The top American for the last two years at this division has been former college superstar Cael Sanderson of the Sunkist Kids. Sanderson rose to legend status when he finished his career at Iowa State undefeated, with four NCAA titles and four NCAA Outstanding Wrestler honors. In spite of winning the last two U.S. Nationals and World Team Trials in freestyle, he has not yet competed at the World level for the United States. When the 2001 World meet was moved from New York after the terrorist attack, Sanderson skipped the rescheduled event to participate in his college season. In 2002, along with all of his teammates, Sanderson did not go to the World event in Iran because of the threat of violence to the team    Sanderson has suffered a few losses to top international rivals this winter, part of process of seasoning for international stars. His overtime loss to Yoel Romero of Cuba at the Titan Games, as well as Khadimurad Gatsalov of Russia at the World Cup are bouts that show he is right there with the World's best. Now its up to Sanderson and his coaches to take the next step. He also must continue to keep the edge against some very talented U.S. competitors at his division.    Placing second to Sanderson at the U.S. Nationals and World Team Trials last year was Lee Fullhart of the Gator WC. Fullhart won the first match of the best-of-three series at the trials event in St. Paul. Minn., only to have Sanderson sweep the final two bouts. Fullhart continues to improve at international events, including a gold medal at the Pan American Championships this year.    Third on the ladder is Charles Burton of the New York AC, who placed fifth in the 2000 Olympics and is the veteran of the division. Burton can compete with anybody in the world, but he will need to figure out how to beat Sanderson (and a few other Americans) if he is to have another chance at the World level. An athlete to watch closely is 2001 World silver medalist Brandon Eggum, who was injured last season and unable to qualify for Team USA. Eggum went to the World meet when Sanderson turned it down in 2001, and was one match away from a gold. Eggum's silver medal at the Dave Schultz Memorial International this winter shows he is back and ready to challenge again.    Randy Pugh of the Cat WC, ranked No. 4 on the Team USA ladder, has proven to be a strong freestyle contender. He beat Burton at the U.S. Nationals to take a bronze medal. Aaron Simpson of the Sunkist Kids, a past Team USA member, has beaten many of the other top challengers at this division. Simpson has a wealth of international experience, and the confidence to move through this very talented field.    Veteran Markus Mollica of the Dave Schultz WC has focused his efforts on freestyle, and is continuing to progress. Mollica has always been skilled; he is now making a serious run at becoming a champion freestyler. College wrestler Clint Wattenburg of Cornell was a national placewinner last year, taking sixth in Las Vegas, as was Eddie Gifford of the Sunkist Kids, who was seventh. Others to watch include Pat Popolizio of the Gator WC, Steve Blackford of the Sunkist Kids, Victor Sveda of the New York AC and Ken Bigley of the New York AC. Muhammed Lawal of the Gator WC, out of Oklahoma State, was the 2003 University Nationals champion.    2002 U.S. Freestyle Nationals results at 84 kg/185 lbs.  1st - Cael Sanderson, Heber City, Utah (Sunkist Kids) dec. Lee Fullhart, Iowa City, Iowa (Hawkeye WC), 4-0  3rd - Randy Pugh, Cedar Falls, Iowa (Cat WC) pin Charles Burton, Bloomington, Ind. (New York AC), 2:12  5th - Markus Mollica, Huntington Beach, Calif. (Dave Schultz WC) won by forfeit  6th -Clint Wattenburg, Ithaca, N.Y. (Cornell) dec. Eddie Gifford, Fresno, Calif. (Sunkist), 4-1