Northern Iowa."

Penrith compiled a dual mark of 90-75-4 in 10 years as the Panther head coach.  This past season, UNI was 10-12 in dual action and tallied a 40

A national search will begin immediately to fill the position.

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place finish (9.5 team points) at the NCAA Championships, its lowest finish since 1997.