Recap of last weekend's Division I college wrestling events

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Craig Sesker (USA Wrestling)
02/20/2002


By Craig Sesker/TheMat.com    Cael Sanderson holds about every wrestling record imaginable at Iowa State.    But the unbeaten Cyclone wrestler added two new milestones in his final home meet Saturday night.    Sanderson not only broke Iowa State's record for career wins, he shattered the unofficial school record for standing ovations.    A Hilton Coliseum crowd of 8,119 cheered Sanderson before, during and after his 151st career win without a loss in the No. 7 Cyclones' 24-16 win over No. 24 Nebraska in a Big 12 dual.    "There is a lot of pressure on Cael, but he has done a great job handling everything," Iowa State Coach Bobby Douglas said. "We try to let him focus on scoring points and not think about records."     Sanderson (32-0) clinched Iowa State's win by downing Nebraska freshman Justin Ruiz by a technical fall in 6 minutes, 27 seconds at 197 pounds.    "I really wasn't concerned about this being my last match at home," Sanderson said. "I just concentrated on my opponent."    Sanderson, a three-time NCAA champion seeking to become the first college wrestler to finish a four-year career unbeaten, put on a takedown clinic against the 10th-ranked Ruiz. Relying mainly on ankle picks and low single-leg shots, Sanderson set a frenetic pace early and maintained it until the match was stopped.    "Justin was wrestling a guy who is at another level than everyone else," Husker Coach Mark Manning said. "He never gave up, he never stopped fighting. Justin did a super job not worrying about the crowd and getting caught up in everything. Cael is just such a tremendous competitor. He's not only a good wrestler, he's a good person."    Sanderson's 10th takedown ended the match as his 24-9 lead gave him the 15-point margin needed for a technical fall.    "I could feel some of the pressure, but I was excited to wrestle Cael," Ruiz said. "He's a tough wrestler. He's quick, he's aggressive, he's in good shape and he forces the action. He is moving all the time. It takes some time to adjust to his style because most big guys don't move that fast. If I wrestle him again, I think it will be a different match."    The mild-mannered, low-key Sanderson showed a rare display of emotion after the win, pumping his left fist in the air after his hand was raised in victory by referee Fred Ambrose.    "It has truly been a great honor to be part of such a great program with such awesome people," Sanderson said. "I love it here."    The Cyclones led just 19-16 entering the final bout. Sanderson had shared the school record of 150 wins with former ISU star Mike Land.    Ruiz, celebrating his 23rd birthday, fought gamely in the battle of former Utah high school stars. Ruiz, who spent the previous two years on a Mormon mission, is from Murray, Utah. Sanderson is from Heber City, Utah.    "Ruiz is very tough," Douglas said. "We offered him a full scholarship to come to Iowa State. Don't be surprised if you see him in the semifinals at the national tournament."    Iowa State improved to 16-5 overall, 2-2 in the Big 12. Nebraska is 8-8, 0-3.    The first match of the meet proved pivotal at heavyweight. Nebraska's Pat Miron came out aggressively against No. 11 Mark Knauer, stunning Knauer by launching him to his back twice in the first minute to build a 9-2 lead. But Knauer rallied for a 13-11 win.    "We are trying to get Pat to wrestle the whole seven minutes and not 3½ minutes or four minutes," Manning said. "He hurt his knee, but we don't make any excuses. I wasn't real happy that we didn't come out on top. We should have won that match, but we didn't."    Iowa State seniors Billy Maldonado (149) and Joe Heskett (165) also earned wins in their final home appearance.     There were also big crowds and big meets in Iowa City and Norman, Okla., over the weekend.    Second-ranked Michigan edged No. 3 Iowa 20-15 Friday night before 7,456 fans in Iowa City. The Wolverines were led by major decisions from Foley Dowd at 133 and Andrew Hrovat at 184.    Fifth-ranked Oklahoma State beat sixth-ranked Oklahoma 17-8 Sunday before 4,553 fans in Norman. The Cowboys won six matches.    Top-ranked Minnesota continues to roll, beating Wisconsin 40-4 on Friday and downing Illinois 27-6 on Sunday.    Fourth-ranked Ohio State beat Penn State 20-14 on Saturday in Columbus.