AMES, Iowa — In his debut as head wrestling coach, Cael Sanderson guided the Cyclones in a dominating 46-0 win over Buena Vista Friday night at Ames High School. Coming in as the number one recruiting class in 2005 by Amateur Wrestling News, six redshirt freshmen proved themselves by recording wins, four of which resulted in bonus points. Cyler Sanderson (149), Jake Varner (184) and Nick Fanthorpe (125) led the ISU charge as they each recorded season opening pins.
“Our guys looked great tonight, “first-year head coach Cael Sanderson said. “We are always looking to improve and that is what these early matches are for. It is all about preparation. Our freshmen worked hard out there and showed a lot of effort. They kept wrestling at the end and were able to get points. If they keep doing that, they are going to improve at rapid rates.”
Recording the first pin of the season was Cyler Sanderson at 149 pounds. In the first period alone, Sanderson took Calvin Barber down four times to put him up 11-5 after the first period. He then opened the second period from the down position and scored a reversal and nearly pinned Barber by scoring a three-point nearfall. He then stuck Barber’s shoulders to the mat to take the win by fall at the 3:58 mark.
“The win felt great, “Sanderson said. “I have been waiting a long time to wrestle for the Cyclones. I am real happy with how my match went and I am looking forward to the rest of the season.”
Following up Sanderson’s performance was two-time All-American Trent Paulson. Paulson, who is ranked second at 157-pounds, scored a 13-4 major decision against Aaron Cook.
At 184-pounds, Jake Varner wasted no time as he scored an early takedown on Austin Hayes. Varner, who tallied 132 falls during his prep career, pinned Hayes in a mere 1:07.
“The pin felt really good, “Varner said. “It was exciting because my adrenaline was pumping. The crowd was great and I wanted to wrestle for the fans. I cannot wait to wrestle in Hilton Coliseum.”
Moving up from 184-pounds, Kurt Backes added bonus points by scoring a 20-6 technical fall in 4:53 over Brian Stueve. Backes attacked early by taking down Sueve four times in the first period alone and tacking on a two-point nearfall with 10 seconds left. He then scored three more takedowns in the second period, along with a reversal and another two-point nearfall.
Closing out the dual at 125-pounds, redshirt freshman Nick Fanthorpe recorded the third pin of the night by sticking Julian Gunnels with 17 seconds left in the match. Fanthorpe began to take control of the match during the second period by taking a four-point lead via takedown and a two-point nearfall. He then took down Gunnels twice more in the third before pinning him.
“I knew he was getting tired, “Fanthorpe said. “I saw the opportunity and was able to get the pin. I had a lot of fun out there in my first collegiate match.”
Iowa State will travel to Fort Dodge to take part in the Harold Nichols Open Saturday at Iowa Central Community College. Last season the Cyclones brought back four individual titles. ISU will return to Ames on Nov. 26 as they play host to Arizona State at 7 p.m.
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