ISU wrestling assistant honored

ISU assistant wrestling coach Chris Bono has been named Assistant Coach of the Year for the 2001-02 season by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA).

“It’s such a great honor, but it would not have happened if I didn’t have such a great support staff and tremendous wrestlers,” Bono said.

Bono has been with ISU wrestling staff for five years since graduating from Iowa State in 1997. Last season was his first as the head assistant coach.

He was instrumental in leading the Cyclones to a second place finish at the 2002 NCAA Championships with five All-Americans. Aaron Holker (141), Joe Heskett (165) and Cael Sanderson (197) all captured individual national championships.

“Chris Bono is one of the bright young coaches in the country and his influence on the Iowa State wrestling program is remarkable,” NWCA President Roger Reina said.

– Jeff Raasch

Welle waived by Cleveland Rockers

Former ISU women’s basketball player Angie Welle has been waived by the WNBA’s Cleveland Rockers. Welle was drafted by the Rockers in the fourth round (31st overall) of the 2002 WNBA draft in April.

During her college career, Welle averaged 16.3 points per game and 9.2 rebounds per game. She led the Cyclones in field goal percentage, shooting .661 percent from the field. Welle was also the Cyclone’s top scorer and rebounder, averaging 20.5 points per game and 11.3 rebounds per game in the 2001-2002 season.

– Jana Haughenbury

Bowl game profit exceeds $200,000

The ISU Athletic Department netted $209,545 in revenue after expenses for the ISU football team’s 2001 Independence Bowl trip in December, ISU Athletics Director Bruce Van De Velde said. A total of 446 ISU students were among the official traveling party of 584 individuals who went to Shreveport, La. for the Cyclones’ Dec. 27 game against Alabama. A two-year total of more than 30,000 Cyclone fans traveled to ISU bowl games in 2000 and 2001.

“We wanted to include as many students as possible and do so in a way that would allow the Athletic Department to come out ahead financially from this experience,” Van De Velde said. “We accomplished both of those goals. Students traveled as managers, trainers, football team members and as part of the marching band.”

– ISU Media Relations

ISU Gymnast Ciancio wins academic award

ISU gymnast Kendra Ciancio has been named to the Verizon Academic All-District VII second team for her athletic and academic achievements

Ciancio is a three-time NACGC Academic All-American and has been recognized three times on the academic all-Big 12 first team. She competed consistently as a vaulter in every meet this season and ranks sixth in the Cyclone recordbooks for her 9.90 on vault.

Ciancio is a senior in business from Barrington, Ill.

Verizon Academic All-District honorees are chosen by members of College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

– ISU Media Relations