Several current and former ISU wrestlers took to the mats to get some early season work in preparation for the upcoming season.

Cael Sanderson, wrestling in the 187.25-pound weight class, won a gold medal to help boost the United States to a slim victory over Turkey in the World Wrestling Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

After losing in the first round to Alexei Kaziev of Russia 4-2, Sanderson bounced back in the finals, decisioning Mahid Khodaee of Iran 4-2.

“I hope it’s helped me out a lot,” Sanderson said. “Preseason gets me in focus for what I have to do in the regular season.”

Cyclone wrestler Joe Heskett was crowned champion in Phoenix, Arizona at the Sunkist Kids International Wrestling Open Tournament.

Heskett beat Frank Trigg 3-0 in the finals of the 167.5-pound championship bracket. Heskett blew away his competition in the preliminary rounds, winning by technical falls twice and pinning his semifinal opponent in 4:43.

“My whole goal this year is for later in the season,” Heskett said. “I feel in pretty good shape and it gave me a good outlook on what I needed to work on before the season starts.”

Former Cyclone wrestler Cody Sanderson added four wins to his career record after participating in the Sunkist International Tournament. Sanderson won with decisions over Jeremy Hunter, 3-2 and Hiroki Sekikawa, 3-0. Sanderson’s last two victories were by technical falls.

ISU wrestlers Matt Azevedo, Zach Roberson, and assistant coach Chris Bono also competed in the Sunkist Tournament. Azevedo and Roberson earned sixth and ninth place finishes in the 127.75-pound bracket, respectively.

The Cyclones are back in action Sunday traveling to Columbia for the Missouri Open. Twenty teams will be competing, including several Big 10 and Big 12 schools.