Warren, Bono capture key wrestling crowns

The United States is coming off its greatest year in history in Greco-Roman wrestling.

One of the big reasons is the work of Joe Warren at 132 pounds. Warren, the reigning World gold medalist, is hungry for more medals.

Warren, of Colorado Springs, Colo., continued his path for bigger and better things Saturday by winning the U.S. National Championship at the Convention Center.

"Winning never gets old," said Warren, who pinned Joe Betterman in 83 seconds. "If winning gets stale, then it's time to find something else to do. I want more medals, and I think we could do big things come Olympic time."

Warren spearheaded his New York Athletic Club team over the weekend, as the squad won five titles. T.C. Dantzler won at 163 pounds, and Brad Vering captured the title at 185. In addition, Justin Ruiz won at 211.5, and Russ Davie took the 264.5-pound title.

The only shocker for the New York Athletic Club came early Saturday, as 2006 world bronze medalist Lindsey Durlacher was upset by Sam Hazewinkel from Pensacola, Fla.

For Warren, it was his second national championship in three years.

"I waited for Joe to make his move at me, then I went for the win," said Warren, a two-time All-American at Michigan. "Joe is a great wrestler, and the torch will be passed to him when I step down. Again, I'm hungry to continue to win."

In the freestyle competition, Chris Bono of Ringgold, Ga., took center stage by winning the title in the 145.5-pound class for the fourth straight year.

Bono, the head coach at Tennessee-Chattanooga, defeated Jared Frayer of Colorado Springs, 2-6, 3-1 and 1-0.

"It's an awesome feeling to win this title once again," said Bono, who brought seven wrestlers to nationals. "I'm spending more time on the mat than ever, but the rewards are huge. I'm so blessed to be in the position, to help my school and my U.S. team."

Other freestyle winners were Henry Cejudo (121 pounds), Nate Gallick (132), Joe Heskett (163), Joe Williams (185), Daniel Cormier (211.5) and Tommy Rowlands (264.5).