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

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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.