UNI's Cabell searching for All-American finish

CEDAR FALLS — An image burned into Blaize Cabell's mind last March.

The University of Northern Iowa heavyweight watched from afar as two competitors he had beaten and a couple more he wrestled close stood on a podium and were awarded All-America honors.

The memory surfaces occasionally during training.

'It's not an everyday thing,' Cabell said during the team's annual media day Wednesday at the West Gym. 'It's not like I picture only one person. I'm picturing everybody that has been up on that stand that I'm going to have to get through this year.'

Cabell has one last chance to achieve that goal, entering his senior season ranked as high as fourth in national polls after a 28-7 record last year.

He reached the round of 12 as a junior, falling to the second and third-seeded wrestlers in the bracket. Cabell was runner-up at the Mid-American Conference Championships and was the only Panther to go unbeaten in duals. He proved he was capable to reaching the podium.

'It made me realize I am right there,' Cabell said. 'I didn't like the fact that there were guys that had been up there that I had beaten but that's the way the cookie crumbles.

'Come back into this room and make it so I wouldn't be that way again this year.'

Cabell has built his college career on continuous progress. He has been voted the team's most improved wrestlers each of the last two seasons, which ended at the NCAA Championships. UNI Coach Doug Schwab said the finish has eaten at Cabell.

'I don't know if you hear that very often,' Schwab said. 'He made a huge jump his sophomore year to make it to the national tournament and then he made another jump. Do I think he made another jump? I do.

'I do believe he has made that next level jump where he's one of the best guys in the country. I know he is.'

Cabell has grown into the 285-pound class, beginning as a 197-pounder as a freshman. He has focused on improving his mat wrestling this season, trying to ride opponents better and take advantage of more riding time opportunities. Cabell's strength is on his feet, using his quickness and athleticism to initiate action and work for lots of points.

'I love how he competes,' Schwab said. 'He probably set the mark for us last year with how we want guys to compete.'

Size is a factor for Cabell. Schwab said it is key that Cabell bulks up to 235 to 245, instead of hitting the scale at 225. Cabell said he will do it by lifting and avoid wearing down his body.

'I try to eat pretty healthy as it is,' Cabell said. 'I try to keep a lot of proteins.

'The way I eat is probably not going to change too much but it's just going to be more about how I approach trying to put it on.'

Schwab has seen him grow in multiple ways. He has matured and helped take the reins for the Panthers.

'He's been a leader for us,' Schwab said. 'I've seen him grow as a man, too. He's taken on a big leadership role for our team.'

The early season will provide a good gauge for Cabell. The Panthers open the season with Hofstra, Oregon state and Rutgers. The latter two have top-10 heavyweights.

'Perfect,' Schwab said. 'I know where he's at shape-wise right now and I'll put that up against anybody. I don't care if it's November or March.'

JENSEN DROPS DOWN

UNI senior Jarrett Jensen wrestled at 157 and 165 pounds his first two years before settling in at 157 the last two seasons. Jensen will add another class to his resume, dropping to 149 for his final season.

'He's one of the most disciplined kids, if not the most disciplined kid, I've been around,' Schwab said. 'We talked to him last spring about doing it and he's done it right.'

Jensen was thorough in his preparation, beginning in May instead of waiting to closer to the start of the school year. Schwab said his effort will pay dividends.

'He's done more research,' Schwab said with a laugh. 'He was teaching me things on how to do things even better.'

Jensen was 21-13 last year. He recorded a fall, helping lift UNI over Old Dominion at the end of last season. Schwab said Jensen could garner national attention this year.

'He had some really big wins last year at 157,' Schwab said. 'I'm excited to see what he's going to do at 149.'

FRESHMAN COULD SEE ACTION

Doug Schwab said he has never pulled the red-shirt off a freshman during his coaching career, which includes five previous seasons at UNI. He is heavily considering a change to that philosophy.

Although he was non-committal about exactly who that could be, most signs point to former Waverly-Shell Rock two-time state champion Bryce Steiert, who is listed at 157.

'I do believe we'll start a true freshman this year,' Schwab said. 'The first time that I've done it. We have some wrestle-offs this weekend. It could change some things. I don't see it changing anything because I've seen what I've seen in the room.'

Schwab said it has to be the right competitor and beneficial for the individual and team.

'I do believe we have some guys ready to make an impact, right now,' Schwab said. 'Mentally, they are there. We have some guys extremely focused in the practice room.'

Steiert said he has entertained the idea of vying for a national championship since he committed to the Panthers.

'I feel comfortable,' Steiert said. 'I feel like the transition from high school to college wrestling went as smoothly as it could and I feel ready to compete with anybody after wrestling in this room this summer and fall.'

The idea has motivated Steiert. He said he and Schwab share the same confidence in his ability. Schwab's support provides a boost.

'It makes me feel he believes in me,' Steiert said. 'He wouldn't do that if I didn't believe in myself. I'm really believing in myself.'

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