Iowa State head wrestling coach Cael Sanderson, who was
named the National Coach of the Year earlier this month, has been named Big 12
Wrestling Coach of the Year in a vote by the conference
coaches.
Sanderson collects the honor as a first-year head coach for
the Cyclones. He lead his team to the Big 12 Championship title and a
second-place finish at the NCAA Championships.
The former 2004 Olympic gold medalist
had 10 individuals qualify to compete in the NCAA Championships. Sanderson also
coached Trent Paulson (157) to his first national title.
During his years as a competitor,
Sanderson became the first wrestler in history to win four NCAA titles while
also completing an undefeated career (159-0) at Iowa State University. His
older brother Cody Sanderson serves as the associate head coach, while younger
brother Cyler is a redshirt freshman for the
Cyclones.