10/15/2009
Andrew Hipps, InterMat Senior Writer
andrew@intermatwrestle.com

Two years ago, when Bobby Telford was entering his sophomore season at St. Mark's High School in Delaware, after posting a 13-23 record as a freshman and a 1-4 record at Cadet Nationals in Fargo, you would have been hard-pressed to find someone who would believe that he would eventually become one of the nation's top high school heavyweights and earn a scholarship to wrestle at University of Iowa. But it happened.

On Wednesday, Telford, who is ranked as the No. 43 recruit in the country by InterMat, called Tom Brands to let him know that he wants to be a Hawkeye.

"I don't think anyone can match the workout partners, coaching staff, fans, program, support ... No one can offer that except Iowa," said Telford. "Obviously, Iowa takes it to the extreme. That's where I want to go."

Iowa head coach Tom Brands and assistant coach Doug Schwab visited Telford's home in early September, which he said got him "psyched up to get out there and see what it's all about." He took official visits to Pittsburgh, Old Dominion, and Illinois. He was also recruited by North Carolina, Northwestern, Wyoming, Northern Colorado, Virginia, and Penn. Telford, though, knew in his heart that he wanted to be a Hawkeye.

"I think it's every kid's dream to wrestle for the Hawkeyes when they grow up," said Telford. "It's kind of hard to not root for the hardest-working, best team out there. That's the name of the game. Who puts in the most time and effort, who works the hardest ... You have to respect that no matter what. When I was a little kid, it was special to watch the Hawkeyes wrestle."

As a freshman, Telford wrestled at 135 pounds before moving up six weight classes as a sophomore to compete at 189 pounds. As he has grown into his body, he has improved by leaps in bounds in all aspects of his wrestling.

"When I wrested 135, it was hard for me to keep my weight down," said Telford. "I was having a problem. I didn't feel energetic. I didn't feel confident when I went out on the mat. I'm sure my record shows that. When I moved up to 189, I started getting a little more confidence in myself. I felt good every match. I started to improve physically and mentally."

As a sophomore, Telford posted a 22-16 record at 189 pounds. He failed to place at the Delaware state tournament, which one could look at as the defining moment of Telford's young career to this point.

"The day after I was eliminated from the state tournament, my dad and me got in the car, got right back at it, and started to get better the next day," said Telford. "I didn't feel sorry for myself. I just got right back at it. There was no sense in staying down on myself. It was just all about hard work. I was starting to grow into my body a little more. The more and more I wrestled, the more comfortable I got with myself."

It all came together for Telford as a junior. Last season, the 6'5", 265-pound heavyweight won every tournament he entered, including the prestigious Beast of the East, and finished the season a perfect 38-0. At the state tournament, Telford dominated the competition, going 4-0 with two first-period pins, a technical fall (15-0), and shutout victory (9-0) in the finals. He earned a place on the ASICS All-American Third Team at heavyweight.

St. Mark's has long been a state wrestling power in Delaware. The Spartans, who are coached by St. Mark's alum Jason Bastianelli, have finished first or second in the Delaware High School Dual Meet Wrestling Championships every year since 1995. Last season, St. Mark's defeated longtime rival Caesar Rodney, 44-15, to win its 11th state title in 22 years, but its first since 2002. St. Mark's finished last season ranked No. 11 in the country by Amateur Wrestling News.

This year's St. Mark's senior class has four wrestlers ranked among the InterMat Top 100 recruits in the country. In addition to Telford, Nick Schenk (No. 57), Sean Dolan (No. 80), and Sean Boylan (No. 83) are all in the InterMat Top 100. Dolan has given a verbal commitment to North Carolina State, while Boylan will be heading to Bloomsburg. Schenk is uncommitted at this point.

"It's great to be a part of such a strong team," said Telford. "We all push each other. When you surround yourself with good people, only good things can come from it. I think we came together as a team last year ... I'm looking forward to good things this year."

Telford's goals for his senior season include repeating as an undefeated state champion, winning the Beast of the East, and earning a place on the ASICS All-America First Team.

As for college goals, Telford has sights set on being the best.

"Everyone wants to be an NCAA champion," said Telford. "That my No. 1 goal. All it is ... is hard work to get there.

Spoken like a true Iowa Hawkeye.