AMES, Iowa – Four grapplers with Iowa State wrestling roots won their way to a spot on the U.S. National Freestyle team Sunday. Former Cyclone NCAA champs Nate Gallick and Trent Paulson, along with three-time All-American Travis Paulson and current
ISU two-time All-American Jake Varner each placed among the top-three finishers in their respective weight classes at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Las Vegas at the Thomas and Mack Center.
Trent Paulson (Sunkist Kids) won his first two matches in the challenge tournament at 66 kg (145 pounds) before suffering defeat at the hands of current Iowa wrestler Brent Metcalf (Gator Wrestling Club). Paulson then battled his way back through the wrestlebacks picking up four wins before meeting past Cyclone, Chris Bono, in a true third-place match. Paulson prevailed over the former
ISU assistant coach, winning in two bouts, 3-1, 3-0.
At 74 kg (163 pounds), former three-time All-American Travis Paulson (Sunkist Kids) clinched a spot on the national team with third-place performance. After a second-round loss, Paulson rebounded with three wins, including a 2-1, 4-1 victory over former Michigan standout Ryan Churella.
Varner (Sunkist Kids), the only current wrestler on the
ISU roster that competed at the Trials, took third place at 84 kg (185 pounds). Following a first-round bye, the two-time All-American registered two wins, but was denied by Andy Hrovat (New York Athletic Club) 2-0, 5-1, in the challenge tournament finals. Hrovat, a former Michigan wrestler, went on to win the three-match Trials championship and advance to Beijing.
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