Second-ranked Travis Paulson (165) is on the clock in his ISU wrestling career – a clock that has almost hit zero. The national title that has eluded him throughout his Cyclone career is still within reach, but that title seemed almost unreachable until he proved he is a title contender in a loss last weekend.

Both Travis and his brother Trent came into the program as redshirt freshmen in 2003, winning five state titles and losing only five matches between the two in their high school days. With numbers like that, the twins had high expectations from Cyclone fans, and national titles were anticipated from the two Council Bluffs natives.

Travis knows that time is running out on his ISU career, but he is peaking at the right time. The No. 2 ranking is his highest ranking ever, and he proved he deserved that spot in a heated match with two-time national champion Johny Hendricks of Oklahoma State at last weekend’s National Duals.

Travis came into the match with an 0-4 mark against the Edmond, Okla., native and never came close in any prior bouts with Hendricks.

This time was different.

Travis came out knowing he had to get his offense going against the aggressive Hendricks, and he did just that with a takedown that gave him a 2-1 lead in the second period. That lead did not last long, as Hendricks quickly escaped and took Paulson down to take a 4-2 lead heading into the final period. Travis escaped to cut Hendricks’ lead to 4-3 but could not get that last takedown to give him his first victory over the Cowboy.

“I think he has kind of taken it to the next level . I don’t think he’s ever been ranked above sixth at that weight, and now he’s second, and he’s beat [Mark] Perry, kind of went over that milestone that he had troubles with, and he was right there with Hendricks,” said Trent Paulson.

Both Hendricks and Paulson jawed back and forth throughout the match as Hendricks realized that Paulson was not the same wrestler he swept earlier.

“He’s kind of dramatic. He likes to complain a lot to the ref, and I think he just needs to wrestle some times,” said Travis Paulson. “He said I punched him in the stomach, which I was just fighting off his shot, but I told him he’d know if I punched him.”

Paulson will face Hendricks at least two more times this season – possibly three, if the two meet at the National Championships in March. Travis will not have to wait long, as the Cowboys come to town Jan. 28.

“Travis has had an outstanding year. He’s had a lot of progress, and he’s going to continue to make progress. He’s beaten guys that he hasn’t beaten before, and he’s closing the distance on the ones that he hasn’t quite caught up to yet, but he’s on those guys,” said coach Cael Sanderson.

Although this match was great for Travis and a good confidence-builder for the senior, he has some perspective, knowing this is all preparation for March.

“I just have to continue to do the things that I’m doing because I’m getting better every week, and I’ll be ready at the end of the season when it counts,” he said.