1998-2002

Editor’s note: Cael Sanderson finished his career with a 159-0 record, the only collegiate wrestler to finish as a four-time, undefeated national champion.

There are a few times in each generation, when sports fans have the opportunity to witness something truly extraordinary.

As part of the most memorable moments in Iowa State athletics over the past 25 years, one athlete stands above the rest — Cael Sanderson. Sanderson’s career was one for the ages. Easily the most dominant athlete Iowa State has ever seen, he compiled a perfect record and won four national titles during his stint as a Cyclone. That’s right — 159-0 — perfection at its finest.

On a March night in Albany, N.Y., Sanderson found himself in a position to rewrite the record books, or become the second warrior to falter just before reaching the summit.

In 1970, another Iowa State wrestler, Dan Gable, entered the final match of his career a perfect 118-0. The feat was to be incredible, but Gable fell in the NCAA Championship match to Washington’s Larry Owings. It was his only loss.

Thirty-two years later, Sanderson walked on to the mat in the same way as Gable, but this match would make history. Seven minutes later, Sanderson stood above every wrestler to touch the mat, winning 12-4 over Lehigh’s Jon Trenge.

“That’s what I was fighting, the fear that I wouldn’t perform up to my capability,” Sanderson said after the match. “One hundred and however many matches is a lot of matches to be ready for.”

Former Iowa State coach, coach at the time Bobby Douglas realized how special the moment was for not just Sanderson, but for the entire sport of wrestling and Iowa State.

“I think this is a defining moment in wrestling,” Douglas said. “I don’t really think we truly realize what this accomplishment means. He is a great champion and great ambassador to the sport of wrestling.”

More importantly was the type of guy Sanderson was as a wrestler. He never gloated or tried to force himself into the spotlight. The only goal was to go out and do the job the right way. Truly a great champion on and off the mat, Sanderson’s accomplishments were escalated by his subtleness and humble demeanor.

Every day he came in to work, and every time he stepped onto the mat, losing was not an option. Cael Sanderson stepped onto the mat 159 times and left with 159 victories — absolute perfection. Cael Sanderson’s name will forever be etched into Iowa State history, and his accomplishment could very well never be matched by anyone ever again.