By Katie Davis
Big 12 Sports
Iowa State head coach Cael Sanderson 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.
Big 12 Coach of the Year
1997 — John Smith, Oklahoma State
1998 — John Smith, Oklahoma State
1999 — Jack Spates, Oklahoma
Bobby Douglas, Iowa State
2000 — Bobby Douglas, Iowa State
2001 — John Smith, Oklahoma State
2002 — Jake Spates, Oklahoma
2003 — John Smith, Oklahoma State
2004 — John Smith, Oklahoma State
2005 — John Smith, Oklahoma State
2006 — Jack Spates, Oklahoma
John Smith, Oklahoma State
2007 — Cael Sanderson, Iowa State
Wrestling Gear
