CEDAR FALLS – UNI head wrestling coach Doug Schwab on Monday announced the hiring of Panther All-American Cael Happel as the program’s Director of Operations.
A five-year member of the Panther Train, Happel returns to UNI where he will oversee the program’s day-to-day operations, including budgeting, equipment, team travel, assists in NCAA compliance and recruiting.
“I’ve loved UNI since I first stepped foot on campus as a student-athlete,” Happel explained. “I couldn’t be more excited to stick around and help give back to a program and a university that shaped me into the man I am today!”
Compiling a career record of 85-32 with 45 bonus-point victories, Happel captured the Big 12 title at 141 pounds this past season, finishing the 2024-25 season in fifth place at the NCAA Championships in Philadelphia to earn All-American honors.
A Lisbon, Iowa native, Happel graduated from UNI with a bachelor’s degree in financial management with a minor in coaching. He currently resides in Cedar Falls with his fiancé, Ella.
(TOP PHOTO of Happel via UNI Athletics)