Iowa State Wrestler Ties Gable’s Streak

Cael Sanderson, unbeaten in his college wrestling career, matched an Iowa State record with his 100th consecutive match victory Sunday.

Sanderson scored five takedowns before pinning Hofstra’s Ralph Everett at the 4:04 mark of the 184-pound match and tying Dan Gable’s school record that Iowa State lists as 100 consecutive victories from 1967-70. The NCAA does not keep such records, and other records have put Gable’s streak at 98.

Sanderson was later joined by Gable for a ceremony. Sanderson, a junior from Heber City, Utah, said he was glad to reach the milestone so he could focus on the rest of the season and a third consecutive NCAA championship.

“It’s time to move on and look forward to next week,” said Sanderson, 21-0 this season. “I was trying to score some points. That’s been my strategy and always is.”

Gable lost only once in 183 high school and college matches--in the 1970 NCAA finals. He went on to win an Olympic gold medal in 1972 without allowing a point, and later led Iowa to 15 NCAA championships in 21 seasons as coach.

“It’s a pretty special occasion when you have a guy who has broken a 30-year-old record,” Gable said. “He’s just a super guy. He’s so humble. He’s not through making accomplishments.”

Gable stopped short of calling Sanderson the best collegiate wrestler of all time.

“He’s ahead of anybody ever at this stage, but there’s a lot of time left [in his career] and that’s why he’s got to stay focused,” Gable said.

Iowa State Coach Bobby Douglas said he expects Sanderson to face greater challenges against college competition.

“Everybody’s going to be trying to make their name by beating Cael Sanderson,” Douglas said. “If he continues to train the way he’s training and is able stay focused, he shouldn’t have any problems.”