Telford ready to rebound from abrupt end to last season

IOWA CITY - Iowa heavyweight Bobby Telford had an agonizing finish to his sophomore season.

The 6-foot-4, 285-pounder looked well on his way to a second straight All-American performance when a knee injury suffered in a second-round win forced him to default from the tournament.

He began to work his way back shortly after surgery, receiving perspective when seeing footage from the devastated victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.

"It could be worse," Telford said during the Hawkeyes' annual media day Thursday at the Dan Gable Wrestling Complex in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. "I'm right back on the mat and I was right back on the mat a couple weeks later. I'm ready to go."

Telford hit the weights hard and did some travelling, making his way out to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., for a short period. Expect more of the same Telford, who is 49-15, including a 20-6 mark last season.

"Telford is good," Iowa Coach Tom Brands said. "He's strong. He's bigger. Knee's fine. It's something that you don't want to go through again for him, for his family for us, and he's looking good."

Telford has benefitted from former Minnesota administrative assistant and heavyweight Ben Berhow joining the staff as volunteer assistant. He replaced Kurt Backes, who left to follow personal pursuits outside of wrestling. They have meshed well.

"I think it's been great he is here," Telford said. "He's a heavyweight coach, but at the same time he's a workout partner."

Telford has also seen more bigger bodies to face in practice. He is one of five heavyweights listed on the preseason roster. The depth will help him in the long run as he shoots for a Big Ten and NCAA crown.

"I've been changing the little things up," Telford said. "I feel good and I'm ready to rock and roll."