Trent Paulson

2024 Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductee

Trent Paulson says it the best. “Nobody cares. Find a way, work harder and embrace the challenge.” Trent’s wrestling career and accomplishments summarize this to a “T”.

Trent earned two Iowa high school championships during his time at Lewis Central. He secured two more state medals during his freshman and sophomore seasons and compiled a 192-2 record including a 102-match win streak and 115 falls to finalize his high school career. Trent’s high school career was nothing short of greatness. He was a member of the 2000 Cadet Freestyle National and World Team, won two Junior National Greco titles, was a 2002 Senior National Runner-Up and competed in the 2002 Dapper Dan Classic on the All-Star team. He was also awarded the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award in 2002 for his outstanding career.

When the Paulsons embarked on their recruitment journey, Trent and his twin brother Travis had a clear plan: to stay together. Their search for the perfect fit didn’t last long. As soon as they set foot on the Iowa State University campus and met Coach Bobby Douglas, Trent was certain that this was the ideal place for long-term success. Coach Douglas laid out an eight-year plan that showed how Trent would obtain his goal of becoming an Olympic champion. Among some of the greats of all time, Trent was ready to cement his name in Cyclone history.

Trent finished out his career at Iowa State University as a 157-pound National Champion. During his time as a Cyclone, he compiled 117 wins, three All-American honors, a two-time Big Twelve Champion and was a Midlands Champion and Outstanding Wrestler awardee. These feats would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the other greats in the room including Chris Bono, Cael Sanderson, Aaron Holker, Jon Reader and so many more.

As Trent moved into his international career, he continued to see success, winning two University National Championships, US Open Championship, Pan American Championship, landing himself on the National Team four times and on the Senior World Team in 2009.

Trent spent time coaching at his alma mater, Iowa State, then to Nebraska and currently Virginia with his brother Travis. In 2017, Trent and Travis were inducted into the Glen Brand Hall of Fame.

There have been many greats to get Trent where his is today, but his twin brother stands alone at the top. The continued support, motivation and mentorship through all these years of competition and life have helped Trent get to where he is today. His father used to tell the twins before they left the house, “Work hard and be humble.” It’s safe to say they have lived up to that.

Trent was inducted in the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2024 along with Mike Allen, Jay Borschel, Travis Paulson, Leslie Beers (posthumously) and Arthur Holding (posthumously).