The Panthers keep the recruits coming, nabbing another in-state and Union High School wrestler in Jacob Holschlag. He and teammate Max Thomsen look to help push Union to state titles in their senior seasons.
Holschlag is project to wrestle at 174 or 184 for UNI. He is the defending 2A 160 pound state champion, going 48-1 last year, and a 2 time medalist. Holschlag also won the 170 pound weight class at Preseason Nationals this year.
IAWrestle had the opportunity to catch up briefly with Jacob on his recent commitment.
At what age did you start wrestling and who first introduced you to the sport?
I was 5 and in kindergarten when I first really started to get into wrestling. I had heard from a friend about going to wrestling practices and I asked my dad about it and he took me to practice.
You chose UNI over Iowa, Grand View, and Northern Illinois. What made you choose UNI over those schools?
It just seemed like the best fit for me. UNI has been doing great things with the program recently and are bringing in a lot of great recruits.
Was wrestling your collegiate career in front of your friends and family something that was important to you?
It was pretty important to me, to let the people who have grown up watching me wrestle have the opportunity to come watch me compete.
Who has been your toughest opponent to face at this point in your career?
My high school coach Bart Mehlart.
Is there anybody you would like to thank?
I would obviously like to thank my mom and dad for taking me to all of those tournaments when I was a kid. I would also like to thank my coaches who have made me into the wrestler and person I am today.