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Cyclone Wrestling Club News

Travis Paulson Wins Silver in Azerbaijan

Travis Paulson finished second in the 74-kg freestyle competition at the Heydar Aliyev International Wrestling Tournament held in Baku, Azerbaijan this past weekend. Travis went 4-1 on the day, but lost his finals match by the score of 0-3, 2-0, 0-1 to Aleksander Gostiev of Russia. Travis opened the day with a 1-0, 3-0 win over Kamal Malikov of Russia. In the second round Travis defeated Giya Chykhladze of the Ukraine, 1-0, 1-0. In the quarterfinals Travis pinned Abdulkhahim Shapiyev of Kazakhstan, 0-3, pin. Then in the semi-finals Paulson beat 2003 World Champion Irbek Farniev of Russia, 1-0, 1-0.

“Although I am definitely not satisfied with second I am excited about the progress I'm making,” stated Travis yesterday via e-mail. “This tournament is in some ways harder than the world championships because top countries can send more than one athlete per weight. For example, Andrew Howe also wrestled for the USA and there were five Russians in my bracket. In route to making the finals I beat the Ukraine and Kazakhstan world team members, a Russian who is top three on their ladder, and a world champ. In the finals I was very close to winning. We each won a period and the deciding period went to the clinch. I have a lot of film to breakdown and believe I will make the necessary adjustments to be at the top of the podium at the world championships.”

The Heydar Aliyev tournament is the conclusion of FILA’s annual Golden Grand Prix series. The tournament draws some of the best wrestlers in the world and is a good measuring stick of the progress of the Team USA as they train for the World Championships in September. The USA team won six overall medals in men’s freestyle. Shawn Bunch, Travis, Jake Herbert and Tervel Dlagnez won silver medals and Angel Escobedo and Brent Metcalf won bronze.

Travis will spend the next two months training and will represent the USA and the Cyclone Wrestling Club in the 74-kg freestyle competition at the World Championships of Wrestling in Moscow, Russia in September.

 

Trent Paulson Wins Gold Medal at Cerro Pelado International

Trent Paulson won the gold medal in the 74-kg freestyle competition at the Cerro Pelado International in Havana, Cuba on Saturday. Trent defeated 2008 Olympian Ben Askren by the score of 4-0, 3-0 to avenge his loss earlier this month at the Dave Schultz Open. Paulson was dominating in the match at the Dave Schultz Open as well until Askren reversed him and caught him on his back for a fall. Trent defeated three opponents on his way to the finals. He beat Eduardo Valencia of Mexico (7-1, 4-2), pinned Edison Hurtado of Colombia (1-0, pin), and then beat Ricardo Roberto of Venezuela (3-1, 1-0) to advance to the gold medal match.

Travis Paulson also wrestled well in the 84-kg weight class. Travis took a bronze medal, losing in the semi-finals to fellow American Jake Herbert (0-2, 1-0, 0-1). Travis started his day with a win over Jaime Espinol of Puerto Rico (2-0, 2-1). Next he defeated Eric Leudke formerly of the University of Iowa (3-0, 2-0). He fell to Herbert in the semi-finals and then won his bronze medal match with Kevin Mejia of Honduras by a score of 4-0, 6-0. Herbert lost in the championship match to Reineris Salas of Cuba (3-1, 8-0). Raymond Jordan of the USA won the other bronze medal at 84-kg. h

Nate Gallick also competed at 60-kg. Nate lost in his first round match to Fernando Iglesias of Argentina (0-1, 2-4) and was eliminated from the tournament. The USA had 16 athletes entered in the freestyle competition and won 13 medals. J.D. Bergman (96-kg) and Steve Mocco (120-kg) also won gold medals for the USA.

 

Trent Paulson and Nate Gallick Compete at Dave Schultz Memorial Tournament

Trent Paulson and Nate Gallick each competed at the 2010 Dave Schultz Memorial International Championship Tournament which was held at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado on February 4-6, 2010. The tournament was established by USA Wrestling, Nancy Schultz, and Dave Schultz Wrestling Foundation in honor of the late Olympic and World champion Dave Schultz. Wrestlers from 22 countries around the world participated in the three day event in men’s and women’s freestyle and men’s Greco Roman competition.

Trent Paulson finished second to 2008 Olympic team member Ben Askren in the 74-kg freestyle competition. Trent looked strong in the championship match. He got the first takedown to lead 1-0 early in the first period. Paulson then countered an Askren takedown and after a scramble came out on the bottom, but the move was scored 3-2 in favor of Paulson and he took the lead 4-2. Then Trent reversed Askren and went on to win the first period 5-2. Trent started the second period strong as he scored on a 3 point move with a takedown and back points. Askren then reversed Trent, put him into an arm bar and turned him to his back. Askren won the match on a fall with 22 seconds left in the second period. Paulson dominated his opponents on the way to the final match. After a first round bye, Trent won his first match of the day by defeating Gebayaer Chao of China by the score of 6-0, 3-0. In the quarterfinals, Trent defeated Evan Macdonald of Canada by a 3-0, 4-1 score. Trent then pinned Byung-Kwan Cho of Korea (2-0, Pin 1:59) in the semi-finals.

Nate Gallick finished fourth in the 60-kg freestyle competition. Nate defeated Iglesias Fernando of Argentina 2-0, 3-0 in his opening round match. Gallick next pinned Jun-Sik Yun of Korea (1-0, Pin 1:20). In the quarterfinals Gallick defeated Derek Moore of the US Army by a 1-1, 1-0 score. In the semi-finals Nate faced long time nemesis Mike Zadick, who was wrestling for the Gator Wrestling Club. The first period finished with a 0-0 score. Zadick won the ball pull but Gallick escaped from the clinch and won the first period on a throw at the edge of the mat for a 3-0 score. Zadick won the second period by a 3-0 score. Gallick initiated a throw, but slipped and Zadick wound up on top for the 3 point move. The third period was scoreless until the final second when Zadick scored the decisive takedown and won the period (1-0) and the match. Nate won his first round match in the consolations over Kenichi Yumoto of Japan (3-0, 0-1, 2-1). Gallick then lost in the third place match to Gadzhi Abdulaev of Russia by a 2-0, 6-3 score.

 

Trent and Travis Paulson Compete at Ivan Yarygin Memorial International

Trent and Travis Paulson of the Cyclone Wrestling Club were members of a contingent of wrestlers representing the United States at the Ivan Yarygin Memorial International at Krasnoyarsk, Russia on January 30-31, 2010. Ivan Yarygin, the namesake of the tournament was a two-time (1972 and 1976 Olympic gold medal winner from the USSR who went on to become the president of the Wrestling Federation of Russia and a member of FILA. The Ivan Yarygin tournament is an extremely challenging tournament as it traditionally draws teams from over 15 countries including several different national teams from Russia.

Trent Paulson competed in the 74-kg freestyle competition and lost his first match to Taymuraz Friev of Russia by a score of 3-1, 1-2, 0-1. According to published reports from Assistant National Coach Brandon Slay, Trent used a 3-point bear hug to win this first period 3-1. Trent was the aggressor in the second period but Friev countered and won the period 2-1. The third period showed a flurry of attempted takedowns but the score ended 0-0. Trent lost the ball pull and was taken down in the clinch. Friev went on to lose in the semi-finals ending Paulson’s chance to wrestle back.

Travis Paulson competed in the 84-kg freestyle competition. Travis defeated a wrestler from Spain (name not available) in his opening round match. Travis lost his next match to Anzor Urishev of Russia in three periods. Urishev went on to win his semi-final match which allowed Paulson to wrestle back. Travis beat his first opponent from Kazakhstan in the opening round of consolation and then lost the next round to an unidentified opponent from Russia. Urishev went on the win the silver medal at 84-kg. Assistant National Coach Brandon Slay was quoted as saying, “Travis Paulson began to show signs of his full potential. His attack rate (double legs and push outs) has really increased. He had some very impressive takedowns in his four matches, and though he didn't place, he had a very good tournament.”

Also competing for the USA were Sam Hazewinkel at 55-kg, Shawn Bunch at 60-kg, Josh Churella at 66-kg, Jake Herbert at 84-kg, Andy Hrovat at 96-kg, Kyle Cerminara at 96-kg, Tervel Dlagnev at 120-kg and Steve Mocco at 120-kg. The United States team did not have a medal winner in any weight class in the freestyle competition.

 

Trent and Travis Paulson Win at Chicago Cup

Trent and Travis Paulson each won their respective matches today as Team USA faced a team from Russia in international freestyle competition at the Chicago Cup held at Wright College in Chicago, Illinois. Trent defeated Arsen Mairov by the score of 8-1, 8-4 at 66-kg. Trent dominated his Russian opponent by completing several throws and solid double leg takedowns. Travis beat Rashid Kurbanov, 1-0, 1-0 in a tight match at 74-kg. Team USA lost the meet to Russia 4 matches to 3. Trent and Travis Paulson and Tervel Dlagnev (120-kg) were the three victorious wrestlers for the United States. Trent Paulson was named the meet's Outstanding Wrestler. The Chicago Cup was the first of three USA vs. Russia duals, with the second scheduled for Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa on Wednesday night and New York City on Friday.

 

Travis Paulson Claims Title at Hargobind International

Travis Paulson captured the 84-kg men's freestyle gold medal at the Hargobind International in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada on November 7th, 2009.There were also challenge matches between the men's freestyle winners for additional bonus money.Paulson defeated Ben Askren in the $2,000 match between the 74-kg champ and the 84-kg champ. MORE»

 

Nate Gallick Wins 60-kg Freestyle Championship at Sunkist Open

Cyclone Volunteer Assistant Coach and Cyclone Wrestling Club athlete Nate Gallick won the 60-kg freestyle crown at the recent Sunkist Kids International Open. The Sunkist Open was help on Saturday, October 25, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona. The tournament featured international competition in men’s and women’s freestyle and men’s Greco Roman wrestling. The Cyclone Wrestling Club sent 8 wrestlers to the Sunkist Open.

Gallick was competing in his first tournament after missing last year’s key events due to injury. Gallick won the 60-kg title by defeated 2008 U.S. Nationals runner-up Coleman Scott of the Gator Wrestling Club by a score of 4-1, 1-0. Scott struck first with a early takedown in the first period to go up 1-0. Gallick countered with a 3 point combination move to take the lead and wound up winning the first period 4-1. Gallick scored the only point of the second period on a 1 point takedown. Nate was a 2007 U.S. Nationals champion and a 2005 University World champion.

Current Cyclone junior Jon Reader finished second at 74-kg. Reader faced former Illinois standout Michael Poeta of the Lehigh Valley Athletic Club in the finals. Poeta scored a first period takedown to take the first period 1-0. Poeta also started the scoring in the second period with a 2 point takedown and exposure. Reader countered with a 1 point push out, but lost the championship by a 1-0, 2-1 score.

Andrew Long finished fourth at 55-kg. Long lost to former NCAA champion Paul Donahoe of Nebraska and Edinboro in the third place match by the score of 2-2, 2-2. Long had previously defeated Donahoe 1-0, 2-1 in an earlier round match.

David Zabriskie finished fourth and Eric Thompson finished 5th at 120-kg. Zabriskie dropped his third place match to Les Sigman of the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club 1-0, 4-1. Thompson won his fifth place match by forfeit over Kenyon Walsh who was wrestling unattached.

Current Cyclone wrestlers Nick Gallick (66-kg), Mitch Mueller (66-kg) and Jerome Ward (84-kg) also competed at the Sunkist Open for the CWC.

Former Cyclone All-American David Bertolino finished 6th after losing his fifth place match to Keith Gavin of the Lehigh Valley Athletic Club by a 2-0, 3-1 score.

 

Trent and Travis Paulson Return to the Cyclone Wrestling Club

Coach Kevin Jackson announced this week that former Cyclone standouts Trent and Travis Paulson will join current CWC wrestler Nate Gallick as competitors who are training with and competing for the Cyclone Wrestling Club. The Paulson twins are both highly regarded wrestlers in the international freestyle wrestling world. Trent Paulson is the top wrestler in the USA at 66-kg. Travis Paulson is the number two freestyle wrestler in the USA at 74-kg. Trent and current Iowa State senior Jake Varner (96-kg) will represent the USA in their respective weight classes at the upcoming FILA World Wrestling Championships in Herning, Denmark on September 21-23, 2009.

“On his first day on the job, Coach Jackson assured the leadership of our organization that he would bring in the world class competitors to take the whole Cyclone program to a new level,” stated Jeff Murphy, Cyclone Wrestling Club President. “The Cyclone Wrestling Club has always had the mission to support our post-graduate wrestlers as they pursued their goals of world and Olympic titles. We are very proud to welcome home Trent and Travis.”

Trent Paulson was a three-time All-American and 2007 NCAA Champion while at Iowa State. He finished fourth in the 66-kg Greco Roman competition at the 2007 FILA World Team Trials and third in the 66-kg freestyle competition at the 2008 Olympic trials. Trent won the 66-kg freestyle competition at the 2009 FILA U.S. Senior Nationals and the same at the FILA World Team Trials in Council Bluffs, Iowa on May 30-31, 2009. Trent recently finished third at the FILA Golden Grand Prix 2009 in Baku, Azerbaijan

Travis Paulson was also a three-time All-American while at Iowa State. He finished third in the 74-kg freestyle competition at the 2008 Olympic trials. Travis won the 74-kg freestyle competition at the 2009 FILA U.S. Senior Nationals and finished second at the 2009 FILA World Team Trials. Travis also competed at the FILA Golden Grand Prix, but did not place.

For more information regarding Trent and Travis Paulson please go to:

http://www.cyclones.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=46632&SPID=4248&ATCLID=204776971&DB_OEM_ID=10700

 

Jon Reader to Compete at the Ziolkowski Senior Open in Poland

Jon Reader has been invited by USA Wrestling to represent the United States in the 74-kg freestyle competition at the XVII Annual Ziolkowski Senior Open in Warsaw, Poland. Jon, a two-time All American for the Cyclones, who will begin his junior year at Iowa State in the fall, will compete for the Cyclone Wrestling Club. Reader left for Poland on August 2nd. He will attend a week long training camp at the Polish Olympic Training Center in Warsaw prior to the tournament. The competition will take place on August 13-14, 2009, with the 74-kg competition held on Friday, August 14. The USA is sending a full team of men’s and women’s freestyle wrestlers to Poland. The Ziolkowski Senior Open is sponsored by the Polish Wrestling Federation.

“The Ziolkowski Tournamenthas been very strong in the past,” stated Iowa State Head Coach Kevin Jackson.“Twenty countries attend including Russia,Iran, Bulgaria, the Ukraine and others.” Bulgaria is expected to send their top team to the Ziolkowski Senior Open. Kiril Terzier of Bulgaria won a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympic Games at 74-kg. “I am excited about the opportunity to go to Poland to train with and compete against the best wrestlers from around the world,” Reader stated. “I want everyone in the Cyclone Wrestling Club to know how much I appreciate all your support.”

 

Anthony Valles Finishes Third at the Canada Cup of International Wrestling

Iowa State redshirt freshman Anthony Valles won the bronze medal in the 60-kg senior men’s freestyle competition at the 2009 Canada Cup of International Wrestling on July 4, 2009. Anthony lost his opening round match, but won four straight matches by a combined score of 33-1 in the consolation round to finish third in the competition.

Valles lost his first round match to eventual champion John Pineda of Canada-CMT 3-0. Anthony then began an impressive comeback in the consolation round. He defeated Steven Bonnano of the New York Athletic Club 7-0. He then blanked Andrew Vargas of XCOU by a 12-0 score. In the consolation semi-finals Anthony beat Luke Vath of the New York Athletic Club 9-1. Anthony then shut out Cruiz Manning from Team Impact 5-0 to win the 60-kg freestyle bronze medal.

Anthony had previously finished third in the 60-kg freestyle competition at the FILA Junior World Team Trials held at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs in May and seventh at the FILA Junior Nationals held in Las Vegas on April 11, 2009.

 

Trent and Travis Paulson Compete at the FILA Golden Grand Prix

Trent Paulson Wins a Bronze Medal at 66-kg.

Former Cyclone All-Americans Trent and Travis Paulson competed for the USA at the FILA Golden Grand Prix 2009 in Baku, Azerbaijan on Sunday, July 19, 2009. Trent wrestled in the 66-kg freestyle competition and Travis competed in the 74-kg freestyle competition. The Paulsons were among 119 freestyle wrestlers from 18 countries that competed at the Golden Grand Prix.

Trent Paulson won a bronze medal at 66-kg. After a first round bye, Trent defeated Magomedgadiz Abakarov of Russia 1-0, 0-2, 1-0. Paulson then lost to Olympic Silver Medalist Andriy Stadnik of Ukraine 0-3, 3-5 in the quarterfinals. Stadnik went on to win the gold medal at 66-kg. In the consolation first round, Trent beat Batzorug Bunyanjav of Mongolia 6-0, 3-5, 3-1. Trent then won the bronze medal by defeating Rusian Dibirgaciyev of Azerbaijan 0-3, 1-0, 2-0

Travis Paulson went 1-2 in the 74-kg freestyle competition. Travis defeated Mustafajoukar Meisam of Iran 0-3, 3-0, 1-1. Travis lost his second round match to Ibrek Farniev of Russia 1-3, 4-0. Farniev went on to finish second at 74-kg. In the consolation round, Travis lost his first match to Elnur Aliyev of Azerbaijan 2-0, 1-0.

Tervel Dlagnev was the only other USA freestyle wrestler to win a medal. Dlagnev won the gold medal at 120-kg.

 

Chris Bono and Yero Washington Introduced as ISU Assistant Coaches

Head Coach Kevin Jackson introduced Chris Bono and Yero Washington as his two assistant coaches at a media event held last Thursday. Bono was an NCAA Champion while at Iowa State and was a former assistant coach for Bobby Douglas. He has spent the past four years at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga; the past three as head coach of the program. Yero (pronounce yah-ROO) Washington has spent the past ten years as a club coach, volunteer coach and assistant coach at Columbia University. Washington was an All American for Fresno State during his collegiate career.

Coach Jackson introduced his new assistants to a group of Cyclone Wrestling fans at the annual CWC Golf Outing on Friday. “I am very pleased to bring Chris and Yero to Iowa State. They both understand what it takes to be an NCAA champion and a successful international competitor”, stated Jackson. “Both have competed on the international scene. I have coached both and we have seen the world together. They both have extensive NCAA coaching experience and will be of great help to me and our program.”

Bono and Washington both addressed the crowd at the CWC Golf Outing. “There is only one coach and one university that I would consider leaving my head coaching position to work for”, stated Chris Bono, “and it just so happens that both are involved in my coming back to Iowa State. It is good to be home.” Washington added, “I am looking forward to joining Kevin’s staff and I look forward to meeting all the Cyclone wrestling fans. Everyone has made me feel very welcome here in my short time in Ames.”

The Cyclone Wrestling Club would like to welcome Chris and Yero to the Cyclone Wrestling family. For more information regarding Chris Bono and Yero Washington, please check out the following link to the Iowa State University website:

http://www.cyclones.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=46632&SPID=4248&DB_OEM_ID=10700&ATCLID=3746473

 

Cyclones Have Outstanding Showing At World Team Trials!

Varner and Paulson Win Titles to Represent the USA at the World Wrestling Championships.
The Cyclones had an outstanding showing at the World Team Trials held last weekend at the Mid America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa. When the dust cleared, the Cyclones held two of the seven spots on the USA Freestyle Team that will represent the United States in Herning, Denmark at the World Wrestling Championships on September 21-23, 2009. Iowa State’s Jake Varner won the 96-kg competition, and former Cyclone Trent Paulson took home the gold medal at 66-kg.

Both Varner and Paulson came into the tournament as the top seeded wrestlers at their respective weights by virtue of winning titles at the U.S. Senior Nationals in April. As the top seed, each faced the champion of the challenge tournament that was held earlier in the day, in a best two-out-of-three match championship in the evening’s final round. Both Varner and Paulson beat experienced freestyle wrestlers who had been involved with international wrestling for some time.

Jake Varner, who just completed his junior year at Iowa State, is a three-time All American and the current NCAA champion at 197-lbs. Varner won his title by defeating 2008 Olympian Andy Hrovat of the New York Athletic Club in two consecutive matches. Varner got off to a slow start in each match when the first period was tied 0-0 and the match came down to the tie breaker clinch. Hrovat won each of the tie breakers. Jake picked up the pace in the second and third periods of each match to force the action and win by decision 0-1, 3-0, 1-0 in the first match and 0-1, 2-0, 1-0 in the second. Hrovat was a three-time All American at the University of Michigan and represented the USA at 84-kg at the 2008 Olympics. Hrovat had previously defeated Varner at the 2008 Olympic trials.

“I am extremely excited about the performance of Jake Varner,” stated Iowa State Coach Kevin Jackson. “For a college junior to win the World Team Trials is something very special. Few wrestlers have ever done that. The most recent two that come to mind were Cael Sanderson who went on to win a gold medal at the Olympics and Stephen Abbas who went on to win a silver medal at at the Olympics. Jake has proven that he is the best in the country, and now he will represent the USA at 96-kg.”

Trent Paulson was a three-time All-American and 2007 NCAA Champion while at Iowa State. Paulson won his 66-kg title by defeating Jared Frayer of the Gator Wrestling Club in two straight matches. Paulson won the first match 3-0, 0-3, 2-2, and came back to defeat Frayer in two straight periods 2-0, 1-0 in the second match. Trent had finished third in the 66-kg freestyle competition at the 2008 Olympic trials. Frayer, a two-time all-American and 2002 NCAA runner-up at 149 pounds for the University of Oklahoma, is the strength and conditioning coach for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Several other Cyclones also finished well. Travis Paulson, a three-time All American for ISU lost his bid for the 74-kg title when he was defeated by Dustin Schlatter of the Minnesota Storm in the finals by the score of 1-0, 1-0 in the first match and 1-0, 1-0 in the second. Paulson had entered the tournament as the top seed at 74-kg. Paulson’s second place finish will earn him a spot on the USA Freestyle Team, as the top three finishers at each weight make the World Team.

Iowa State’s Jon Reader finished third in the challenge tournament and fourth overall at the World Team Trials at 74-kg. Reader, a red-shirt sophomore and two-time All-American at Iowa State, defeated Mack Lewnes of the New York Athletic Club 3-2, 1-3, 2-1 in the first round, before losing to Ryan Churella of the New York Athletic Club 5-2, 5-2 in the quarterfinals. Jon then won his final two matches defeating Lloyd Rogers of the Chattanooga Takedown Club 2-5, 3-1, 2-1 and Andrew Howe of the New York Athletic Club 4-2, 1-0 to take third. Howe won the FILA Junior World Team Trials 74-lb championship last week.

Nick Gallick, a red-shirt junior at Iowa State and two-time All American at 141 pounds, competed at 60 kg. Gallick defeated Drew Headlee of the Sunkist Kids 4-4, 0-3, 4-2 in the first round. He lost to eventual champion, Shawn Bunch of the Gator Wrestling Club in the quarterfinal round by the score of 1-0, 6-0. Nick was eliminated from the competition when he was pinned in the consolation round by Reece Humphrey of the New York Athletic Club.

Redshirt ISU freshman heavyweight Eric Thompson and former Cyclone All-American David Bertolino competed at 120-kg and 84-kg respectively. Both Thompson and Bertolino had good showings, but lost both of their matches.

“It was a strong showing for the Cyclones”, stated Kevin Jackson. “To finish with two wrestlers from Iowa State out of the seven positions on the World Team is outstanding. That is even more impressive when you consider that no one from the Hawkeyes made the team.” Editors Note: There were seven wrestlers with ties to the Iowa Hawkeyes at the tournament, including three 2008 Olympic team members – Mike Zadick, Doug Schwab, and Steve Mocco – and none won titles at the 2009 World Team Trials.

“Jake and Trent had excellent tournaments. Travis fell just short. Eric, Nick and Jon had a solid tournament,” Jackson continued, “This was the first time that I have gotten to see them wrestle in competition and it gave me some good insight into what we need to work on. It puts us ahead of schedule as we look ahead to next season.”

Varner and Paulson were joined on the USA Freestyle Team by Danny Felix of the Sunkist Kids (55-kg), Shawn Bunch of the Gator Wrestling Club (60-kg), Dustin Schlatter of the Minnesota Storm (74-kg), Jake Herbert of the New York Athletic Club (84-kg) and Tervel Dlagnev of the Sunkist Kids (120-kg). These seven individuals will represent the United States of American in the freestyle competition at the World Wrestling Championships in September.

 

Weatherman and Beard Renew Commitment to Iowa State

Trent Weatherman of Ballard High School in Huxley, Iowa and Boaz Beard of Goddard High School in Wichita, Kansas have reaffirmed their commitments to the Cylones after the recent coaching changes at Iowa State.

Weatherman was a two-time 152-pound Iowa State High School Champion for Ballard High School. Beard was a four-time Kansas State High School Champion with a 110-2 career record at Wichita Goddard High School.

Recruits David Taylor of St. Paris, Ohio, and Luke Macchiaroli from Tempe, Arizona were granted releases from their letters of intent.

  

Young Cyclones Exhibit Great Promise at Post Season Freestyle Tournaments

The future for Iowa State wrestling at the lightest weights looks very promising thanks to redshirt freshmen Anthony Valles and Andrew Long. Valles finished third in the 60-kg freestyle competition at the FILA Junior World Team Trials held at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, this past weekend. Valles had previously finished seventh at the FILA Junior Nationals held in Las Vegas on April 11, 2009. Long recently finished fourth in the 60-kg freestyle competition at the ASICS University Nationals held earlier this month in Akron, Ohio. Long also finished second at 60-kg at the FILA Junior Nationals. Both wrestlers represented the Cyclone Wrestling Club. Valles and Long could both compete for the 125-lb starting spot in the Cyclones’ 2009-2010 line up.

Anthony Valles entered Iowa State last fall after completing his prep career with a 117-9 record. He was ranked among the top-20 high school grapplers nationally at 130 pounds. Valles competed at various open tournaments while redshirting during his freshman year. He is the son of Jon and Gina Valles of South Windsor, Connecticut.

Valles defeated Brian Owen of the Bronco Wrestling Club (Boise State) 2-0, 2-1 in his opening match at the FILA Junior World Team Trials. In the semi-finals he defeated Matt McDonough of Hawkeye Wrestling Club 5-1, 3-3, 6-3. Anthony then lost to Tyler Graff of NYAC in the 60-kg championship match of the challenge tournament finals 4-1, 1-0. Graff is a redshirt freshman for Wisconsin, who finished with an 18-2 record in open tournaments this season. Graff lost to the eventual champion Jordon Oliver of the Gator Wrestling Club 2-0, 1-0 and 2-0, 2-0 in the best of three championship match.

Valles qualified for the Junior World Team Trials by finishing seventh at the FILA Junior Nationals. In that tournament, Valles faced Jordon Oliver of the Gator Wrestling Club (Oklahoma State) in the opening round and lost 4-0, 5-1. Anthony worked his way back through the consolation bracket by defeating Chris Dardenes of Overtime Wrestling Club (Chicago) by tech fall 7-0, 6-0. He then defeated Ridge Kiley of Nebraska Extreme by tech fall 6-0, 6-0, defeating Martin Rubalcaba of the Fresno City Rams by tech fall, 7-0, 8-1, and pinning Thomas Kelliher of Badger Wrestling Club , 7-0, 1:03. Valles lost to Nate Moore of the Hawkeye Wrestling Club, 8-2, 1-0 in consolation quarterfinals before defeating Steven Fitzgerald of the Panther Wrestling Club 7-4, 8-2 to finish seventh.

Andrew Long also entered his freshman year at Iowa State last fall after completing a stellar career at Creston High School in Creston, Iowa. Long finished his prep career with a 175-13 record and three Iowa State High School titles. Long was ranked fourth nationally among preps at 125 pounds by Amateur Wrestling News and W.I.N. Magazine. Andrew also competed at a number of open tournaments during his redshirt year. He finished second to Tyler Clark 9-8 at the Harold Nichols Cyclone Open in November 2008. Andrew is the son of Matt and Debbie Long of Creston, Iowa.

Long represented the Cyclone Wrestling Club at 60-kg at the ASICS University Nationals in Akron, Ohio earlier this month. Andrew opened the tournament with a 0:45 second fall over Taylor Golba of the Buffalo Wrestling Club. He then defeated Frank Cimato of Drexel University 5-0, 7-0, beat Mike Grey of Cornell 2-5, 4-0,1-0, and pinned Jimmy Conroy of Pitt, 1:30 before losing to eventual champion Jordon Oliver 2-0, 4-0 in semi- finals. Andrew went on to defeat NCAA qualifier Matt Fisk of Lehigh Valley Athletic Club 3-0, 2-0 in the consolation semi-finals before losing to 2009 133-lb NCAA champion Franklin Gomez of Michigan State, 7-0, 3-0 in the third place match.

Long had previously finished second at the 2009 FILA Junior Nationals in April. Andrew began that tournament by defeating Tony Ramos of Izzy Style 4-2, 2-1. He then beat Nate Moore of the Hawkeye Wrestling Club, 2-0 0-2, 6-4 and pinned Chris Albright of Pitt, 0:47, before defeating Nick Dardanes of Overtime Wrestling Club, 2-1, 10-3 in the semi-finals. Andrew finished second when he lost in the finals to Jordon Oliver of the Gator Wrestling Club, 6-0, 0:42.

Please join the Cyclone Wrestling Club in congratulating these two outstanding young men on their accomplishments this spring.

 

News from the Cyclone Wrestling Club

The Cyclone Wrestling Club would like to officially welcome Nate Gallick back into the Cyclone wrestling family. Nate will be joining Coach Kevin Jackson’s staff as a volunteer assistant coach. Gallick was a three-time All-American and 2006 NCAA champion while at Iowa State. He has spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach at Tennessee-Chattanooga. Nate has continued to compete on the international level, finishing third in the 60-kg freestyle competition at the 2008 Olympic trials.

Coach Jackson also announced recently that Molly Donnelly will continue with Iowa State as the Director of Wrestling Operations. Molly has been part of the Cyclone wrestling program since her freshman year at Iowa State. Molly began as a student assistant for the Cyclone wrestling program and the Cyclone Wrestling Club. Molly then served as the Director of Student Assistants for the Cyclone Wrestling Club, prior to joining the ISU athletic department on a full-time basis.

Nate Carr, Jr. and Eric Thompson competed for the Cyclone Wrestling Club at the Northern Plains Regional Qualifier last weekend. Carr wrestled at 74-kg and went 2-2 at the tournament. Nate won his first match against former NCAA champion Tony Davis 2-3, 5-2, 2-1 and then lost to Moza Fay from UNI by a score of 1-2, 3-1, 1-8. Nate went on to win his first consolation match before losing the in the second consolation round to Derek Garcia. Eric Thompson won the 120-kg weight class without breaking a sweat. Eric was the only wrestler entered. The title earned Eric a spot at the World Team Trials in Council Bluffs on May 30-31, 2009.

The interview process to fill the Cyclone wrestling assistant coaching positions continues move forward as expected. Coach Jackson has been intently focused on filling the positions with the right individuals. Look for some exciting announcements regarding the coaching staff in the very near future.

Coach Jackson and the Cyclone Wrestling Club are also intent upon bringing a number of post-collegiate wrestlers to Ames to train for international competition with the CWC. Coach Jackson has stated that he wants NCAA champions, world class wrestlers, and Olympic champions in the program. The ultimate goal is to make the Cyclone wrestling program the top wrestling program in the world and the Cyclone Wrestling Club is focused on achieving this goal. Look for further exciting announcements regarding additions to the Cyclone Wrestling Club in the near future. Also look for more information in the near future on ways that you can help as we bring the top world class wrestlers into the Cyclone Wrestling Club.

A Call to Action for Cyclone Wrestling Fans!

Hello Cyclone Wrestling Fans!

I have spent the last few days learning about the new leadership that Kevin Jackson is going to bring to Iowa State wrestling and I only have three things to say.... I am extremely impressed, I am extremely excited, and I am behind our new coach 100%! I attended the press conference on Friday morning and heard the enthusiasm that he is bringing to the job. I had a chance to visit with Kevin briefly on Saturday and watch the way he interacted with the wrestlers and fans at the annual spring hog roast. I had a chance to talk with many of our wrestlers and hear the excitement that they had after they met with Kevin. Then I had a chance to meet with him on Sunday evening for about an hour and half to talk about his ideas for the future of Cyclone Wrestling and the Cyclone Wrestling Club. As I said before, I am extremely impressed, extremely excited and I am squarely behind our new coach. I think all of you will be as well.

Kevin has already met collectively and individually with members of the team, and he believes that the vast majority of the team members remain firmly committed to the Cyclones. Those few that do not want to remain will be allowed to leave, as he wants wrestlers who want to be here, but he doesn't expect many to leave. Kevin is currently evaluating a number of coaches from across the country for his assistant coaching positions. He plans to move quickly, but take the necessary time to hire the right people who can provide the best possible coaching team. Kevin also wants to bring back a number of our former wrestlers to once again train with the club for international competition. Then he wants to build the Cyclone Wrestling Club into one of the strongest club programs with the best world class athletes in the country. Iowa State will be a Regional Olympic Training Center. Our own post-graduate wrestlers will train with the Cyclone Wrestling Club. Other world class wrestlers will want to come to Iowa State to train with the best. The net result will be a wrestling atmosphere in Ames that is second to none and the talent, workout partners, and coaching to take the entire program the next level! The goal is to bring NCAA titles and World Championships home to Ames!

In order to accomplish these goals, we need your help in several ways. Several times last weekend Kevin made the statement that if we are to reach our goals we need Cyclone Wrestling fans to be "ALL IN". We need all Cyclone Fans to be "ALL IN" for this wrestling team. We need all Cyclones to come together behind our new coach to support the Cyclone wrestlers 110%. We are going to need your participation at Cyclone Wrestling events to show our wrestlers your personal support for the program. We need to fill Hilton with season ticket holders and then give our wrestlers our loudest vocal support. We need our members to ask other Cyclone fans to join the Cyclone Wrestling Club and to consider increasing their donation level to the club to increase our financial support. It will take a lot of hard work, fan support and financial resources on the part of the Cyclone Wrestling Club to help Coach Jackson to take this program to the next level, and it will take even more to keep it there, but I am extremely confident that Cyclone fans are up to the task!

One final note--I have been asked by a number of individuals in the past couple weeks, if I would consider staying on as president of the Cyclone Wrestling Club. After consulting with my colleagues, my family and our new head coach, I'm ALL IN! We have some unfinished business and a job to do, so I am excited to announce that I intend to continue to serve as president of the Cyclone Wrestling Club, as long as the Board of Directors sees fit to re-elect me, until we can get the job done! We have some exciting opportunities in front of us and some unfinished business to attend to. Let's Get After It!

In the coming weeks you will hear a lot more exciting news about Cyclone Wrestling and will learn of many opportunities where you can help. Let's take this program to the next level. With your help, I am confident we can, and I know we will!

I'm ALL IN! Are You?

Jeff Murphy
President, Cyclone Wrestling Club
phone: 515.491.7750
jeff.murphy@kemin.com



Good News for Cyclone Wrestling!

With all the recent uncertainty surrounding the Cyclone coaching staff, the Cyclone Wrestling Club Board of Directors felt we could all use a little good news. The Cyclone Wrestling Club continues our long standing tradition of sponsoring a large contingent of Cyclone wrestlers at post-season freestyle tournaments. Once again this year, the CWC and Iowa State have been well represented, and those wrestlers have clearly demonstrated that Cyclone Wrestling remains Alive, Strong and Proud!

On Saturday, April 11, 2009 NCAA champion Jake Varner won the 96 kg title at the U.S. Senior National Freestyle Championship in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jake defeated Eric Lapotsky of Oklahoma, Micah Burak, and Brandon Halsey of Cal State Bakersfield on his way to the final round. Jake defeated Kyle Cerminara by a 2-0, 2-0 score to win the 96 kg title. Jake was the only wrestler in the tournament with collegiate eligibility remaining to win a U.S. Senior freestyle title.

The Cyclone Wrestling Club was also represented by 2009 ISU All-Americans Nick Gallick (60 kg) and Jon Reader (74 kg). Both wrestlers took fifth in their respective weight classes. Junior 157-pounder Cyler Sanderson took eighth at 74 kg and heavyweight David Zabriskie competed at 120 kg.

Former Iowa State and CWC wrestlers Trent and Travis Paulson each won titles at 66 kg and 74 kg respectively. Former Cyclone Chris Bono finished 7th at 66 kg, and David Bertolino finished 4th at 84 kg. CWC club coach Les Sigman finished 3rd at 120 kg.

Varner, Gallick and Reader will represent the Cyclone Wrestling Club at the World Team Trials on May 30-31, 2009 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The winner of each weight class at the World Team Trials will represent the USA at the World Freestyle Championships on September 21-23 in Herning, Denmark. The Paulson twins, Bono, Bertolino, and Sigman, along with former Cyclone Kurt Backes will also compete for titles in Council Bluffs.

The Cyclone Wrestling Club also had an excellent showing at the FILA Junior Nationals that was held in conjunction with the Senior Nationals. Current Cyclone wrestlers Andrew Long (60 kg), Chris Spangler (79 kg) and Eric Thompson (120 kg) all placed second at their respective weight classes. Matt Brown (74 kg), Kyle Simonson (96 kg) and Anthony Valles (60 kg) placed 5th, 6th and 7th in their respective weight classes.

Last weekend, two-time All-American wrestler Jon Reader captured a silver medal for the USA at the 2009 Pan American Championships in Maracaibo, Venezuela. Jon represented the United States freestyle team and the Cyclone Wrestling Club in the 74-kg weight class. Jon defeated Ricardo Moreno of Venezuela and Evan MacDonald of Canada before falling to 2004 Olympic medalist Ivan Fundora of Cuba in the finals.

The Cyclone Wrestling Club and Iowa State University were also represented by a number of wrestlers at the ASICS University Nationals in Akron, Ohio. Four Cyclone wrestlers placed at the event. Joe Curran was the highest Cyclone place winner, finishing third at 84 kg. Mitch Mueller (70 kg) and freshman Andrew Long (60 kg) each placed fourth at their respective weights. Redshirt freshman Andrew Sorenson placed seventh in the 79 kg weight class. Other Cyclone wrestlers competing at the University Nationals were Nate Carr Jr., Trevor Dearden, Joey DeMarie, Justin Hale, Dalton Jensen, Max Mayfield and Kevin McFarland.

The FILA Junior World Team Trials will be held at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado on May 18-23, 2009. Current Cyclones Tyler Clark (55 kg) and Anthony Valles (60 kg) will represent Iowa State and the Cyclone Wrestling Club at this event. The winners at each weight class will earn the right to represent the USA at the FILA Junior World Championships in Ankara, Turkey on August 4-9, 2009.

Iowa State Freshman Eric Thompson will represent the Cyclone Wrestling Club at the Junior Pan American Games later this summer.

On a final note, Senior Associate Athletics Director David Harris provided the CWC Board of Directors with some general information regarding the search for a new head wrestling coach at our recent Board of Directors meeting. Although details regarding interviews with specific candidates remain confidential, David has assured us that the search goes well. Harris stated that Athletic Director Jamie Pollard compiled a list of outstanding candidates for the position based upon input from a number of sources, including suggestions from Cyclone wrestling fans. Candidates were interviewed last week, and interviews continue this week. David could not provide a timetable for naming a new coach, but he did state that search would move forward as quickly as possible, but AD Jamie Pollard will take the time in order to be as thorough as possible. The candidate selected must not only be an excellent coach but also an individual of outstanding character in order to represent Iowa State and Cyclone Wrestling with the dignity and class that we have grown accustomed to. The CWC Board of Directors is confident that the search will yield an outstanding new head coach. When that happens, we encourage all Cyclone wrestling fans to support the new coach so that we can continue to move forward toward our goal of bringing the 2010 NCAA team title home to Ames!

Go Cyclones!

Jeff Murphy – President of Cyclone Wrestling Club

CYCLONE WRESTLING… ONE TEAM… ONE GOAL!

BRING THE TEAM TITLE BACK TO AMES IN 2010!
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