Iowa State press release - Cael Sanderson Hired In Athletic Department

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Iowa State Sports Information ()
05/01/2002


Sanderson will stay with Iowa State and train in Ames.     AMES, Iowa - Cael Sanderson, the first four-time undefeated NCAA collegiate wrestling champion, announced Wednesday that he has accepted a position as an administrative assistant within the Iowa State University athletic department. The position, which will include community relations, fund-raising and administrative responsibilities, will allow him to continue to train in Ames and work with Iowa State's wrestlers.     "This position will help me reach my goals of being a world champion and an Olympic champion while still allowing me to train in Ames with the wrestlers in the Iowa State wrestling program," Sanderson said. "It will also give me valuable experience in areas that will help me during my competitive career and long after my career is over. I feel comfortable at Iowa State, it is home and I'm proud to represent ISU around the world. I'm looking forward to helping our wrestling program and the Cyclone athletic program in any way I can."     Sanderson won his second straight U.S. National Freestyle Open last weekend in Las Vegas, Nev., beating Lee Fullhart, 4-0 for the 185-pound title. He will compete for a spot on the U.S. World Championship squad at the U.S. World Team Trials in June in St. Paul, Minn. His freestyle success follows an unblemished collegiate career in which he won 159 matches without a loss. He is the first wrestler to be named the NCAA Championships' Most Outstanding Wrestler Award four times. The Heber City, Utah native is also the first wrestler to be awarded the Hodge Trophy as the nation's top collegiate wrestler three times. A two-time  academic All-American, he earned a bachelor's degree in art and design at Iowa State in December.     "We are excited that Cael is going to continue his career in Ames as a Cyclone," ISU athletics director Bruce Van De Velde said.  "The only thing that has exceeded Cael's accomplishments is the grace with which he has handled himself. I don't know that Iowa State could have a better ambassador. His reputation is growing worldwide."     Sanderson was one of three ISU national champions as the Cyclones placed second at the 2002 NCAA Championship in March in Albany, N.Y. under national coach-of-the-year Bobby Douglas. Iowa State finished with five All-Americans, placing second to Minnesota while finishing ahead of Iowa, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.      "There has never been anyone like Cael Sanderson, his record speaks for itself," said ISU head wrestling coach Bobby Douglas. "His presence in our wrestling room and as a representative of our program can't be underplayed. He is already a legend."