Barry Weldon, Iowa State’s 177-pound national champion and two-time All-American wrestler, was named ISU’s most outstanding wrestler for the 1996-97 season Monday night at the annual wrestling banquet held in the Jacobson building.

Weldon, who hails from Cherry Creek, Colo., defeated Mitch Clark of Ohio State, 6-2, to take the championship.

It was that victory that helped the Cyclones to a fourth place finish at the NCAA championship meet. The meet was held March 20-22 at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls .

Weldon compiled a 104-37 record during his illustrious career at ISU.

Senior Chris Bono, a three-time All-American and former 150-pound national champion, was awarded the Dr. Wise Burroughs Memorial trophy for his leadership to the Cyclone wrestling team.

After winning the 150-lb title last season, Bono finished with runner-up honors at this year’s NCAA meet.

Bono’s career at Iowa State has been memorable to say the least. Bono finished with 130 victories, which ranks as the second-highest four-year victory total in Cyclone wrestling history.

The most improved wrestler award went to a couple of ISU seniors.

Cyclones John DeLeon and Bart Horton took home the improvement award for their outstanding efforts this season.

DeLeon amassed an 18-21 record and qualified for the NCAA championship in his first-ever starting season as a 158-pounder.

Horton, a 167-pounder, earned All-American status season and placed seventh in his first ever NCAA tournament.

Horton finished his senior year with a 26-15 record.

The next award went to sophomore David Maldonado, who collected the Most Falls Award. Maldonado collected a team high 10 pins this season.

The final award of the night went to freshman Cody Sanderson, who won the Outstanding New Prospect Award.

Sanderson compiled a 28-14 record in his rookie season, while advancing to the NCAA Championship.