Cael Sanderson Prepares For One More National Victory

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Beth Bullis ()
09/26/2002


WASHINGTON, DC - Iowa State University's Cael Sanderson is preparing for yet another match with national implications. On Tuesday, October 1st Sanderson will be in Washington, DC, as the United States Congress considers a resolution introduced by Iowa Congressman Tom Latham recognizing the achievements of the most successful wrestler in college history.     "Cael is not only a remarkable champion on the mat but truly a positive life role model for America's children," said Latham. "It is fitting that Congress honor this great Cyclone athlete for what many believed was an unachievable mark in college wrestling history."     Sanderson completed a perfect collegiate career with his fourth NCAA title and an unblemished 159-0 record at the NCAA Wrestling Championships on March 23. He is the first-ever undefeated four-time Division I college wrestling champion. Sanderson also received the ESPY for Best Male College Athlete of the year and was named the Big Twelve Conference's Male Athlete of the Year. Sanderson now serves as an associate with Iowa State University in Ames.     Latham introduced the resolution, H. RES. 399, in April with the invitation to Sanderson to be present in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol when the resolution was considered.     Sanderson is scheduled to participate in a number of events throughout the day, including a meeting with Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, a cosponsor of the resolution and former high school and college wrestler, high school wrestling coach, and member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma.     "Tuesday will be a day of fitting tributes in Washington for Cael and the sport of college wrestling," concluded Latham.     The Resolution reads:   Mr. Latham submitted the following resolution;   107th CONGRESS   2nd Session   H. RES. 399     RESOLUTION     Honoring Cael Sanderson for his perfect collegiate wrestling record.     Whereas Cael Sanderson, continuing the storied tradition of Iowa State University wrestling, achieved a perfect collegiate wrestling record of 159 wins and no losses and is the first person ever to finish undefeated in collegiate wrestling;     Whereas Cael Sanderson is a four-time national wrestling champion, a four time National Collegiate Athletic Association championship outstanding wrestler, and a three-time winner of the Dan Hodge Trophy;     Whereas the April 1, 2002, issue of Sports Illustrated ranked Cael Sanderson's perfect wrestling record second in a list of the top ten `most impressive college sports feats ever';     Whereas Cael Sanderson is a two-time Academic All-American, a champion in the classroom as well as on the mat;     Whereas Cael Sanderson's achievements have set a new benchmark for excellence in the sport of wrestling and will forever have an impact on college wrestling; and     Whereas through his persistence, hard work, and dedication, Cael Sanderson has set an example for all: Now, therefore, be it     Resolved, That the House of Representatives-     (1) congratulates Cael Sanderson for finishing his career as the first ever undefeated collegiate wrestler;     (2) recognizes the contributions of Cael Sanderson's parents, Steven and Debbie Sanderson, his coach, Robert `Bobby' Douglas, the support staff of Iowa State University, and Cyclone fans;     (3) directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to-     (A) Cael Sanderson;     (B) Coach Robert `Bobby' Douglas of Iowa State University; and     (C) Cael Sanderson's parents, Steven and Debbie Sanderson