Bono leaving Iowa State wrestling program

Former Iowa State national champion Chris Bono announced he is leaving the Cyclones wrestling program. Bono had just finished his first season back in Ames after serving as the head coach at UT-Chattanooga. It's Bono's second tenure with the school, also serving as an assistant to former head coach Bobby Douglas.

In the news release, Bono stated he is considering his options and what's best for his family. Can't fault him for that, but it seems a little odd (to me anyway), considering a few months ago he was looking to take on the head coaching position at the University of Northern Iowa. He was one of three finalists for the Panthers' post, but University of Iowa national champion and former Hawkeye assistant Doug Schwab was named to the job. 

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State assistant wrestling coach Chris Bono announced Wednesday that he is resigning his position to pursue opportunities inside and outside the wrestling community.

“I have been in wrestling a long time,” Bono said. “I am looking at options and considering what is best for my family. They are my first priority.”

Bono just completed the first season of his second stint as an assistant coach for the Iowa State wrestling team. He had been head coach at Tennessee-Chattanooga for three previous seasons (2006-09).

“Chris Bono will always be a part of the Cyclone family and has been a valuable member of my staff,” Iowa State head coach Kevin Jackson said. “He has made significant contributions as a student-athlete and as a coach at ISU. Chris will be hard to replace but we are going to seek a worthy successor.”

Bono worked for former Cyclone head coach Bobby Douglas as an assistant coach and was the Cyclones' head assistant coach for from 2002-2005 in Ames. Bono was a three-time All-American at Iowa State, winning the NCAA 150-pound championship in 1996.