Atlantic senior John McConkey signed on Friday with the University of Northern Iowa to continue his wrestling and academic career. McConkey said he chose the Panthers over Nebraska, Northern Illinois, and Coe College.

McConkey went 53-4 during his junior season and was the state runner-up at Heavyweight in Class 2A. He fell to Tristan Wirfs of Mt. Vernon in the title match 3-2. McConkey said being so close to a state title has motivated him to work harder and he is currently the 9th ranked heavyweight in the nation by FloWrestling. McConkey talked about improving in the sport after only starting when he was in 8th grade.

McConkey has been a successful athlete in a number of sports for Atlantic but he said the decision to wrestle at the next level came easily.

Atlantic Head Coach Tim Duff said John’s work ethic has got him to the position he is now with a chance to wrestle Division I.

John will join a strong recruiting class for UNI with a number of other top ranked wrestlers. The Panthers were 11-3 in duals last year and placed 18th at the NCAA Championships last year with two All-Americans.