Wrestler Lawrence wins, earns rematch

AMES, Iowa – Former University of Minnesota wrestler Jared Lawrence, a Sandpoint High graduate, will have a chance to avenge his loss to Chris Bono in this year’s national championships at 145.5 pounds when the two face off in today’s best-of-three final round at the USA World Team Trials.

Lawrence, the top seed in the freestyle challenge tournament at Iowa State’s Hilton Coliseum, pinned No. 2 Jared Frayer in the third period Saturday. With the win, he moves one step closer to earning a berth on the U.S. world championship team.

Bono, an assistant coach at Iowa State, beat Lawrence in the nationals in April. Lawrence pinned Frayer after they each had won a period.

“He was really tough defensively,” Lawrence said. “I stopped out there a couple of times and it cost me points. I have to finish on my shots.”

Lawrence beat Bono in the semifinals of the Olympic Trials last summer.

Other men’s freestyle challenge tournament winners were Eric Akin at 121, Nate Gallick at 132, Kirk White at 163, Lee Fullhart at 195, Nick Preston at 211.5 and Steve Mocco at 264.5.

Two U.S. Army wrestlers were among the Greco-Roman winners – James Johnson (132) and Glenn Garrison (145.5). Also advancing were Lindsey Durlacher (121), T.C. Dantzler (163), Jacob Clark (185), Adam Wheeler (221.5) and Russ Davie (264.5).