Metcalf's focus quickly switches to World title

Brent Metcalf enjoyed the accomplishment, but wasn't ready to celebrate.

The former University of Iowa two-time NCAA champion looks at it as the first step to something more important.

Metcalf put himself in position to achieve bigger goals, earning the chance to represent the United States at the 2013 FILA World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, on Sept 16-22. He won the 66-kg spot with a title at the U.S. World Team Trials in Stillwater, Okla., in June, posting two technical fall wins over U.S. Open champ Kellen Russell to win a best-of-3 series.

Metcalf was a member of the 2010 U.S. Team, but was second in 2011 World Team Trials and last year's Olympic Trials.

"I feel good about winning it and I'm excited about that," Metcalf said Tuesday. "At the same time, that tournament is to give yourself an opportunity to compete at the World Championships. That's what it's really all about."

The focus was solely on the Trials, placing behind contenders Russell and Jordan Oliver, who beat Metcalf in the U.S. Open semifinals. It was also Metcalf's first time competing under the new freestyle rules, including two three-minute periods with cumulative scoring.

Many considered the changes a perfect fit for Metcalf's unrelenting style. There was some truth to it as Metcalf scored the last six points to beat Oliver 6-3 in the challenge tournament final. He outscored Russell 15-1 in their two bouts. He knew exactly what was at stake in closing out Oliver and Russell with a 21-1 advantage.

"You've got to be the one. You've got to win," Metcalf said. "You've got to win. There's a lot of emphasis and energy that goes into the styles, from my point of view and that of the (Hawkeye Wrestling) club, it is a big deal.

"After winning it, after you achieved it, you've got what you want and you can turn your sights forward."

The 2010 performance in Moscow, Russia, didn't go as well as expected. At the time, Metcalf said he anticipated being on the next years' teams, but it didn't work out. He has more appreciation, knowing in the corner of his mind there is nothing given.

"I'm really making sure I'm doing everything I can to take advantage of this opportunity and not let another one get by me," Metcalf said. "I've been doing a lot of really good things since the trials. I've made some good adjustments and our training has been very good. I feel good about it. I know where I'm at and where I need to be. I can do it."

Work toward a World championship begins immediately. Metcalf left Wednesday for a week-long training camp in Colorado Springs, Colo. After a brief stop home, he will head to Russia and Armenia for another training camp and competition.

He will get two more weeks home before another training camp at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and trip to Europe for final preparations for the world championships.

"I'm very excited about it," Metcalf said. "I'm excited about being the guy. I'm excited about the process and getting ready to go."