2008 Woodie Awards
Bono prepared to carry on wrestling tradition
Josiah Golson
Issue date: 10/19/06 Section: Sports
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By Josiah Golson
Staff Reporter
Newly appointed wrestling coach Chris Bono is bringing an impressive amount of experience to the Chattanooga team, as well as high expectations for the wrestling program's future.
"My biggest challenge is getting these kids to believe that they can be a national powerhouse," Bono said. "We've had seven guys go to the NCAA championships last year and we have one guy ranked fifth in the country."
Bono has been wrestling since the age of 5. His talent brought him success throughout his high school career in Florida and his college career at Iowa State University, where he was an All-American athlete three times.
Once he competed in college, Bono realized his professional aspirations were not far from wrestling.
"When I went to college, I thought that it would be the best thing in the world to coach [wrestling]," he said.
Bono took a position as an assistant coach under Bobby Douglas at ISU following his graduation in 1997.
The winner of many competitive and coaching awards, including an NCAA championship, came to UTC's wrestling team in 2005.
"I came to UTC from Iowa State University because it is closer to home," Bono said, making reference to his roots in Florida. "I like the South and the community is very supportive here."
Bono, who holds a bachelor's degree in exercise and sports science, took on the duty of interim head coach in May after former head coach Joe Seay left UTC.
What Bono loves most about coaching are his relationships with the student-athletes.
Bono said: "I like the relationships with the kids. These guys are coming to college, leaving home for the first time, and they will later graduate and go out in the world. The relationships [I] form with them are lifelong."
Bono explained that to make UTC's wrestling team the powerhouse he believes it can be, he must focus on recruiting.
"I'm looking forward to next year, but I am also looking five to six years down the road," he said. "I need to recruit talented [athletes] to establish the team."
Bono looks for three main characteristics in his athletes.
"I want a kid with good grades, one who is a role model and he's got to be willing to be the hardest worker in the world," Bono said.
The coach explained that his first priority is to graduate students before athletic success.
According to GoMocs.com, Athletic Director Rick Hart played a major role in bringing Bono to the position of head coach of the UTC wrestling squad, stating that he fits well into the program.
Bono is very appreciative of Hart as well as the support from the UTC community.
"[Hart has] been great. I want to make him proud," Bono said. "I was his first hire and I intend to be his best hire."
Bono is married to Niki Bono and they have two daughters, Josie and Ellie.
Staff Reporter
Newly appointed wrestling coach Chris Bono is bringing an impressive amount of experience to the Chattanooga team, as well as high expectations for the wrestling program's future.
"My biggest challenge is getting these kids to believe that they can be a national powerhouse," Bono said. "We've had seven guys go to the NCAA championships last year and we have one guy ranked fifth in the country."
Bono has been wrestling since the age of 5. His talent brought him success throughout his high school career in Florida and his college career at Iowa State University, where he was an All-American athlete three times.
Once he competed in college, Bono realized his professional aspirations were not far from wrestling.
"When I went to college, I thought that it would be the best thing in the world to coach [wrestling]," he said.
Bono took a position as an assistant coach under Bobby Douglas at ISU following his graduation in 1997.
The winner of many competitive and coaching awards, including an NCAA championship, came to UTC's wrestling team in 2005.
"I came to UTC from Iowa State University because it is closer to home," Bono said, making reference to his roots in Florida. "I like the South and the community is very supportive here."
Bono, who holds a bachelor's degree in exercise and sports science, took on the duty of interim head coach in May after former head coach Joe Seay left UTC.
What Bono loves most about coaching are his relationships with the student-athletes.
Bono said: "I like the relationships with the kids. These guys are coming to college, leaving home for the first time, and they will later graduate and go out in the world. The relationships [I] form with them are lifelong."
Bono explained that to make UTC's wrestling team the powerhouse he believes it can be, he must focus on recruiting.
"I'm looking forward to next year, but I am also looking five to six years down the road," he said. "I need to recruit talented [athletes] to establish the team."
Bono looks for three main characteristics in his athletes.
"I want a kid with good grades, one who is a role model and he's got to be willing to be the hardest worker in the world," Bono said.
The coach explained that his first priority is to graduate students before athletic success.
According to GoMocs.com, Athletic Director Rick Hart played a major role in bringing Bono to the position of head coach of the UTC wrestling squad, stating that he fits well into the program.
Bono is very appreciative of Hart as well as the support from the UTC community.
"[Hart has] been great. I want to make him proud," Bono said. "I was his first hire and I intend to be his best hire."
Bono is married to Niki Bono and they have two daughters, Josie and Ellie.
