AMES, Iowa — Cody Sanderson, a two-time 133-pound NCAA finalist as an Iowa State wrestler who has been the head wrestling coach at Utah Valley State the last three seasons, has joined the Cyclone coaching staff as associate head coach. The staff addition was announced Friday by ISU head coach Cael Sanderson, Cody’s younger brother. Cael Sanderson hired former Iowa assistant coach Tim Hartung earlier this month.
“People who know Cody will be thrilled by his addition to our coaching staff, “Cael Sanderson said. “He knows Iowa State but has also been a head coach the last three seasons and will bring unique experience to the wrestling room. Cody is smart. He is driven to be successful. Ultimately, he is someone I trust and respect. He did a lot to help our wrestlers during his time in Ames. Our wrestlers will attest to his contributions.
The only wrestling coach that Utah Valley State has known, Cody Sanderson built the Wolverine program in Orem from scratch starting in 2003. His team won six its last seven dual meets this season.
“I am anxious and excited to return to Ames, “Cody Sanderson said. “Iowa State University has been great to my family. Coaching at UVSC was a very unique experience. Forming a new Division I wrestling team has, at times, been especially challenging. Because of those challenges, I feel that I am better prepared to help Iowa State wrestlers reach their goals.”
Cody Sanderson grew up with brothers Cael and Cole in Heber City, Utah. He wrestled for his father Steve at Wasatch High School. Cody Sanderson was a four-time state champion, two-time junior national champion and his high school’s valedictorian.
Cody Sanderson’s Iowa State credentials include: two-time NCAA runner-up, two-time All-American, Big 12 champion, Big 12 Most Outstanding Wrestler honoree, four-time NCAA Tournament qualifier, Midlands champion and two-time academic all-American.
Sanderson wrestled at Iowa State from 1996-2000. He finished his career with 116 wins, ranking 17th on the all-time ISU win list. He made the NCAA 133-pound championship match as a junior (1999) and as a senior (2000), posting a 62-9 record his last two collegiate seasons. He was also the Big 12 133-pound champion his senior season.
He served as captain of the Cyclones in 1999 and 2000 for lSU head coach Bobby Douglas. In 1999, Iowa State finished fourth at the NCAA Championships and a year later finished second nationally. Sanderson also wrestled internationally for Coach Douglas.
Cody Sanderson wrestled for the USA national team. He was a Sunkist International Open champion, runner-up at the Dave Schultz International Open and a three-time University national champion.
His coaching career began where his collegiate career ended, at Iowa State, where Sanderson served as an administrative assistant before heading for Utah Valley State.
Sanderson served as the Cyclone Wrestling Club coach for three years, where his teams competed in the University National Championships, United States national championships, United States World Team Trials, Junior World Team Trials, and the Espoir National Championships. Sanderson has also assisted with the Utah National Team for the past seven years and is a certified Bronze Level Coach with USA Wrestling.
Sanderson earned his bachelor’s degree from Iowa State in psychology.
Cody married his wife Sarah on July 17, 1999 in Hudson, Wisconsin. They met at Iowa State where Sarah was a member of the ISU gymnastics team. Together they have a son, Kade and a daughter, Tylar Ann.
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