Schwab could be spark UNI wrestling needs

CEDAR FALLS - Fans of the University of Northern Iowa wrestling program have had little to be excited about in recent years. The remedy to that appears to have been discovered.

It came in the form of Doug Schwab.

UNI introduced Schwab as the Panthers' new head wrestling coach Thursday at a news conference at the McLeod Center. Former wrestlers, coaches and wrestling supporters packed the Alumni Suite of the arena for the announcement.

“I've talked with a lot of alumni. I've talked with a lot of people and they're fired up about what's going to happen and the direction of this program,” Schwab said. “That fires me up to know that I have those people and that support behind me.”

It's an attitude and backing that has been missing from the program. UNI Athletics Director Troy Dannen noted the painful truth about the program at the start of the news conference, but it showed that Schwab may also be the exact medicine the program needs to get well.

“There are more people in this room than I think we had at our last dual meet last year,” Dannen said. “Speaks a little bit to the man we are announcing (Thursday) as the head wrestling coach.”

The program had distanced itself from its alumni, but many were on hand for Thursday's event. Former UNI Coach Don Briggs was there as well as former Panther wrestlers, including Wartburg co-head coaches Jim Miller and Eric Keller. Resurrecting those bridges for support is key for the program's future.

“There are alums here that haven't been involved for several years,” Dannen said. “It's just a little symbol what can happen. We've got a great opportunity ahead of us the next three months to capitalize and for Doug to get this going and get people involved and enthused about wrestling again.”

Dannen said they searched for a coach who was enthusiastic and lived a championship lifestyle professionally and personally. Schwab fit the bill and they are characteristics he will instill in his athletes.

“They're going to be held accountable,” Schwab said. “They're going to be held to a high standard. It's a standard I've lived myself as an athlete.”

Schwab inherits a program that dropped to 40th at the NCAA tournament with one medalist. He understands turning it around will take time and will be a process. Losing won't set well with him, but he will gauge success on progress and increased effort.

Schwab said UNI can be a nationally prominent program with hard work and commitment from all.

“There's one spot to shoot for,” Schwab said. “That's the way I've been raised. That's the way I've trained. Why can't we get there?”

Schwab has been there, serving as an assistant at the University of Iowa and Coach Tom Brands the last four years. He helped lead the Hawkeyes to three straight Big Ten and NCAA team titles.

Schwab plans to introduce that aggressive, physical style of domination that's been classified as the “Iowa style” that he practiced as a three-time All-American and 1999 141-pound NCAA champion for the Hawkeyes.

“That's what wins,” Schwab said. “I'll never go another way.”

Jarion Beets, the Panthers lone All-American who placed eighth at 174 pounds in March, considered leaving after former head coach Brad Penrith was fired in April. Schwab won Beets over.

“He talked to me about a lot of different things and we have the same goals for next year,” said Beets, a former Cedar Rapids Kennedy prep. “He thinks he can help me achieve my ultimate goal to be a national champion. Hopefully, we can start on that as soon as possible.”

Beets said he felt Schwab's impact would be immediate. It's hard not to be motivated by Schwab's constant message of having drive and fight.

“I believe we'll be a top 10 program next year. I have no doubt in my mind,” Beets said. “I have no doubt what I'm going to achieve next year. It's going to be on top of that podium.”

Schwab will have some help. He shed some light on his staff, noting that older brother, Mark, is on board to be his top assistant. Mark Schwab is a highly-regarded coach, serving as an assistant for University of Minnesota teams that won two NCAA titles and seven finishes in the top three at nationals. Mark Schwab was a two-time All-American for the Panthers from 1986-90.

“I chose this place 25 years ago and I'm choosing it again,” Mark Schwab said about returning to Cedar Falls. “I'm in an ideal situation, coaching with a guy I want to coach with so I can't draw it up any better than this.”

Schwab also said he will retain Randy Pugh, a former UNI wrestler who was a Penrith assistant.

“He's got a good relationship with the athletes,” Schwab said. “I talked to the athletes about him and there were nothing but good things to say.”

Schwab expressed interest in adding former Hawkeye seniors Daniel Dennis and Ryan Morningstar to his staff.

“I have a good relationship with those guys. I know what they're about,” Schwab said. “To bring those guys on would be a great thing for myself and my staff and the athletes.”

Schwab was chomping at the bit to get started. He had plans to be working out in UNI's West Gym just a couple hours after the news conference. Plenty of lip service has been shared but now it's time for production.

“Like I told the guys, I don't want men of talk,” Schwab said. “I've been doing a lot of talking. I've been doing a lot of talking to them. They've been doing some talking to me. I said I don't want men of talk I want men of action. It's time to get to work.”