Cael Sanderson matched one historic feat on

Saturday afternoon and set another one.

The ISU senior became the first wrestler in the

history of the NCAA to finish his career undefeated as

he toppled second-ranked Jon Trenge of Lehigh 12-4 in

the Division I NCAA Wrestling Championships in Albany,

N.Y.

“Every year the tournament got a little different

for me,” the 197-pounder from Heber City, Utah said.

“I tried to put a smile on my face before my matches.

I just had a lot of help and a lot of support from a

lot of people.”

Sanderson, who has beat Trenge three times this

season, was never taken down in the NCAA tournament

and finished his career at an unprecedented 159-0.

The legendary Dan Gable, who watched Sanderson win

his fourth title, had his win streak snapped at 117

and won only two national titles as a Cyclone

wrestler. Pat Smith from Oklahoma, the only other

grappler to win four NCAA titles, also had a 98-match

win streak.

“I can’t really describe my emotions,” Sanderson

said afterward. “This was a real emotional tournament

for me. The finals – walking out there – it was hard.

I kind of looked up at the Iowa State fans for a

little bit and almost started crying so I looked away.

I just kind of tried to just look at it like I’ve been

saying the whole time, you know, keep things in

perspective.

“It meant a lot to have people support you and

appreciate you like that.”

Sanderson wasn’t the only Cyclone to win it all.

After three years of coming up just short, Cyclone

senior Joe Heskett won his first national title by

beating two seed Matt Lackey of Illinois, 4-2.

Heskett, the top-ranked wrestler at 165 pounds

scored a takedown with five seconds left in the match

to secure the victory. He had finished third as a

freshman and runner-up the past two seasons before

winning it all this year.

Junior 141-pounder Aaron Holker will also return to

Ames with a national championship as he beat

second-seeded Eric Larkin of Arizona State, 10-5.

Holker was a five seed.

The three national champions propelled the Cyclones

to a second place finish at the meet, behind the

Minnesota Golden Gophers.