/NORTHERNIOWAN
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA
CEDAR FALLS, IA
@NORTHERNIOWAN
WWW.NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
CEDAR FALLS, IA
THURSDAY, APRIL 5
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2024
VOLUME 114, ISSUE 42
VOLUME 121, ISSUE 9
Mastering mindset with Doug Schwab
COURTESY/University of Northern Iowa
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
CAMPUS LIFE
Campus Life writer Allison Poch delves into the history of campaniling at UNI SEE PAGE 6
SPORTS
Carter Lust analyzes UNI cross country’s performance at the Bradley Pink Classic. SEE PAGE 11
EMERSON HAHN Guest Writer
For 14 years, Doug Schwab has been the driving force behind the University of Northern Iowa wrestling program, shaping it into a powerhouse of excellence on the mat and a model of integrity and discipline of it. Coach Schwab’s career has been defined by his dedication to his athletes, his unwavering commitment to growth and his ability to inspire mental toughness. His impact extends beyond the wrestling room, and he prepares his athletes for the challenges they are going to face both in the sport and in life. Schwab’s background as a collegiate wrestler and his experience on the international stage, including competing in the Olympics, have significantly shaped his coaching approach. When discussing how his wrestling journey has influenced his coaching philosophy, Schwab emphasized the values of discipline, resilience and adaptability. “Learning that you have to stick with your long-term visions and goals,” Schwab said, “because things aren’t always going to be easy.” After achieving the distinction of being a three-time all-American and winning a national championship at the University of Iowa, Schwab sought further challenges and went on to compete in the Olympics. Where he proudly
earned a bronze medal for the United States. During the interview, he reflected on his long-term goals and stated how he was on the freestyle circuit for six years before he made an Olympic team. Showing that all you need sometimes is to trust and believe in yourself. “I think that sometimes you are going to reach some mountain tops, and you won’t get to stay there very long,” he stated, “enjoy the view when you do get there, but then go chase the next mountain.” That is the main lesson that Schwab has learned from this sport, and is something he tries to implement in his everyday life and his coaching. By getting his athletes bought into the process of trusting themselves, he is helping them grow and become better people. Schwab’s leadership style revolves around mentoring athletes and pushing them to grow ss wrestlers and individuals. “You step out there (the wrestling mat) by yourself, in life, you’re going to step out there by yourself.” Schwab tries to parallel those things and believes that how you get great at anything and how you trust yourself is by putting in some work and putting yourself under stress. His main approach is to always play the long game, Schwab said “Ultimately I didn’t get what I wanted in this sport, and I don’t think anyone leaves with everything they
want.” This mindset underlines the importance of consistent growth, even when the desired outcome isn’t fully achieved. Many wrestlers experience burnout when transitioning from high school to college, they struggle to balance discipline and motivation. The demands of college-level wrestling, combined with heightened training intensity and more challenging coursework. It can make it difficult for athletes to stay focused while maintaining their passion for the sport. Schwab does an excellent job of keeping his athletes motivated on the mat. He emphasizes that “if you are progressing, if you feel like you’re getting better and improving, motivation should stay consistent.” Schwab’s approach encourages accountability without losing sight of the joy that comes from wrestling. Schwab’s emphasis on the importance of mental toughness and discipline, draws not only from his experience coaching but also from his journey through the sport of wrestling. His leadership isn’t solely focused on producing wins on the mat. As he puts it, “If it’s based only on your wins or losses, only on your record, then your motivation comes and goes.” Instead, Schwab encourages his wrestlers to be fully invested in the sport, to stay curious and to See DOUG SCHWAB, page 9
News briefs UNI Red Cross Club to host annual blood drive. On Nov. 8 the UNI Red Cross Club will be hosting their annual blood drive in a joint effort with the UNI Veteran Association. This event will be held in the Maucker Union Ballrooms. Scan the QR code below to learn more and reserve a time slot.
Cassandra Higgins to discuss Oppenheimer 79 years later. The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry to welcome Cassara Higgins as the guest speaker of this year’s Leland Wilson Lecture Series. Higgins will present a talk titled “79 Years After Oppenheimer: Los Alamos National Lab’s Mission Today” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, in the Lantz Auditorium in McCollum Science Hall. This is a free event that is open to the public.