Schwab says Panthers are young and hungry (Video)

CEDAR FALLS - University of Northern Iowa wrestling coach Doug Schwab said he has a group of young and hungry wrestlers.

The Panthers' second-year head coach told media Thursday at the West Gym that the wrestlers, including 20 freshmen and sophomores, are excited and ready to compete.

A bright future is ahead, but they should strive for immediate success.

"We have to build on the youth," Schwab said. "We have to tell these guys, and what we continue to tell them is they don't have to wait to win."

The Panthers won 12 duals last year, posting a 5-0 record in the Western Wrestling Conference including a win over 24th-ranked Wyoming to secure the conference dual title. They will add a group of talented wrestlers that were a part of a highly-touted recruiting class that red-shirted last year.

Among those who can make an impact are Levi Wolfensperger (133), Seth Noble (141), Clay Welter (149) and Taylor Kettman (197). Joe Colon, a junior at 133, is also a newcomer with an impressive resume. Colon was 2010 National Junior College Athletic Association national champion, earning Outstanding Wrestler honors, for Iowa Central. He will contend for a spot.

The season will open Saturday at the Loras Open in Dubuque.

"I'm looking forward to seeing these young guys compete," Schwab said. "I've got some guys in there who almost daily getting me excited as a coach because you're seeing some things like 'Wow. Alright, this guy's getting it' or 'Wow, this guy's getting good' or he's doing some things you hadn't the month before, the week before and when those gains continue to happen we will put UNI wrestling on the map in a big way."

Schwab talks about his possible lineup for the 2011-12 season.

Schwab is starting to assemble the athletes that want to put in the effort to make the progress needed to make UNI an elite NCAA Division I program. Returning national qualifier, and one of less than 10 upperclassmen on the roster, David  Bonin said some weren't sure if they wanted to be here and now they are gone. The team has a swagger about them now in practice and more of an attitude to fight and out-do teammates in practice.

"There's not a stagnant feel anymore," Bonin said. "It's energy. Non-stop. If you can't feed off that you can't feed off anything."

Bonin, a junior, is one of the top returners, along with sophomore Ryan Loder, who was WWC Freshman of the Year and a win from earning All-America honors at 184 last season.

Bonin went 19-16 last year at 157 pounds. Schwab said Bonin has been in the practice room since day won and has been one of his most devoted wrestlers. It shows, too.

"He's as strong as I've ever felt him," Schwab said. "He's as good as I've ever felt him."

Loder was 30-11, leading the team in wins last year. He was a regional champion and posted a winning record at the NCAA Championships, reaching the round of 12. He has made big strides according to Schwab.

"He's done the things we've told him that if you do the things in the spring, summer and fall that we ask you to do you're going to make the jump," Schwab said. "He's made the jump but now he's got to go out and show everybody."