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University of Northern Iowa head wrestling coach Doug Schwab named Big 12 Coach of the Year
The Panthers posted 14-1 dual record, placed ninth at the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships with 10 qualifiers
Mar. 28, 2025 3:48 pm, Updated: Mar. 29, 2025 1:18 am
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University of Northern Iowa Coach Doug Schwab garnered one more recognition from a memorable wrestling season.
This one comes as no surprise.
The Big 12 Conference announced Friday that Schwab was named its Coach of the Year. Schwab also earned the honor in 2020. Schwab also received the National Wrestling Coaches Association Coach of the Year award last weekend during the NCAA Division I Championships in Philadelphia.
“Grateful for the recognition but none this happens without a staff and team invested into something much bigger than themselves,” Schwab said. “It’s a reflection of all of those bought in the program and each other.”
At the NWCA banquet, Schwab praised his staff and family for their efforts. He also said the Panthers’ performance reflected the family-like approach.
“I think you see how our guys compete and how much they care about one another,” Schwab said during his NWCA acceptance speech. “I think it rings true and you can see that.
The Panthers produced its best year in Schwab’s 15-year tenure and one of the best in the program’s 101-year history.
UNI placed ninth at the national tournament, tallying 45 1/2 points for its best finish since returning to D-I for the 1980-81 season. The Panthers were 10 th in 1982, 1983 and 1992. UNI boasted 10 NCAA qualifiers, which was the first time since 1986.
Cael Happel (141) and Parker Keckeisen (184) claimed All-American honors, giving Schwab 22 All-Americans at UNI. He has also coached 92 national qualifiers.
UNI was runner-up to Oklahoma State in the conference tournament, forcing a tie in the penultimate match of the tournament. Cowboys’ heavyweight Wyatt Hendrickson won the next match to break the tie, leaving UNI just four points back.
UNI went 14-1 in duals with its lone loss to No. 3 Oklahoma State, beating six ranked teams. The Panthers amassed the most dual victories since going 16-5 in 1991. Schwab ranks third all-time in duals with 126 victories, trailing Chuck Patten (218) and Don Briggs (163).
UNI climbed to fourth in the NWCA pulls, which matched its highest ranking in 1988. The Panthers also claimed the NCAA D-I title at the NWCA Multi-Divisional National Dual Championships in January.
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