Peters’ Major Decision Gives UNI Team Win by Criteria Over KSU, 19-18

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – UNI wrestling got wins from five Panthers to beat Kent State by criteria, 19-18, in the teams’ first meeting.

The Panthers got a strong start from top-ranked Joe Colon (133 pounds) with his ninth tech fall this season. He is third in the nation for most tech falls among Division I wrestlers. However, Kent State went on to win the next three to put the Golden Flashes ahead, 8-11.

It was No. 11 Cooper Moore (165 pounds) who broke KSU’s streak with a 5-4 decision over Tyler Buckwalter. Cody Caldwell (174 pounds) followed it up with a 6-1 decision over NCAA qualifier Caleb Marsh.

Ryan Loder (184 pounds) faced No. 13 Sam Wheeler, the only wrestler ranked by InterMat who made the trip for Kent State. Loder secured his top spot in the conference with his decision. Wheeler is ranked second in the MAC.

His win put the Panthers up 14-11. However, a major decision loss for Basil Minto (197 pounds) gave KSU the winning edge, 15-14. A decision loss by Blaize Cabell (heavyweight) left it up to Dylan Peters for the team win.

No. 6 Peters (125 pounds) got the major decision the Panthers needed to tie up the dual, 18-18. The Panthers’ perfect season came down to criteria. UNI earned 59 match points compared to KSU’s 58.

UNI improves to 10-0 overall and 6-0 in the MAC.