By Dick Kelly
A week from today, many of the best amateur wrestlers in the U.S. will be in Ames for the World Team Trials.
Ironic as it seems, the most accomplished wrestler in Iowa State history won’t be participating and another of ISU’s best-ever is questionable.
Four-time undefeated NCAA champion Cael Sanderson has not competed since winning a gold medal in the 2004 Olympic Games and said this week he may not wrestle competitively again.
Though eligible for the Trials because of his Olympic victory, Sanderson hasn’t trained since walking off the mat in Athens, Greece, last August.
Questionable for next Saturday and Sunday is former ISU national champion Joe Heskett. Heskett, who joined Sanderson as NCAA champions in 2002, suffered a torn pectoral muscle at the U.S. Senior Freestyle Wrestling Championships in late April.
He underwent surgery five weeks ago.
“Right now I’m taking it a day at a time, seeing how my flexibility and strength is coming along, “Heskett said. “Regardless whether I show up or not, the people of Ames have always been great to me, and I really look forward to seeing them.”
Heskett said his injury is the only thing that would keep him from participating. He said the rehabilitation process has required a lot of time, but he is feeling good.
“I feel as good as I can feel, “Heskett said. “It’s just been something you have to deal with, and I’m fine dealing with it. I try to look at the bright side of things. I get to spend more time with my family. Wrestling is a huge part of my life, but it’s not the only part of my life.”
Heskett and his wife, Tara, have a four-month-old daughter, Olivia.
“I really couldn’t be more happy, “Heskett said. “I’m disappointed that I have the injury from a wrestling standpoint, but not disappointed in the way life is shaping up.”
Heskett probably will be a No. 5 seed at 163 pounds if he is able to compete.
Since completing his collegiate eligibility, Heskett has been the second-best wrestler in the weight class behind former Iowa All-American Joe Williams.
Heskett was on track to meet Williams in the finals of the National Championships back in April, but was upset by Kirk White in the semifinals and injured himself in a consolation match.
White will be the No. 2 seed.
Winners at each weight class automatically qualify for the World Wrestling Championships Sept. 23-Oct. 3 in Budapest, Hungary.
The World Team Trials includes Greco-Roman and women’s competition in addition to freestyle.
Heskett, a four-time All-American at ISU and third on the career wins list with 143, just completed his second season as an assistant coach with the Cal Poly wrestling program.
He’ll receive his master’s degree in educational leadership in December. He hopes to eventually enter the business world.
“I plan on coaching for a few more years, “Heskett said. “I like business and I like the athletic administration part of my degree as well. Being an athletic director is a definite interest.”
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