2008 Midlands Championships 1. Iowa 156.5 2. Iowa State 153.5
157 Championship Chris Bono (Chat TD) defeats Cyler Sanderson (ISU) 4-2; TB1
I remember Sanderson telling Bono not to forfeit and to wrestle the championship finals. At this time Bono was the head coach at UTC and Cael didn't want to win the Midlands title because of having a forfeit given to him or his wrestler.
As far as the Askren situation, it is easy to look back and say we should have recruited him. I don't know what was said between Bono and Askren, nor do I care much as it doesn't change what is taking place today. I would like to think it is a lesson learn experience for sure. But lets not forget at the time we had signed the Paulsons and had a loaded class in Backes, Gallick, Lester, Cook, etc. Askren wasn't a "top recruit" and IMO his funk and style probably prevented a lot of other coaches from wanting to put a lot of stock into him. When he committed to Missouri - the program wasn't anywhere close as to what it is today. Brian Smith did a hell of a job bringing in some of the guys most top programs were passing on.
It is no secret, when Bono was training to make a World/Olympic team he was also on staff as a coach. Bono wanted to be a World/Olympic Champion and for him to accomplish this you have to put your training and self first. I don't fault him for that (or any guys in the ISU program training on the senior level) and in the end this was Coach Douglas's call and he encouraged him to continue to compete because the way he trained, competed was a great example guys needed to see. Bono's workouts were always before the team/program's practices and he never missed a team practice. Bono training not only helped himself but benefited the guys as well. At the time, college programs and clubs were not like they are today. If you were training at the senior level, you were better off being on staff and getting paid more with benefits than to rely on stipends and club salary. Obviously, the way clubs are organized and funded today things are different.
Again, Bono wouldn't be in my top 3 but definitely in my top 5.
Throughout this process, we will see where Pollard stands with Iowa State Wrestling by his hire.