Iowa

3 takeaways from Northern Iowa wrestling media day

Published

12 months ago

November 11, 2024

Press Room

3 takeaways from Northern Iowa wrestling media day

CEDAR FALLS — There’s a good amount to be excited about for Northern Iowa wrestling fans.

Nine of the 10 postseason starters for the Panthers return after UNI finished in 14th at the NCAA Championships, one place behind the program’s best all-time finish under Doug Schwab. Perhaps even more uplifting, the squad returns all seven of its NCAA qualifiers, including reigning 184-pound national champion Parker Keckeisen.

At media day Monday afternoon, reporters got the chance to catch up with the coaching staff and wrestlers. Here are the biggest takeaways ahead of their season, which begins Saturday at the Grand View Open in Grimes.

1. Northern Iowa’s culture keeps roster intact

Northern Iowa had no transfers off its roster and no transfers into its roster in the offseason. Only Tyrell Gordon graduated from last season’s team. Not many programs can say that, especially at the Division I level.

“Everyone gets this now, there’s no kids out there, no one is loyal anymore… come to my team, want to go down my roster,” Schwab said. “We got loyal men who are bought in and believe in something bigger than themselves. That’s why we didn’t have anybody leave last year.”

In an age where guys transfer in and out and flip commitments more than ever, the Panthers’ loyalty is evident in words and actions. Perhaps none more so than Keckeisen, who Schwab says could have had every opportunity to find a new home if he wanted it. For Keckeisen, however, the level of care from the staff is greater than any other opportunity he might have elsewhere.

“Whether it’s girlfriend things, life things or your car broke down, they’re going to be there for you,” Keckeisen said. “They’re more than just coaches. You can’t put a price tag on that.”

Given the amount of individual success the Panthers had last season, whether it be Big 12 Champion Ryder Downey as a freshman or Jared Simma’s incredible run to the NCAA quarterfinals, many of UNI’s wrestlers could have fetched a hefty price tag.

The reason they all stayed is the level of care and investment from coaches that has kept the roster intact in what is a free-flowing, increasingly transactional world.

2. Parker Keckeisen ready for matchup with Carter Starocci

UNI’s Parker Keckeisen discusses matchup with Carter Starocci

Northern Iowa’s Parker Keckeisen discusses matchup with Carter Starocci, season ahead

After securing bonus-point victories in each of his matches at NCAAs and going undefeated on his way to a national title, Keckeisen will face the toughest test of his career this year. Penn State’s Carter Starocci, a four-time NCAA champ, makes his way to 184 pounds.

Keckeisen will wrestle him in an exhibition Saturday at the NWCA All-Star Classic. It seems like an inevitability, as well, that they will meet in the NCAA Finals in March.

While some could pout or avoid that challenge, Keckeisen is relishing the chance to compete.

“He’s one of the best wrestlers in the country… in the world,” Keckeisen said. “I think I’m up there, but an opportunity to test your skills against one of the best guys in the country, you got to take that opportunity.”

This undoubtedly is the best matchup of the year across college wrestling, and will likely determine the Dan Hodge Trophy winner.

3. Colin Realbuto embracing fatherhood, final season at UNI

There will be a couple of changes in the lineup, with Lance Runyon going to heavyweight and Colin Realbuto returning from an Olympic redshirt.

The biggest life-altering change, however, is that Realbuto became a father this offseason.

Wrestling at a series in Croatia as a warmup to the Olympic Trials Qualifier, Realbuto tore his ACL and knew he’d miss his chance to compete for Italy at the Olympics. While he sulked in a hotel room, he got a FaceTime call from his fiancé, Meredith, with a positive pregnancy test.

Now, Realbuto comes into the season with a bigger purpose: wrestling for his daughter, Georgia, and having a blast with her in his final season. That opportunity, while tough, is something he thanks his fiancé for ahead of what should be a strong season for the 149-pounder when he returns from injury.

“It’s been awesome, mostly because Meredith’s been a freaking trooper,” Realbuto said. “She’s taking the brunt of it. I got to give her credit because I’m gone all day at practice and at class, so I can’t do much during the day. She’s got no complaints, just taking it on. I really appreciate that, because without that, I wouldn’t be able to put as much time in on the wrestling mat and in class as I am now.”

Eli McKown covers high school sports and wrestling for the Des Moines Register. Contact him at Emckown@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @EMcKown23.

Source link

Click to comment

Iowa

Sheldon teacher named 2026 Iowa Teacher of the Year

Published

9 hours ago

October 31, 2025

Press Room

Sheldon teacher named 2026 Iowa Teacher of the Year

SHELDON, Iowa (KCAU) — A Sheldon teacher and instructional coach from Sheldon High School was named the 2026 Iowa Teacher of the Year.

Stephanie Pritts was named the 2026 Iowa Teacher of the Year on Thursday in front of a full house at the Sheldon High School gym.

“It is just phenomenal. It’s actually really hard to describe because there are just so many people involved with what I do for a career. It was amazing to have all K-12 in one building,” Pritts said. “I should say Pre-K through twelve. Just all that extra added support for it just added to this experience. It was just exciting and so much fun.”

Pritts is a Sheldon native and has been a teacher for 23 years. She was selected out of a pool of nine teachers from across the state. Pritts also serves as Northwest Regional Teacher of the Year.

“It’s important to recognize the importance of good teaching; it’s important to recognize the importance of good education. This is the future of this great state, and we want to make sure we are giving them every opportunity to be the best they can be, and this is a way we can help celebrate that,” said Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds.

For Pritts, it was important for her students to see her win this award.

“I really hope that students really see that you put your mind to something, you have good work ethic, that you will move mountains and go so far,” Pritts said.

Now, as part of being the teacher of the year, she’ll travel the state to speak to other school districts and work with them, and hopefully learn from them also.

“I thrive off collaborating with other school districts. I look forward to not only helping support those school districts, but I look forward to learning from them as well,” said Pritts. “Because, like I said, we do a lot together and we can learn from one another. So, I do. I give but also receive.”

Source link

Iowa

Top Iowa high school football Round of 16 playoff games, and our predictions

Published

1 day ago

October 30, 2025

Press Room

Top Iowa high school football Round of 16 playoff games, and our predictions

The Iowa high school football regular season is over, and now it’s time for the playoffs.

Last week, teams in Class 3A, 4A and 5A wrapped up their regular seasons, while teams in Class A, 1A, 2A and 8-player kicked off the postseason with first-round games. That means it’s all win-or-go-home from here on out, with 16 teams remaining in all seven classes.

This week’s schedule is packed with exciting matchups.

We’re picking 10 games each week of the IHSAA season and attempting to predict the outcomes. Each week, we’ll provide an update on how successful – or unsuccessful – those predictions are.

We finished the regular season with a 63-27 record in our picks, after going 9-1 last week.

Here are our predictions for some of the best Iowa high school football Round of 16 games.

Ankeny Centennial at Johnston

This hasn’t been the Jaguars’ season, and the Dragons have come out on top in games that mattered most. So long as Johnston does what has worked against teams like Ankeny and Southeast Polk, the Dragons should advance to the quarterfinals. Johnston 30, Ankeny Centennial 13

Central DeWitt at Wahlert Catholic

On paper, Central DeWitt looks like the more complete team in this matchup, but Wahlert Catholic came out on top when these teams met in the regular season. That game was less than a month ago, and there’s a chance that the Sabers get their revenge in the postseason. Wahlert Catholic 19, Central DeWitt 14

Dallas Center-Grimes at Sioux City East

The Black Raiders boast a 2,000-yard passer in Cal Jepsen; the Mustangs balance a trio of receivers with Ozzie Grimm’s success in the ground game. If Dallas Center-Grimes can come out with a couple of turnovers, the Mustangs could end Sioux City East’s season. Dallas Center-Grimes 27, Sioux City East 20

Fort Dodge at Newton

Both teams enter this matchup with 8-1 records, and Fort Dodge has some difference makers on both sides of the ball. But the Cardinals are battle-tested, and Nick Milburn is a defender who can keep any opposing offense on its toes. Newton 35, Fort Dodge 21

Glenwood at North Polk

If the Comets are healthy, they should win this first-round game. But North Polk had to go without starting quarterback James Armstrong in the regular season finale against Gilbert, and things didn’t go well. Because Glenwood relies a lot on the run and the Comets struggled in that department against Gilbert, the Rams might have the advantage in this one. Glenwood 28, North Polk 17

Iowa City West at Cedar Falls

The Trojans look like a tough team to beat on both sides of the ball, but Cedar Falls has walked away with some upsets this season. Iowa City West should have the advantage with the number of impactful players on offense, though. Iowa City West 28, Cedar Falls 14

Southeast Polk at Ankeny

It’s difficult to imagine a playoff bracket without Southeast Polk making a deep run, but Ankeny looks like the stronger team on paper. Between Kael Roush and Daniel Larmie – and company – on offense and a defense that capitalizes on turnovers, the Hawks could send the Rams packing early. Ankeny 30, Southeast Polk 16

Underwood at West Marshall

Underwood’s offense runs through Garrett Luett, and it’s been difficult for opposing defenses to slow him down. But West Marshall’s defense loves to get after the quarterback, and if they can alter the Eagles’ game plan, that could be good enough for a win. Underwood 27, West Marshall 17

Van Meter at Roland-Story

Experience means a lot at this point in the season, and the Bulldogs have plenty after making it to the state semifinals last season. Van Meter should benefit from that senior leadership, as well as sophomore Christian Williams’ dominance on both sides of the ball. Van Meter 14, Roland-Story 12

Waukee at Iowa City Liberty

The Warriors pulled out some unlikely wins at the end of the season, but Iowa City Liberty came up with some upsets, as well. The Lightning’s defense, though, tends to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes, and that should benefit Liberty. Iowa City Liberty 35, Waukee 24

Alyssa Hertel is the college sports recruiting reporter for the Des Moines Register. Contact Alyssa at ahertel@dmreg.com or on Twitter @AlyssaHertel.

Source link

Iowa

Iowa State Wrestling Holds 2025-26 Media Day – Iowa State Athletics

Published

2 days ago

October 29, 2025

Press Room

Iowa State Wrestling Holds 2025-26 Media Day – Iowa State Athletics

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State wrestling held its annual media day Tuesday afternoon ahead of a highly anticipated 2025-26 season. You can watch head coach Kevin Dresser‘s press availability below.

ISU enters a season with seven past All-Americans on its roster for the first time since 1982-83.

The Cyclones open their season Nov. 8 hosting the Cyclone Invitational Presented by Daily’s Premium Meats.

KEVIN DRESSER PRESS CONFERENCE

Source link