Daniel Dennis wins 57-kg weight class at trials at Carver-Hawkeye
Monday, April 11, 2016
Written by: Tim Schoon
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Former Hawkeye wrestler Daniel Dennis experienced another weekend of glory inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena, but this time his victories earned him a spot on the U.S. Olympic wrestling team.

The two-day U.S. Olympic Team Trials provided action aplenty for thousands of fans in Iowa City April 9-10. Dennis was one of four former Hawkeyes who hit the mats during the trials—Dennis clinched his spot on the Olympic team with a finals victory over recent UI icon Tony Ramos.

The crowd also witnessed a dominant performance by reigning world champion Jordan Burroughs and the emotional retirement of two-time Olympian Spenser Mango.

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The University of Iowa hosted the Olympic Trials this past weekend.
More than 40,000 fans turned out to watch wrestling over four sessions and two days at Carver Hawkeye Arena.
People congregate around the Dan Gable statue outside of Carver Hawkeye Arena.
The arena was set up with four mats to keep the action moving.
Action was quick to get going on Saturday morning. More than 230 athletes competed in three divisions and 18 weight classes.
Former Iowa wrestler Brent Metcalf, who narrowly missed out on a spot on the 2012 Olympic Team, started his day Saturday with an unexpected loss to eventual weight class champion Frank Molinaro.
A day that was supposed to be a step on his Road to Rio for Metcalf ended with a consolation bracket loss to Jayson Ness.
Another former Iowa wrestler, Bobby Telford, in red, also lost in the first round.
Despite the losses by Iowa wrestlers, day one of the trials was full of drama and special moments such as two-time Olympian Spenser Mango's retirement after losing in the prelims.
The rules of international wrestling have changed since Iowa City hosted the Olympic Trials four years ago. The rules adjustments were intended to increase the action.
Several high schoolers competed at this year's Trials, including Teshya Alo, above in blue, who won her first match against Megan Blaek.
The high schooler who grabbed all the attention, however was Aaron Pico, above in red, shown here throwing Jayson Ness during their first round match. Pico was down 9-0 to Ness, one point away from elimination. He came back to win the match and then go al
Day two of the Trials started well for Iowa wrestlers. Here, former Hawkeye great, Tony Ramos puts a move on Nahshon Garrett in his opening round match. Ramos came from behind to win the match.
Ramos celebrates his win over Garrett. In his second match, Ramos defeated Coleman Scott to set up a finals showdown with Daniel Dennis, another former Iowa wrestler.
Reigning World Champion Adeline Gray had no trouble earning her Olympic Team berth with two finals victories over Victoria Francis in the women's 75 KG weight class.
Victoria Anthony took Haley Augello for a bit of a ride in their women's 48 KG final. Augello won the spot on the Olympic Team.
Kelsey Campbell hugs her coach after earning her spot on the Olympic Team at 58 KG.
Ben Provisor celebrates his Olympic Team berth after defeating Jacob Clark in the Greco-Roman 85 KG class.
The men's 57 KG freestyle final pitted Daniel Dennis and Tony Ramos against each other. Dennis won the first of the best of three finals 2-1.
Dennis took charge early in the second match and scored 10 points in quick succession.
The win puts Dennis on the Olympic Team.
A challenge at the conclusion of the Men's Freestyle 86 KG final meant that J'Den Cox, in red, and Kyle Dake had to wait for a replay to determine the winner.
Cox won.
Defending Olympic and World Champion Jordan Burroughs is introduced to the crowd prior to his first finals match.
After winning his second finals match Burroughs ran into the stands to greet his family. He brought his son Beacon back with him.
Crowd favorite Robby Smith, who wrestles 130 KG Greco-Roman, is toweled off in between periods.
Daniel Dennis signs an autograph for a lucky fan prior to the introduction of the 2016 US Olympic Wrestling team.
Daniel Dennis is surrounded by his Olympic teammates during the official team photo following the competition on Sunday.