CEDAR FALLS — Northern Iowa has announced a three-year contract extension for head wrestling coach Doug Schwab.

Schwab’s contract will be extended through March 31, 2024.

“Doug has done a tremendous job with the UNI Panther wrestling program,” athletic director David Harris said. “His passion for Panther wrestling is unmatched. He cares deeply about each student-athlete in the wrestling room. We look forward to the continued success of the program on so many levels — in the classroom, in citizenship and on the competition mat.”

Schwab recently completed his eighth season at UNI, during which time the school has 41 NCAA qualifiers and nine All-Americans. The Panthers have registered a 71-47 dual mark over the past eight campaigns.

“I love coaching at the University of Northern Iowa,” Schwab said. “My family and I couldn’t be more excited to know that for at least the next six years it will be spent in the Cedar Valley. I know that the type of support we get from our administration, alumni and fans is special. We want them to know we are truly grateful for what they do for the program and these men that represent it on and off the mat.

“I have such an incredible group of coaches and student-athletes to work with. They challenge me and demand the best of me every day and I thank them for that. I cannot wait to lead this program and group of men into the future.”

Schwab guided the Panthers to a second-place finish in UNI’s inaugural appearance at the Big 12 Championships this winter. UNI crowned its first two Big 12 champions in Taylor Lujan and Drew Foster at the meet as well.

The Panthers ranked No. 15 in the nation in wrestling attendance in 2017-18 with an average of 1,724 fans per home dual meet in the West Gym.

The Osage native will oversee the return of seven national qualifiers and three All-Americans for the 2018-19 season.