Two-time All-American Trent Paulson downed former
two-time Missouri All-American Tyron Woodley in the 74 kg. finals to claim a
freestyle title at the University Nationals Sunday and qualify for the World
Team Trials in Sioux City. Paulson qualified for the World Team Trials last year
in Ames by winning a 74 kg. Greco-Roman title at the 2005 University Nationals.
Redshirt freshman Jake Varner and Kurt Backes registered third-place
finishes at 84 and 96 kg., respectively, while 125-pounder Nick Fanthorpe and two-time
All-American Travis Paulson placed fourth at 55
and 74 kg in freestyle.
"It's probably the biggest tournament I've won," Trent
said. "I beat an NCAA finalist in the quarterfinals (Arizona State's Brian
Stith), a national champion in the semifinals (Stanford's Matt Gentry) and a
two-time All-American in the finals (Woodley). I'm going to keep working out
with Travis. He pushes me better than anyone, along with (Cyclone Wrestling
Club) coach (Tony) Ersland and (ISU assistant coach Tim) Hartung so I can be
ready for the World Team Trials."
Trent Paulson began a tough stretch
against two-time Arizona State All-American and 2006 NCAA finalist Brian Stith
in the quarterfinals, but toppled the Sun Devil, 2-1, 3-0. Paulson defeated
Stith collegiately in the 2004-05 season and will be ranked behind Stith as they
begin their senior seasons at 157 pounds. Paulson proceeded to down former
Stanford 2005 NCAA champion Matt Gentry in the quarterfinals, 0-1, 2-0, 2-2. In
the finals Paulson squared off against the former Big 12 champion Woodley and
won, 1-1, 0-1, 1-1. Paulson grabbed third-place honors in Greco-Roman at 74 kg.
Varner advanced through the 84 kg. bracket in impressive
style, defeating two-time Purdue All-American Ben Wissel for third and
Oklahoma's Josh Weitzel (NCAA qualifier at Michigan), in the consolation
semifinals.
Backes was untouchable through the 96 kg. bracket,
scoring two technical falls and a pin before running into former Ohio State
197-pound All-American J.D. Bergman. Other than in the Bergman match, Backes did
not allow a point. The Cyclone shut down former Lehigh wrestler Matt Cassidy in
the consolation semifinals, 7-0, 2-0, before garnering third place honors over
Hudson Taylor, 2-0, 4-0.
Travis Paulson rattled off five
consecutive wins in the 74 kg. bracket before being sent to the consolations by
Woodley in the quarterfinals. ISU 174-pounders David Bertolino and Grant Turner each recorded three
victories at 74 kg.
The Iowa State wrestlers have on more chance to qualify
for the World Team Trials in late May at the Northern Plains Regional in
Waterloo May 4-6 in Young Arena.