CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- 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, 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 accounting. He currently resides in Cedar Falls with his fiancé, Ella.