Cael Sanderson continued his winning ways Monday night at the ISU wrestling banquet Monday night in the Jacobson Athletic Building.

Sanderson won the Cyclones Outstanding Wrestler Award for the second straight year, sharing the award with brother Cody.

“It’s an honor. We have a great team; every guy on this team is a good wrestler, so it means a lot,” Sanderson said.

Other awards included 197-pound national runner-up Zach Thompson with the Most Improved Award and heavyweight Trent Hynek was awarded the Dr. Wise Burroughs Leadership Award.

Heavyweight Mark Knauer won the team’s Perseverance Award and Zach Roberson was recognized as the top freshman.

“I have a lot of pride when I talk about these guys. If I could find a way to recruit heart, I would be the best coach in the country. With these guys it looks like I’ve done that,” said Cyclone coach Bobby Douglas.

Last month Sanderson capped off his sophomore season by winning his second national title at 184 pounds at the NCAA Championships in St. Louis. Sanderson also earned the meet’s Outstanding Wrestler Award for the second straight year.

Sanderson finished the year with a 40-0 record which included 11 pins and 14 technical falls.

“Things went really well for me this year. I was focused and had a really good national tournament,” Sanderson said. “I think I was a little better and stronger this year over my freshman season.”

With 40 wins this season, Sanderson improved his two-year career record to 79-0 and stayed on course to make history.

Oklahoma State’s Pat Smith is the only wrestler in NCAA history to win four national titles but he suffered five losses along the way. Smith won 121 matches and Sanderson is on pace to easily pass that mark.

“I try not to worry about my record too much. I know I have two years left and I’m going to just keep taking it one match at a time,” Sanderson said. “It’s kind of hard for me to believe when I sit down and think of what I’ve accomplished so far. I’ve been real fortunate to stay healthy.”

Douglas has coached many standouts in his career and feels the best is yet to come from Sanderson.

“He’s 79-0. That’s perfect, I can’t find any adjectives that will say it better than that. He’s moving at a record pace and it’s scary where he can end up,” Douglas said.

While Sanderson is looking forward to going for another national title next year, he’s got big plans for the summer. He will be working for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team which will be competing in the Sydney Olympic Games this August.

Sanderson won a regional tournament at 187.5 pounds in Louisiana last week to move into the Olympic Trials where a victory will put him on the team.

“I’m definitely going for it in 2004 but I decided to give it a shot this year. I qualified for the Olympic Trials and I think I can do pretty well there. I’m going to give it everything I got,” Sanderson said.