AUBURN HILLS — The Sanderson name is synonymous with wrestling.
So it’s no wonder the Iowa State program has become a family affair for the Sandersons.
Cael Sanderson was named coach before this season, and his first duty was to surround himself with a coaching staff he could trust. He didn’t have to look far.
Sanderson hired brother Cody as associate head coach and also brought on brother Cole as nutritional advisor. Little brother Cyler, a freshman, is competing in his first championships.
“My family has been a big part of my wrestling. You trust your family, you believe in them and that was a big thing for me in making sure I got the right staff on board, “Cael Sanderson said during Wednesday’s coaches’ news conference at The Palace.
“It’s been a lot of fun having Cyler on the team, too. I’ve had to separate the fact that he is my brother when we’re on the mat.
“It’s tough love with him, but that’s how it is with all of the guys.”
Cael is a four-time NCAA champion (159-0) at Iowa State and won a gold medal in the 2004 Olympics.
Cody was a three-time Iowa State All-American and Cole was four-time Iowa State letter-winner.
Cael became the first Iowa State coach to win a Big 12 Conference title in his first season.
For the first time since 1986, the Cyclones will send a wrestler in every weight division to the championships.
All four brothers were coached by father, Steve, at Wasatch Heber High in Utah.
Enough already
Sam Hazewinkel is sick of finishing third.
The Oklahoma senior has finished third the past three seasons and is hoping 2007 is the year to break the mold.
“I’m excited to be here. It’s my senior year and I have a little bit of senioritis, “Hazewinkel said. “I’m getting excited to win a title this year. I’ve had three thirds and there is something about it being your last year.
“You’re excited about coming in to win and I’m excited to win.”
Next in line
Josh Churella wants to win an NCAA title not just for himself, but for his family, too.
His father, Dave , won national championships at Michigan in 1977, ’78 and ’79. Brother Ryan was a runner-up for Michigan at 165 pounds last year.
Churella was one spot from placing last year and hopes to use his No. 3 seed and Big Ten runner-up finish at 149 pounds for a championship run this season.
“I feel pressure, but it’s internal pressure, “Churella said. “It’s not so much living up to my dad and brother, but living up to me. I don’t like to let myself down.”
On a roll
Minnesota heavyweight Cole Konrad is on some kind of roll.
The defending NCAA heavyweight champion has won 71 consecutive matches dating to 2005.
Konrad’s streak is the second-longest current win streak in the NCAA to Missouri’s Ben Askren (81), who is going for his second consecutive title at 174 pounds.
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