Ramos retains U.S. World team spot

MADISON, Wis. - Tony Ramos hasn't trained hours on end to become the best wrestler in the country.

The former University of Iowa NCAA champion and Hawkeye Wrestling Club member works to be the best in the world. But, his claim as the nation's best has afforded him another shot at that goal.

Ramos claimed his second straight title at the USA Wrestling World Team Trials, sweeping former University of Northern Iowa All-American Joe Colon, 6-0 and 3-1, last night at the Alliant Energy Center. Ramos will represent the U.S. at the 2015 World Championships Sept. 7-12 in Las Vegas.

'I'm training to beat the best guys in the world,” Ramos said. 'I'm not training to beat Colon, to beat (Angel) Escobedo, (Matt) McDonough, (Tyler) Graff or whoever is in the finals. I think that is what is going to separate me from what I was doing last year just coming off an NCAA tournament and jumping right into this.”

Ramos went 0-1 at the 2014 World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He said it was 'miserable” to travel, train and be eliminated after one match. Ramos is thrilled for another opportunity and so was his family and supporters, placing the safe bet he'd be in Las Vegas.

'I'm very excited,” Ramos said. 'You saw the crowd I had here. My whole family has already booked trips. I told them to hold on and to at least wait until this was over. Now, we're going full force to Vegas.”

Ramos set the tone with the opening match. He controlled the bout, pushing Colon out of bounds for a point off a leg attack.

Ramos continued to dictate the pace, earning a point for passivity for a 2-0 lead and followed it with a single-leg takedown to go up four points with 1:15 left. Despite a comfortable lead, Ramos shot during the waning seconds and added a takedown as time expired.

He showed a strong ability to hold his ground and score off a re-shot. Ramos is comfortable protecting his legs and getting back under an opponent if they come forward.

'I can score on a front headlock,” said Ramos, noting he used multiple moves and setups for points. 'I scored from many different positions that I don't think he was ready for in that first match.”

The second was closer. Ramos took a 1-0 lead when Colon was placed on a shot clock and failed to score. Colon answered with a pushout to tie it at the end of the first.

It was Ramos' turn to be put on the shot clock and converted it into a takedown and 3-1 win. He was in on a shot that almost resulted in exposure for Colon, but Ramos held his position, which a challenge confirmed.

'I have to control all the spurts that he gives and not even let it be close,” Ramos said. 'Don't let that questionable call happen. Don't be rushed into that shot I took at the end. Finish that shot like I did in the first match.”

Colon earned a spot on the national team with his runner-up finish. The feat was not enough for any satisfaction.

'You're still leaving here pretty hollow,” said UNI Coach Doug Schwab, who was in Colon's corner. 'It isn't a consolation. He wanted to be the world-team guy.”

Colon had to fight his way into the championship series. Hawkeye Wrestling Club's Matt McDonough was a point away from match termination over Colon in the semifinal of the challenge tournament. Colon stormed back from a 10-1 deficit for a 17-12 victory.

In the mini tournament final, Colon again trailed. He overcame Iowa State assistant Angel Escobedo's 4-1 lead, advancing to the championship with an 11-8 win.

'It showed a lot of grit,” Schwab said. 'There were some tough situations. The thing is he was able to keep his head and battled back.”

Schwab said he has to be able to do that against every foe. He said Colon performed well, but is capable of more. Plenty of work remains.

'In 10 months from now an Olympic spot will be on the line,” said Schwab, a 2008 Olympian. 'He's got to get a lot better.”

McDonough, who represented the country and earned bronze at the World University Championships last year, finished 1-2.

Former Hawkeye NCAA champion and Iowa City West state champion Derek St. John went 1-2 at 154. He posted a 9-7 win over former Anamosa prep and two-time UNI All-American Moza Fay, who went 0-2.

At 189, Cyclones Wrestling Club member Deron Winn and Iowa State NCAA champion Jon Reader each won a match. Reader beat Winn, 7-3, in the opening round of the mini-tournament. Winn topped former Hawkeye Phil Keddy in a consolation bout.

Jake Herbert continued his comeback, making the U.S. World Team at 189. He swept Ed Ruth, 13-3 and 10-2. Herbert, who won his fourth U.S. Open title this year, was a 2009 World silver medalist and 2012 Olympian. Herbert made the World team for the first time since 2010.

Iowa Associate head coach Terry Brands, who was in the corner for Ramos, was announced as the Terry McCann National Freestyle Coach of the Year during intermission.

The event continues Sunday with four men's freestyle weights to be determined. Former Iowa two-time NCAA champion Brent Metcalf will defend his 143-pound spot, awaiting a challenge tournament winner for a best-of-3 series. He is looking for his third World Team spot and fourth overall.

Former Iowa All-American Dan Dennis opens with former UNI All-American Joey Lazor in the opening round at 134 pounds. Former Iowa State and Olympic champion Jake Varner is the top seed in the 213-pound challenge tournament. He will open against former Cyclone teammate David Zabriskie. Both won NCAA titles at 197 and heavyweight, respectively, for Iowa State in 2010.

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