Completed Event: Men's Wrestling versus Harold Nichols Cyclone Open on January 18, 2026 , , One Champ
Final
Men's Wrestling
Harold Nichols Cyclone Open
One Champ
Iowa State University Athletics
Paulson Enjoying New Coaching Position
09.02.2011 | Men's Wrestling
AMES, Iowa - It is never an easy to make the transition from world-class athlete to coach, but that is precisely what three-time Iowa State All-American Travis Paulson is in the process of doing right now.
As the winner of over 100 matches in his Cyclone career, it is apparent that Travis is a great wrestler. What the Council Bluffs native now seeks to do is to make his mark as a great coach and mentor.
"The transition is not bad because I chose to be a part of the staff as a volunteer coach last season," Paulson said. "I like the challenge and am learning how to pay attention to other people's technique and to help instill the team mindset into our athletes. Coaching is always something I had an eye on and when this great opportunity arose, there was no way I could pass it up."
Paulson will juggle his new coaching duties with training for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. While it is tough to handle both responsibilities, he relishes the chance to set a strong example for the current Cyclone team members.
"I want every member of our team to be a man of character," Paulson said. "It is important for these young men to make good decisions and know that they are representing Iowa State on and off of the mat. We want our wrestlers to be champions in every aspect of life and the most important thing is that the coaching staff ensures that they will be great men after they finish their time at Iowa State."
Paulson has excelled in post-collegiate competition, including winning the 2010 World Team Trials championship at 74 kg (163 lb). He underwent knee surgery in December, limiting his competitive options heading into 2011.
Travis earned three Iowa prep wrestling titles at Council Bluffs-Lewis Central and posted a prep record of 174-3, including 87-0 his final two seasons.
As the winner of over 100 matches in his Cyclone career, it is apparent that Travis is a great wrestler. What the Council Bluffs native now seeks to do is to make his mark as a great coach and mentor.
"The transition is not bad because I chose to be a part of the staff as a volunteer coach last season," Paulson said. "I like the challenge and am learning how to pay attention to other people's technique and to help instill the team mindset into our athletes. Coaching is always something I had an eye on and when this great opportunity arose, there was no way I could pass it up."
Paulson will juggle his new coaching duties with training for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. While it is tough to handle both responsibilities, he relishes the chance to set a strong example for the current Cyclone team members.
"I want every member of our team to be a man of character," Paulson said. "It is important for these young men to make good decisions and know that they are representing Iowa State on and off of the mat. We want our wrestlers to be champions in every aspect of life and the most important thing is that the coaching staff ensures that they will be great men after they finish their time at Iowa State."
Paulson has excelled in post-collegiate competition, including winning the 2010 World Team Trials championship at 74 kg (163 lb). He underwent knee surgery in December, limiting his competitive options heading into 2011.
Travis earned three Iowa prep wrestling titles at Council Bluffs-Lewis Central and posted a prep record of 174-3, including 87-0 his final two seasons.
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