Cornell College

Happel, a four-time state champion at Lisbon High School and four-year letterwinner at the University of Iowa, was named Cornell’s head assistant wrestling coach in November 2021.
 
Happel wrestled at 141 pounds for the Hawkeyes, compiling an overall record of 46-21. He was recipient of the team’s Coaches Appreciation Award following his 2020-21 senior season.
 
Happel claimed four open tournament titles and fashioned a 22-3 record during his redshirt freshman season, which he concluded with 10 consecutive wins. He placed sixth at the 2017 Midlands Championships.
 
Happel graduated from Iowa in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in sports studies and a minor in sports and recreation management.
 
Happel enjoyed an extraordinary prep career at Lisbon, accumulating a glossy 209-1 record and becoming the 25th four-time state champion in Iowa high school history. He won state titles in four different weight classes (120, 132, 138, 145) from 2013-16. Happel was tabbed Dan Gable Mr. Wrestler of the Year three times.
 
Happel was crowned Fargo Cadet Freestyle national champion and Fila Cadet Freestyle national champion. He placed third and fifth at Fargo Junior Freestyle nationals. Happel was a member on the Fila Cadet World Team