The training grounds of a sportsperson bear a more sacred value to them than the stadiums they compete in. Several sportspersons visit their former training grounds years after retiring from the sport. Thus, when the wrestling team of Northern Iowa had to leave their training area behind, it created a deep impact.

An emergency situation forced the Northern Iowa Panthers to move out of the West Gym and train elsewhere. While head coach Doub Schwab had the option to temporarily move into another good facility, he chose to go the other way. In fact, instead of looking for another shaky shelter, Schwab decided to create a new home for his panthers.

Building new walls after the weakening of the previous ones

The Northern Iowa wrestling team was forced to vacate their home of almost a hundred years. The walls of the West Gym were showing signs of weakening, and the engineers declared the building unsafe for use. This prompted the head coach and 2007 Olympic silver medalist Doug Schwab to move to a place where he had trained his team previously. A social media post showcased the Panthers engaging in their first day of practice at their new home.

The images showed the wrestling team gathered together and engaging in bouts at their new home, the USA Mat Club. Schwab preferred moving to this unfurnished place in Cedar Falls over a fully functional gym where they previously competed. Speaking to FloWrestling, Schwab said, “For one, we had already been in here, we had been able to train here. The possibilities of it, you see the room. We have more mat space than we had in the West Gym. That’s a huge thing having more space where we get to work on our craft. I don’t know any other space where we’d have that right now.” The Olympian also said that he didn’t want a temporary shelter anymore.

Wrestling coach makes a strategic decision 

The Northern Iowa wrestling team had previously visited the USA Mat Club during the COVID-19 pandemic. The place is owned by another US wrestler who has cooperated with Schwab and his team’s accommodation. The wrestling coach also stated that the place is also great because of its 24-hour accessibility. While Schwab and the wrestlers did a good job with the shanty and unkempt place, the wrestling program has come under fire.

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Northern Iowa Wrestling is currently under fire because of the sudden move as this showcases its lack of preparedness. Questions were raised about the absence of pre-existing measures and why a structure built in 1925 was trusted with everything. Several concerns were raised over the seriousness of Northern Iowa, and many wonder if their resolve is as weak as the walls of West Gym. While these matters will take time to resolve, the Panthers will continue their training at their new home and aim for another great season.

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