One storied career ended on Friday morning. Another one began.

In a tearful ceremony, Cael Sanderson stepped in to assume his expected place in the wrestling world, becoming the sixth ever head coach of the Iowa State wrestling program, replacing former mentor Bobby Douglas.

Earlier in the press conference, Douglas’ retirement was announced. He finished a 14-year reign as the leader of the Cyclones, but is becoming an assistant athletics director – a job that will involve interaction with the wrestling program.

“The future of ISU wrestling is what I care about most,” Douglas said in a statement. “I wanted to ensure that Cael Sanderson was that future. It is what fueled my decision to step down.”

Athletic director Jaime Pollard opened the press conference with a respectful address.

Douglas asked long-time friend and media relations director Tom Kroschell to read a prepared statement on his behalf, becoming visibly emotional as it was read.

When it was Sanderson’s turn to speak, he embraced his coach and made his way to the stage. Halfway there, he knelt and fought off tears. His emotion carried through his address.

“I’m introduced today as Iowa State’s wrestling coach because of the selfless sacrifices of my college coach, Bobby Douglas,” Sanderson said in a press release. “He has paved the way for me to assume this responsibility.”

Pollard referred to Sanderson as the number one ambassador of collegiate wrestling. In his competitive career as a cyclone, he became the first ever undefeated, four-time NCAA champion.

“I promise to work as hard as I did as a competitor to build upon the traditions I’ve inherited as head coach,” Sanderson said.

Current members of the ISU wrestling team sat just feet away from the podium. Cael’s youngest brother, Cyler, sat next to his wife, Kelly, a row behind.

Douglas was one of only three collegiate coaches to have won more than 400 duals. He finished with a 198-75-3 record at Iowa State.

A new scholarship was founded in his honor – the Bobby Douglas Endowed Scholarship – which will be given to an ISU wrestler each season.

Look for more coverage of the coaching change in Monday’s edition of the Daily.