Bono-Led U.S. Team Takes Third, Paulson Wins Pan-Am Bronze

MONTERREY, Mexico – The U.S. freestyle wrestling team, led by Iowa State assistant coach Chris Bono, notched third-place honors at the Pan-American Championships, held Sunday in the Centro de Alto. The squad crowned one gold medalist in former Nebraska-Kearney heavyweight, Tervel Dlagnev (120 kg/264.5 pounds). Former ISU national champion Trent Paulson took the bronze medal at 74 kg (163 pounds).

Paulson began the tournament with a win over Puerto Rico’s Franklin Lantigua. After dropping the opening period, Paulson dominated the remaining two periods to take the match, 1-3, 5-0, 6-0. The former Cyclone 157-pound standout fell to 2004 Olympic bronze medalist and eventual tournament champion Ivan Fundora of Cuba by a score of 1-2, 0-2. Paulson, a native of Council Bluffs, Iowa, went 1-1 in the event.

Former ISU All-American David Bertolino (84 kg/185 pounds) participated in the tournament, but did not medal.

2010 Pan-American Championships
Trent Paulson – 74 kg (163 pounds) – Bronze Medal
W, Franklin Lantigua (Puerto Rico), 1-3, 5-0, 6-0
L, Ivan Fundora (Cuba), 1-2, 0-2

David Bertolino – 84 kg (185 pounds) – DNP
L, Joes Diaz (Venezuela), 0-1, 0-1