Reader comments: Sanderson continues wrestling legacy as a coach

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Do MMA! | 1:09 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
I for one would LOVE to see Sanderson continue competing by moving into Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

Several wrestlers have made the transition and have done well in the UFC - athletes that Sanderson would dominate on the mat.

The best thing Cael could do for wrestling is to move into MMA - and someone with his talent could train stand up and submission wrestling for two years and be ready to go.

He is only 29 and some of the top MMA players are just hitting their stride in their mid 30s.

C'mon Cael - THROWDOWN!
birdman | 3:11 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
What Cael did is the greatest sports accomplishment in the last ten years. I admire him more than Tiger Woods, more than Michael Phelps, and even more than Lance Armstrong.
Jim Ritchie | 6:01 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
It has been a pleasure to live 'next door' to Cael and his family when they were growing up. They were always exemplary young men and role models for all their peers. We have traveled a lot and whenever anyone asked where we came from nearly all would ask if we new this famous young man and his family. It always made us feel like we were celebrities when they found out we knew them. Thanks for giving all young people something to shoot for in life.
Comments continue below
Wrestling Parent | 6:23 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Cael Sanderson is one of the top five sports heros of our generation. Cael, Thank you for being great! PS, my cousin's claim to fame is getting his butt kicked by you at a wrestling meet in Nephi when you were in junior high.
question | 10:46 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
If Cael is so good, and i'm not denying his ability, why isn't he in Beijing right now? Did he not qualify?
Real Cougar | 12:07 a.m. Aug. 17, 2008
Cael Sanderson is arguably the greatest athlete to ever grace the presence of the NCAA in all sports. I know I'm biased towards wrestlers, which is why I say 'arguably,' but the man is a Giant among Mice.

Way to go, Cael. I hope Utah keeps treating you well. Any plans to move back to Heber and retire?
question/response | 10:58 a.m. Aug. 18, 2008
Cael takes his role of head coach at Iowa State seriously and has not been hanging on to a dream he has already accomplished of the Olympics. He did not even compete so there is no chance to qualify.

While I'd love to see him at this years Olympics I completely respect his ability to retire and walk away unlike so many other athletes out there (Brett Favre, et al).

As a wrestler Cael will have his name as part of the best ever wrestler conversation from now on along side Dan Gable and John Smith and arguably a few others (although I don't think there are others outside of these 3 in the U.S.).

Now he is trying to match the continued legacy of coaching the best to become the best like Dan & John have done at Iowa and OSU respectively. Good luck with that Cael. The wrestling world is lucky to have had you.
Jim Micka | 11:20 a.m. Aug. 25, 2008
My godson is named Cael, after Sanderson. I'm proud to be his godfather and am impressed by Mr. Sanderson's awesome accomplishments.I hadn't even heard of the man until my younger brother John (Cael's daddy) started bragging on him along about Sanderson's senior year. It is unbelievable what Sanderson did during his college career. I will be following his coaching carreer very carefully. Maybe you'll be hearing about another Cael(my grandson) from Iowa in about 15 years or so!

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Cael Sanderson works with young athletes at his wrestling camp. (Jason Olson, Deseret News)
Jason Olson, Deseret News
Cael Sanderson works with young athletes at his wrestling camp.