The Panthers have their first two All-Americans since 2005.
David Bonin, the only unseeded wrestler in the 157-pound weight class, took fourth. This was the senior’s third appearance at the NCAA tournament.
“He is a great example for our guys,” said Schwab. “He’s a leader for our team. What he got was because of hard work.”
Bonin got a pin in his first of two matches on the final day of the tournament.
His first opponent was No. 10 RJ Pena of Oregon State. With just 13 seconds left in the first, Pena got the takedown to lead 2-0 going into second. Bonin started on top for the second period. Bonin got a stall warning late in the second but earned 1:45 in riding time. Bonin earned an escape to save his riding time. However, he wouldn’t need the riding time, as he would get the pin in 5:39 to give him the opportunity at a third-place finish.
“I’ve been telling everyone, he’s been in there since day one,” said Schwab. “He’s had a phenomenal tournament so far, but he’s not done.”
Bonin had to get past No. 6 Alex Dieringer of Oklahoma State to get third. However, Dieringer proved why he was ranked and pinned Bonin in 1:39. Bonin has only been pinned twice this season and both have come from Dieringer.
“I wanted to be up on the podium, and I finally got there,” Bonin said. “I am happy. It didn’t end the way I wanted it to, but I’m happy. Other than me and the coaching staff, who thought I would be there? I just figured, why not me?”
Ryan Loder, 184 pounds, widened the gap on an opponent he has seen four times this season and two times in the national tournament. His 8-0 win over No. 11 Mike Larson earned Loder a seventh-place finish.
After a scoreless first period, Loder earned a point when Larson was called for stalling midway through the second. Loder earned a reversal and three near fall points just as time expired in the second. His takedown early in the third extended his lead, and Loder erased Larson’s riding time to win it 8-0.
“It’s heartbreaking, getting seventh,” said Loder. “But it’s good feeling to come out with a win. It’s humbling knowing that I have to work to get that much better, but I have 365 days to do that and come back next year.”
Earning bonus points for the Panthers at the NCAA tournament:
Headed into the championship matches scheduled for this evening, UNI was 15th with 34 points. Last year, the team finished 34th.
“It’s coming,” Bonin said of the team’s future. “Things are meshing, and we are getting stronger and stronger.”
Schwab said this proof that his team is on the right track.
“Now we have something to point to and have examples in the room,” he said. “They have teammates that have done it, so that is critical for us to make the jump for us next year.”141 – Joey Lazor (3 major decisions)
157 – David Bonin (1 pin)
184 – Ryan Loder (1 major decision)
Headed into the championship matches scheduled for this evening, UNI was 15th with 34 points. Last year, the team finished 34th.
“It’s coming,” Bonin said of the team’s future. “Things are meshing, and we are getting stronger and stronger.”
Schwab said this proof that his team is on the right track.
“Now we have something to point to and have examples in the room,” he said. “They have teammates that have done it, so that is critical for us to make the jump for us next year.”
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