Six Panthers won titles, including four in the open division to highlight a strong performance for UNI Wrestling at the season-opening Harold Nichols Open hosted by Iowa State in Ames.
Redshirt freshman Michael Blockhus defeated teammate Tristan Lara to win the title at 141. Max Thomson topped returning All-American Jarrett Degen from Iowa State 12-7 to earn the title at 149.
Bryce Steiert dominated throughout the tournament en route to the title at 174. He did not allow an opponent to score a single point. He won his first two matches in technical falls. He earned a major decision against Iowa State’s Mac Southland 9-0 and shut out ISU’s Marcus Coleman 6-0.
Taylor Lujan tallied pins against Grand View’s Kendrick Jones in the first round and Northwestern’s Jon Halvorsen who wrestled unattached. In the championship match, Lujan topped Iowa State Sam Colbray 7-5 to win the title at 184.