The Iowa State wrestling team, ranked as one of the top five collegiate teams in the United States, has a history of being not only one of the best but also being a pioneer of the sport.

“We hold the best dual meet record in the country,” said Bobby Douglas, ISU head wrestling coach. “We hosted the first national tournament and have perhaps hosted more national tournaments than any other school.”

Such traditions have made ISU famous for wrestling, and Douglas said today’s wrestlers could go as far as legends Dan Gable or Chris Taylor did 30 years ago.

“Some of these guys have Olympic potential,” he said. “These kids are great athletes and an exciting team. The students and Ames community should really get behind them.”

Douglas said increased student support would send his team to the top.

“I’m excited, the team is excited, and when the student body is excited — look out,” he said.

The popularity of wrestling is not unique to ISU. The sport is celebrated throughout Iowa.

“If the state’s known for anything, it’s wrestling,” said Bobby Thompson, Ames High School head wrestling coach. “The high school wrestling meets sometimes draw in more fans than basketball. You just don’t find that anywhere else.”

Douglas said the nation’s best high school wrestling recruits are drawn to the state of Iowa.

“This is where the spotlight is,” he said. “The future of American wrestling goes where Iowa’s wrestling goes.”

Thompson said the Iowa High School State Wrestling Tournament in Des Moines also draws an incredible amount of fans.

“This year’s finals tickets were sold out after the first day of sales,” Thompson said.

The tournament, which is broadcast on Iowa Public Television, will be held at Veterans Memorial Auditorium the last week of February, with wrestling fans filling many of Des Moines’ hotels.

Carol Chambers, department manager of Des Moines’ Savery Hotel & Spa, Fourth Street and Locust, said the weekend is “frantic, busy — people everywhere.”

“It’s such a big event, and we always look forward to that time of year,” Chambers said. “The fans are amazing; they have so much spirit.”

Thompson attributed wrestling’s popularity and success in Iowa to the history and tradition of the sport.

“We have second-, third-generation wrestlers, following the traditions of their parents and grandparents,” he said. “Wrestling is different than other sports. There are closer bonds, and there’s more interaction.”

Cael Sanderson, ISU’s undefeated 184-pound wrestler, was drawn to the sport by tradition.

“My dad was a high school coach; my brothers wrestled,” Sanderson said. “I was always around it, always at tournaments.”

Ranked No. 2 in the nation, Sanderson has goals of being an Olympic champion as well as ascending to the No. 1 ranking.

“It’s my goals that keep me sticking with it,” he said. “I want to be the best.”

Douglas’ goals for the future include winning the national title, beating the University of Iowa wrestling team and hosting some large meets in Ames, such as the Olympic trials, all-star meets and national tournaments. ISU will host the Big 12 Wrestling Tournament in March.

“Hosting these events gives fans a chance to see the stars, the best of the best,” he said.