Big 12 Duals Preview: #5 UNI Wrestling Hosts #3 Cowboys, #22 Sooners
The stage is set for an epic clash this weekend as the fifth-ranked UNI wrestling team gears up to face off against powerhouse opponents, No. 3 Oklahoma State and No. 22 Oklahoma, in Big 12 Conference dual action at the McLeod Center in Cedar Falls.
UNI Wrestling Ready for a Showdown
The Panther Train is all set to rumble as they prepare to take on the Cowboys on Friday night and the Sooners on Saturday night. Both duals are scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. CT, promising an electrifying atmosphere inside the McLeod Center. Wrestling fans can catch all the action live on FloWrestling or tune in locally on CFU Channel 15. For those eager to witness the battles live, tickets are available online through the UNI Ticket Office, via phone at 319-274-4849, or by email at tickets@uni.edu.
Panther Fans in for a Treat
The excitement doesn’t end with the matches. UNI fans are in for a treat with a lineup of special promotions lined up for the weekend. From a thrilling mechanical bull ride on the McLeod Center’s north deck to Faculty and Staff Appreciation Night, student scholarship drawing, Wrestling BINGO Night, and Alumni Day, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Panther’s den.
Panther Train on a Winning Streak
Having split their last four duals with Oklahoma State, the Panthers are hungry for victory, especially after the Cowboys clinched a win in their previous encounter. On the other hand, UNI has been dominant against Oklahoma, winning seven consecutive matches and nine out of ten under the mentorship of head coach Doug Schwab. With an unbeaten streak in duals this year and a top-five ranking in the National Wrestling Coaches Association poll, UNI is poised for a thrilling showdown.
Key Matchups to Watch
Friday night’s dual promises to be a nail-biter with up to seven top-ten opponents facing off against the Panthers. Keep an eye on matchups like the 125-pound battle between No. 4 Troy Spratley and the Panthers, the clash at 141 pounds featuring No. 4 Tagen Jamison, and the showdown at 165 pounds with No. 6 Cameron Amine. The 184-pound bracket is also set to be a highlight, pitting Parker Keckeisen against Dustin Plott in a riveting contest.
Expert Insights on the Opponents
Oklahoma State comes into the dual following a solid win over West Virginia and is bolstered by the addition of power hitters like Dean Hamiti and Wyatt Hendrickson. With a new head coach in David Taylor, a wrestling legend in his own right, the Cowboys are a force to be reckoned with. Meanwhile, Oklahoma is looking to bounce back from recent losses and showcase their talent against UNI and its formidable lineup.
As the Panthers gear up for a weekend of intense competition, the stakes are high, the excitement palpable, and the fans eagerly anticipating the thrill of college wrestling at its finest. Get ready to witness the clash of titans as UNI takes on Oklahoma State and Oklahoma in what promises to be a weekend to remember in the world of collegiate wrestling.
