Cael Sanderson announces long-term endorsement contract with ASICS; strategic marketing patnership w

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John Fuller (TheMat.com)
06/22/2002


Cael Sanderson announced today the signing of two major contracts with two of the top product manufacturers and supporters of the sport of amateur wrestling - ASICS TIGER Corporation and Cliff Keen Athletic.    "I am excited to be a part of the ASICS team and Cliff Keen Athletic. Both of these companies have been really supportive of the sport of wrestling over the years. Both have a lot to offer for me and for the sport. I am honored to be part of their teams," Sanderson said.    Sanderson, the first four-time, undefeated national champion in NCAA history,  has signed a long-term endorsement contract with ASICS.    "We are very happy to have Cael Sanderson as a part of ASICS as well. He has added an incredible amount of attention to our sport," stated Bill Farrell, President of TW Promotions, a company affiliated with ASICS TIGER Corporation.    Sanderson also announced a Strategic Marketing Partnership with Cliff Keen Athletic.    Cliff Keen plans to launch this new partnership with Sanderson this fall with a series of print ads, point-of-purchase and signature posters, and tournament appearances. The Michigan-based company also plans to integrate a collection of Cael Sanderson-inspired singlets and apparel into its existing wrestling line, while sponsoring the Team Sanderson series of wrestling camps.    "Cliff Keen Athletic is very excited about Cael Sanderson joining the company and being part of the team," stated Jim Keen, President of Cliff Keen Athletic. "Cael is not only a great wrestling competitor, but also a great role model for kids. He possesses great character and sportsmanship. We feel that he fits in very nicely with Cliff Keen Athletic and what our organization represents."    Sanderson is the two-time defending U.S. National Champion in freestyle.    Sanderson finished his college wrestling career with a 159-0 record. He was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler at the NCAA Tournament four times and was awarded the Dan Hodge Trophy as the nation's top collegiate wrestler three times.    A two-time Academic All-American, Sanderson graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Art and Design. Following his senior season of competition at Iowa State, Sanderson joined the school's athletics department as an administrative assistant.    He has been nominated for three ESPY Awards, which will be presented in Hollywood, Calif., July 10.     Sanderson is competing at the 2002 World Team Trials at 85 kg/185 lbs. As the current U.S. Freestyle National Champion, Sanderson will not compete until Sunday, June 23, when he will face the winner of the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament in a best two-out-of-three series.