AMES, Iowa – More than 300 Iowa State wrestling supporters came out to see the new Cyclone coaching staff and wrestling team Thursday night at the Cyclone Wrestling Club’s fourth-annual Preseason Kickoff Dinner at the 7-Flags Event Center in Clive, Iowa. The dinner and auction were made possible through the generosity of all-time Cyclone wrestling great Frank Santana and the backing of the CWC.
Head coach Kevin Jackson and assistant coaches Chris Bono and Yero Washington and ISU wrestling team were on hand to greet fans and help fuel the excitement that is building for the 2009-10 season.
Jackson saw the night as the opening spark needed outstanding wrestling season.
“This season is going to be special,” Jackson said. “It is going to happen with hard work and smart work. Our guys are giving their all right now for one goal. We are going to get after it and have fun. We’re here for one reason and one reason only. That is to win the national championship.”
ISU senior wrestlers Nick Fanthorpe, Nick Gallick and Jake Varner expressed their gratitude for the fan support they’ve received thus far in their careers and outlined their plans for successful final campaigns as Cyclones.
Former ISU national champion and current World Team member Trent Paulson shared his happiness about training in familiar territory once again.
“I am glad to be back here in Cyclone Country,” Paulson said. “(ISU athletics director) Jamie (Pollard) reached out to Travis (Paulson) and myself and told us how important it was for us to come back.”
The ISU faithful partook in a social hour and team autograph session before dinner, which was provided by Lynch Barbeque. The Cyclone squad autographed the newly-available wrestling schedule posters for the upcoming campaign.
A silent auction and live auction was held in support of the Cyclone Wrestling Club. Auctioned items included “ultimate insider experience” fan packages for the Iowa and Nebraska duals, as well as numerous pieces of Iowa State wrestling memorabilia.
ISU begins its 2009-10 dual schedule against South Dakota State in Hilton Coliseum Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. The Cyclones are holding an intrasquad match on the floor of the Lied Recreational Center on campus Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.
Click the links section to the left of the above photo to access a photo album of the event.
