Penrith dismissed as UNI wrestling coach

CEDAR FALLS - The University of Northern Iowa has decided to part ways with head wrestling coach Brad Penrith after 10 seasons leading the Panthers program.

Multiple sources close to the program confirmed that Penrith was dismissed as head coach after a meeting last evening with UNI athletics director Troy Dannen. UNI did not release a statement and phone and text messages left on Penrith's cell phone were not returned.

Junior Jarion Beets received a phone call from his head coach, informing him of the dismissal.

"He just said it had been an honor to be our coach and that he loved all the guys," Beets said, "and he had been fired today (Wednesday)."

Beets said he was surprised by the developments, especially since Penrith signed a three-year contract extension following the 2008-09 season. He said he thought Penrith would have been allowed one more season given the extension.

"It's heartbreaking," said Beets, a former Cedar Rapids Kennedy prep. "It's kind of sad."

Beets described Penrith as being sad about the change and being removed from the program he's led to a 90-75-4 dual record over the last decade, including a 10-12 mark this season.

"It's kind of like a second family," Beets said. "You're leaving the family behind."

Beets credited Penrith with making strides that led to him becoming an All-American this season, placing eighth at 174 pounds. Penrith helped build his confidence and had an impact on Beets, who became his 14th All-American in 10 seasons as the Panthers' head coach.

“He made me believe he believed in me. When you get that support it helps you when you go out there and try to succeed,” Beets said. "He helped me a lot.”

UNI finished 40th at the NCAA Division I Championships in Omaha, Neb., March 17-20. Penrith, a national champion and three-time finalist at 126 pounds for the University of Iowa in the late 1980's, led the Panthers to a 22nd-place finish in 2009 with Moza Fay earning his second top-eight placing and also coached Sean Stender to an NCAA runner-up finish at 197 pounds in 2005.

Penrith had a strong recruiting class coming in next year, including four-time Iowa state finalist Levi Wolfensperger of Denver-Tripoli, his teammate Blake Sorenson, Columbus Junction's Seth Noble, Don Bosco teammates Taylor Kettman and Clay Welter and Brock Weatherman of Ballard.

“I'm really confused. I've got mixed emotions right now,” said Wolfensperger. “I had heard rumors he might get fired, but I didn't believe them. I never could see that coming.”

Wolfensperger, who signed during the early signing period in November, says he is uncertain whether he'll stick with UNI.

The two-time state champion came off an outstanding performance at NHSCA Senior Nationals in Virginia Beach where Wolfensperger finished second at 130, losing in the final 10 seconds to Nebraska recruit Keith Surer of Illinois, 5-3, in the title match.

“I signed to wrestle under Brad Penrith,” Wolfensperger said. “I don't know.”