Franklin ready for another title run

Trevor Franklin was a national champion in 2011.

But, this is 2012.

Franklin's title quest has started over with the opening round of the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships on Friday and Saturday at Massari Arena in Pueblo, Colo. Franklin faces Western State College's Matthew Greene (30-6) in the first round, starting at 11 a.m. (Iowa time).

Franklin claimed the 125-pound title last year as a sophomore before moving up to 133 pounds this season. He could become the first two-time D-II national champion in school history and only the fourth overall. Franklin would be the first repeat winner since Jesus Wilson won D-III titles in 2000 and 2002.

The competitive spirit is the force, not the incentive to protect the gold from the previous year.

"If you get on top in the first place, you have to have a winning attitude and you hate to lose," Franklin said. "It's just another deciding factor."

Upper Iowa Coach Heath Grimm has not seen a change in Franklin's approach. He maintains the steady and consistent approach in his training and performance on the mat.

"He's gone about business the same," Grimm said. "He expects a lot out himself every time he's wrestled and put on an Upper Iowa singlet."

Technically, there is no title to defend. There is only another to win. Franklin won't be satisfied with last year's achievement.

"I would not associate the word complacent with him at all," Grimm said. "It's year to year and match to match. He wants to win. He is a competitive guy. He definitely does not like to lose."

Top-ranked Franklin doesn't have a preference in being the hunter or the hunted. Each has its its perk, and can be used as motivation.

"I've had both sides of the coin," Franklin said. "I like having nothing to lose and everything to prove (and) gain. You have to prepare yourself to be the best and win every situation."

Franklin has posted a 24-0 record, and been one of the most dominant pound-for-pound wrestlers in Division II, according to total number of points awarded in matches divided by total matches. He takes the mat, looking to distance himself from his opponents and not just earning wins.

"He's wrestling well versus wrestling just to win a match," Grimm said. "He wants to keep his foot on the gas pedal, so to speak."

Accelerating to the top of the podium will take more of the same. He will have continue the consistent offensive attack.

"It's just being smart, wrestling like I have all year," Franklin said. "Now, it's time to perform and do what we know how to do."

The Peacocks have seven national qualifiers, including 149-pounder Jordan Rinken, Winston Robbins, ranked sixth at 158, No. 7 Blake Sorensen (165), sixth-ranked Wade Gobin at 174, No. 8 184-pounder Mitch Schultz and heavyweight Zach Rosol, ranked sixth.

Upper Iowa has earned team trophies at the NCAA tournament, placing in the top four the last two years. Despite missing two former All-Americans - Kyle Pedretti at 125 and 197-pounder Carl Broghammer - the focus remains getting a gold one.

"We're not wavering from our goal," Grimm said. "We're going to fight for seven minutes each and every match, trying to put ourselves in position Saturday."