Chris Bono has always been one to do what is best for him and his family. So last fall when he packed up his wife, two kids and all of his belongings to move from Iowa to Tennessee, it shouldn’t have come to much of a shock to many in the wrestling world.
Chris Bono |
Yet, it did.
Bono had resided in Ames, Iowa since 1992, when he began his illustrious career with the Cyclones. He then took over as an assistant coach when he graduated in 1997, and had helped to continue to build Iowa State as a national powerhouse. To add to it, his wife Niki, grew up just about one hour away from Ames.
“Professionally, (the decision to move) was an easy one after I looked at all my options that were given to me by Iowa State and UTC, “Bono said of accepting his job at Tennessee-Chattanooga. “Personally, it was extremely hard. I had given 13 total years to Iowa State, I had to move my wife and two little kids away from family and come to a place they had never seen and all this was happening during the World Championships.”
Undoubtedly, the move was weighing heavily on Bono’s mind during those World Championships, when he was upset by Canada’s Evan MacDonald early in the tournament.
But that loss may have made Bono’s decision easier in the end, ultimately. Coaching at Tennessee-Chattanooga would allow him to continue to train as an elite freestyle wrestler. While he was leaving a technical genius in Bobby Douglas, he was going to another in Joe Seay, who is wrestling’s version of the NBA’s shot doctor.
While Bono joked that now he can do some outdoor training in the winter in Tennessee, as opposed to running in the bitter cold and harsh winds of an Iowa winter, he feels that his training has improved since his move.
“I have some real quality partners and I have (2000 Olympic silver medalist) Sammie Henson here who is training and has the same goals. That helps, “Bono said.
Prelim Victory |
For now, Bono the coach will set his focus on the upcoming NCAA postseason, hoping to lead the Mocs into the Top 20. While he left a historic wrestling program to make history at another, Bono does not see much of a difference between coaching at the two schools.
“There really is no difference. I still deal with the daily struggles down here as I did at Iowa State.”
But following the third weekend in March, Bono will be seen back on the mats once again, looking to solidify his spot as the top U.S. freestyler at 145 lbs. And when Real Pro Wrestling announced plans for a Season 2, wrestling fans can bet on seeing Bono there as well.
“I would like to see a tournament again, “Bono said about how he would like to compete again for RPW. “It would only take a weekend out of our schedule and it was awesome last year. But whatever they do will be awesome.”
Wrestling fans have come to expect the same awesomeness out of Bono as well.
What’s on your iPod?:
Who knows? I have an iPod shuffle which means you get any of the 100 songs. I have a mix of music on there. I really enjoy music and I can listen to all kinds as long as it is not too extreme.
Favorite athlete?:
Lance Armstrong
What one thing must you do in every workout?
Get in a warm-up. I am getting up there in age.
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