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Young Sanderson Enjoying ISU Career
02.21.2008 | Wrestling
Ames, Iowa -- Now in his sophomore year as an Iowa State wrestler, Cyler Sanderson is living up to the family name.
The Cyclone standout is tied for most wins on the Iowa State wrestling team with 25 victories to his credit thus far this season. The key to his success, he and his coaches agree, is his intensity and refusal to accept anything less than perfection. He shares the same intensity that led his brothers Cole, Cody, and Cael to such great success in their ISU careers. Cyler attributes each brother's success to working under their father, Steve. Steve Sanderson coached all four of his sons at Wasatch High School in Heber City, Utah.
“There is a style that each of us learned from our father,” Cyler said. “You keep on going and keep on going and you do not stop until you get what you want.”
It is evident that Cyler has benefited from being surrounded by Cael Sanderson, ISU's head coach and Cody Sanderson, the associate head coach on the ISU staff. Each shares Cyler's aggressive mentality, and used it to their advantage in the past.
“I did not know that Cael was going to be coach when I came to Iowa State,” Cyler said, “I was looking forward to learning under (former ISU head) coach (Bobby) Douglas. When he stepped down, I was glad that Cael was his replacement. Coach Douglas was Cael's coach, and Cael coaches a lot like his mentor. I knew that Cael sets high goals and standards for himself and his wrestlers, which is what I like, because it's what I do for myself.”
This year, Cyler's goals could not be any higher. He wants what every other wrestler strives for, a national championship.
Cody Sanderson says what distinguishes Cyler from most other wrestlers is that he understands what it is going to take to achieve his goal and is willing to do the necessary work.
“Cyler worked very hard this off-season, which has allowed me to concentrate on some of the technical aspects of the sport with him,” Cody said, “I think that doing that extra work has improved his strength and speed, as well as his confidence, and he has put himself into a good position to compete for a national championship.”
Despite the high goals that each of the Sandersons set in their wrestling careers, they have been able to achieve their successes and keep their intensity up because of the importance they place on each individual match.
“Growing up, we always had an expectation of success,” Cody said, “but more important than that was always giving 100 percent.”
Cyler is trying to keep the delicate balance between preparing for the national meet, and being sure not to look past his remaining matches.
“My goal is always to wrestle as hard as I can,” Cyler said. “That is my goal the rest of the way out. I think that wrestling my best and hardest in practice and on the mat for the rest of the season is the best way to ensure that I will be wrestling my best and hardest in the national meet.”
“If Cyler continues to work as hard as he is now, a national championship will follow,” Cody said.
It is clear that Cyler Sanderson will be happy with nothing less.
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