UNI’s Cael Happel, Derek Holschlag receive at-large bids to NCAA Wrestling Championships

Last season, Nothern Iowa’s Cael Happel was an alternate who didn’t take the mat at the NCAA Wrestling Championships.

Happel will head back to the national tournament. He will be a competitor this time.

Happel and Panthers teammate Derek Holschlag received at-large selections from the NCAA Division I Wrestling Committee, according to Tuesday’s announcement from the NCAA. They will give UNI seven qualifiers.

Second-ranked Iowa secured 10 automatic bids, sending the entire team to the NCAA meet March 16-18 at BOK Center in Tulsa, Okla. Iowa State had eight automatic qualifiers without any at-large picks.

Happel grabbed one of four at-large berths at 141 with a 16-6 record. Happel is a former four-time state champion for Lisbon.

Holschlag is now a two-time national qualifier and returns for the second straight season. The former Union Community prep is 16-7 overall.

The are joined by two-time All-American and three-time Big 12 champion Parker Keckeisen at 184, three-time NCAA qualifier Austin Yant (165), Kyle Biscoglia (133), Colin Realbuto (149) and heavyweight Tyrell Gordon. Biscoglia, Realbuto and Gordon are making their second national appearance.

Iowa State qualified each weight except for 125 and 174. NCAA champion David Carr (165) and returning All-Americans Marcus Coleman (184) and Yonger Bastida (197) lead the way for the Cyclones. They are joined by Zach Redding (133), Casey Swiderski (141), Big 12 champion Panrio Johnson at 149, Jason Kraisser (157) and heavyweight Sam Schuyler will also compete at the national tournament.

The entire Iowa lineup will be intact for the national tournament. The Hawkeyes will send three-time NCAA champion Spencer Lee, NCAA finalist Jacob Warner (197) and returning All-Americans Real Woods (141), Max Murin (149), Abe Assad (184) and heavyweight Tony Cassioppi. Brody Teske (133) and 174-pounder Nelson Brands will return to the national tournament, while Cobe Siebrecht (157) and 165-pound Big Ten runner-up Patrick Kennedy will make their NCAA debut.