Sanderson Hates Ames, Takes Penn State Coaching Job
by The Mexican't on Apr 17, 2009 2:40 PM CDT
62 comments
[Bumped. Inconsolability, thy name is Jamie Pollard.]
Apparently, being a top 5 wrestling school in the country isn't enough to keep coaches in Ames. KCRG is reporting that Cael Sanderson, Iowa State alum, will be abandoning his post in Ames to coach the Nittany Lions. I have no idea what Jamie Pollard is doing, but it sure feels like he's trying to run Cyclone athletics into the ground. Regardless, there is really only one thing left to say:
[Maybe two things left to say - Ed.] 
[Oh, just one more little tidbit we didn't want to get buried in the comments: It's Veishea weekend over there in Ames. Happy partying, guys! Don't drink angry!]
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If this means another press conference
where Jamie Pollard goes third person and cries, I’m all for it.
by telepathetic on Apr 17, 2009 2:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think we know the result
Jamie Pollard was inconsolable.
I ate the blue ones ... they taste like burning.
by HoyaGoon on Apr 17, 2009 3:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
HAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA
OMG, such unbridled irrepressible near-masturbatory joy at Clown Nation’s sadness. Let this be the final nail in their coffin of sports irrelevancy once and for all.
by Bucketochicken on Apr 17, 2009 3:09 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Question
How good has ISU been under Cael Sanderson? Not enough time to tell?
/serious off
Have a "great HD day!" - Jay Paterno
by ReadingRambler on Apr 17, 2009 3:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
better than the Bobby Douglas years
his recruiting classes were doing well, and we’ve been quite competitive as a top 3-5 team since he took over.
Inconsolable
by CrossCyed on Apr 17, 2009 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Serious question
Has this been a long-standing concern (that Sanderson might leave) or is it catching ISU/its fans off-guard? In other words, has the writing been on the wall in re Sanderson looking to leave, or was this a shock?
I ate the blue ones ... they taste like burning.
by HoyaGoon on Apr 17, 2009 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Has not been a concern.
He’s either the #1 or #2 paid college coach in the nation. It’d be the same level of shock if we hired Mack Brown to be our FB coach.
by CrossCyed on Apr 17, 2009 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Despite the dick-ish-ness of the initial post
I am in absolute shock. Cael Sanderson is/was Iowa State wrestling. To see Sanderson bolt to coach at Penn State is highly confusing. Obviously winning in the BigTen makes any coach look great, but it’s not like Sanderson needed to prove anything. Iowa State was becoming a perennial wrestling powerhouse, and the move can only be seen as lateral, at best.
Plus, I believe there are two Sanderson boys on the Iowa State wrestling squad, which makes the move even more confusing.
¿Quieres chiclets?
by The Mexican't on Apr 17, 2009 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cyler
is a RS junior, another Sanderson is an assistant coach.
by CrossCyed on Apr 17, 2009 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There we go.
I knew Cyler had another year left, but was under the impression that another, younger, brother was making the trek from UT.
Any word on whether the coaching staff will follow?
¿Quieres chiclets?
by The Mexican't on Apr 17, 2009 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's bad enough when your HC bails on you...
But it’s an extra twist of the knife or three when said HC is your big brother. Ouch.
by RossWB on Apr 17, 2009 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe you meant
winning in the Big XII. Last time I checked, Iowa State was not part of the Big Eleven Ten
I ate the blue ones ... they taste like burning.
by HoyaGoon on Apr 17, 2009 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is nothing “lateral” about it. Mr. Sanderson is no fool. Do a little research and find out how many of the ten 2009 NCAA Div. 1 champions attended high school within no more than a four-drive from the Penn State campus. Then the light should go on. As a U. of I. alum, I can say this: Within three years or so, the Hawkeyes will be an also-ran behind Penn State in the Big Ten and nationally. Mr. Sanderson is going to cash in big with the high school wrestlers in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Virginia, and that is all it is going to take to dominate college wrestling for years going forward. It is going to look like Dan Gable started over and became a Penn Stater. It wish it were not so, but—as Walter might have said—that’s the way it is.
by Whitehall on Apr 20, 2009 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
(insert rolling emoticon)
I do what I can.
by Anonymous Hero on Apr 20, 2009 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So you're saying that now that Sanderson is on PA he'll be better able to recruit the Northeast?
If that’s the case, why does it take moving to PA to recruit kids from the northeast? Do they put a massive emphasis on proximity to home? If they really wanted to wrestle for Sanderson, then they could have done so in Ames. Wasn’t it just last year that he hauled in the #1 recruiting class in the country?
I’m not buying that the northeast talent will want to stay close to home so badly that Penn State will all of a sudden become this massive wrestling powerhouse. If Sanderson really left Ames to make recruiting easier then I can’t see any reason for State fans to be upset. A coach’s results will lure recruits, kids play football at USC & Florida because it gives them the best shot at a National Title, wrestlers head to Iowa, Iowa State, Minnesota, and Okie State for the very same reason. Penn State is definitely going to benefit from hiring Sanderson, but I don’t know that Sanderson will necessarily benefit from heading to Penn State.
¿Quieres chiclets?
by The Mexican't on Apr 20, 2009 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Northeast talent WILL want to stay close to home so badly that Penn State all of a sudden become this massive wrestling powerhouse
It’s true. PSU loses heaps of recruits every year to smaller PA schools like Edinboro, Clarion, Lock Haven, Lehigh. And no, those dudes do not want to go Ames to wrestle for Sanderson.
They will, however, quickly go to State College to wrestle for him.
Hey, this game is fun too and you can make it fun. --j. odrick
But I’m biased towards tailgating, as you may imagine. -ts
Ignore the accolades – just enjoy the games. -bb&w
by jtothep on Apr 22, 2009 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No doubt he'll get more of them to head to State College
But the reality is that he has the same 9.9 scholarships to divvy up for those “heaps of recruits” just like everyone else. He won’t be able to get everyone he wants – probably even if they agree to take very little scholarship coin (and if they’re studs, they’re not likely to do that when/if other schools are able to offer them more scholarship coin). I just don’t see how he’s going to be able to hoard all those guys. There’s a pretty strong B10 program one state over in Ohio that will be in on many of those exact same kids. Cornell is in the vicinity and has a strong wrestling program — and the ability to give kids an excellent and prestigious education, too. Not to mention that there are always kids looking to spread out and look more national in scope.
I don’t think anyone is suggesting that Penn State isn’t going to get a lot better. But the suggestion that the rest of the country may as well mail it in is simply retarded.
by RossWB on Apr 22, 2009 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough
Never any reason for any competitive team to mail it in. And good point about the number of scholarships.
I think mostly PSU fans are looking forward to an end to underachieving.
Hey, this game is fun too and you can make it fun. --j. odrick
But I’m biased towards tailgating, as you may imagine. -ts
Ignore the accolades – just enjoy the games. -bb&w
by jtothep on Apr 23, 2009 4:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sanderson was already getting top-rated classes.
And doing fuck-all with them (oh wait, he won the Big 12 5… congrats on beating four other schools). Until that changes, I fail to see why we need to live in terror of the mythical PSU sleeping giant. There actually is talent outside of the PA area, too, and there are coaches who have proven track records at molding and improving that talent (such as Brands, Smith, Robinson).
I have no doubt Penn State will be improved and strong team in the years to come. But proclaiming them the new giant of college wrestling is asinine.
by RossWB on Apr 20, 2009 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and if Ross says that’s the case, I believe it.
by txhawkeye on Apr 21, 2009 7:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll take that asinine!
and jump on the New Giant proclamation.
And congrats on your bhgp promotion!
Hey, this game is fun too and you can make it fun. --j. odrick
But I’m biased towards tailgating, as you may imagine. -ts
Ignore the accolades – just enjoy the games. -bb&w
by jtothep on Apr 22, 2009 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A kick in the ’nads for the Clowns. You gotta love it!
by Bluzmn on Apr 17, 2009 3:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Pollard's statement:
Pollard’s Statement on Sanderson
permalink
"Cael (Sanderson) shared with me today that he has accepted the head coaching position at Penn State. I am extremely saddened for our institution’s student-athletes, staff, alums and fans. It is a difficult day for all Cyclones as we cope with the departure of a truly outstanding and accomplished student and coach. Cael’s unblemished collegiate record, Olympic glory and promising start as a coach all came while he was representing Iowa State University and he will forever be recognized as a Cyclone."
"During the last week, Cael and I talked numerous times and we had several in-depth and personal discussions about this decision. Those talks included me asking what, if anything, could we do to keep him at Iowa State. I also asked President (Gregory) Geoffroy, Bill Fennelly and Greg McDermott to reach out to Cael and they all did so. In the end, Cael said that he appreciated everything Iowa State and our fans had done for him but he believes winning a national championship will be easier at Penn State. He said the high school talent in Pennsylvania and surrounding states is the best in the country and the kids in that area grow up wanting to wrestle for the Nittany Lions. He also said their overall athletics department resources are the best in the country."
"I know this has been a very challenging and emotional decision for Cael and his family. I encourage all of our fans to put aside their disappointment and, instead, respect Cael for making a decision that he believes is in the best interest of his family. We are sad to see him leave, but we certainly wish him the best."
"We will begin a national search for his replacement immediately and focus our full attention on identifying and recruiting a new coach who can add to the Iowa State championship legacies of former coaches Hugo Otopalik, Dr. Harold Nichols and Jim Gibbons."
by CrossCyed on Apr 17, 2009 3:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
pollard putting words in caels mouth
not a smart decision
inconsolable
I do what I can.
by Anonymous Hero on Apr 17, 2009 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
also, nice shot at cael by not putting him in the last line
I do what I can.
by Anonymous Hero on Apr 17, 2009 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think it was a shot
Those are COACHES that won championships. Cael didn’t do that as a coach. Just bettered Gable as a student.
In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.
- Thomas Jefferson
by Hawkeyewith49Jackrabbits on Apr 17, 2009 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So, he'd rather scoop in-state talent at PA
Than actually have to sell recruits on the program he’s built at Iowa State? It’s not like it should have been difficult to convince recruits to come from PA to IA. The weather at Penn State can’t be much better, State was a program already at/near the top of the food chain, and the facilities were sure to follow, assuming they’re not already at an elite level.
I guess I just don’t buy it.
¿Quieres chiclets?
by The Mexican't on Apr 17, 2009 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
its pollard trying to rationalize it
i doubt those are the main reason cael left
I do what I can.
by Anonymous Hero on Apr 17, 2009 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A Cyclone Fanatic poster put this up, and I like it.
by CrossCyed on Apr 17, 2009 4:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Amazing, simply amazing
That person is a true genius.
I ate the blue ones ... they taste like burning.
by HoyaGoon on Apr 18, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Something is clearly not right in Ames. Losing Sanderson, an icon on par with Gable there, to a school with a modest wrestling tradition is crazy. Oh wait, they did do this once before (thanks Iowa State!). Next statement from the University President thanking Jamie Pollard for all of his contributions to the school …. in 3, 2, …….
by txhawkeye on Apr 17, 2009 4:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
And
What did Penn State to do get him? Or is it looking so bad around there, that he’s just getting out?
I’d say this is a step down, considering I can’t remember the last time Penn State was in the running for the national championship.
by chitownhawkeye on Apr 17, 2009 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My understanding..
…is that we threw a fucking metric assload of money at him. Like, more than quintupled his salary. I’m hearing $3M for 5 years.
"Never. We would never shoot nuclear weapons at Decepticons." -- Gen. Jack Jacobs
by Run Up The Score on Apr 17, 2009 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And while wrestling gets a big Meh from me...
…to see our athletic department identify a guy they really want and find the money to get him, it absolutely makes my pants tight to think about our post-Paterno hiring. Our university prez has made a lot of statements that he doesn’t want to pay a lot for the next coach, but this is a good sign that they’ll find a way to get it done — endowment/booster money.
"Never. We would never shoot nuclear weapons at Decepticons." -- Gen. Jack Jacobs
by Run Up The Score on Apr 17, 2009 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Holy shit
So, um, 11 home games for football now?
Have a "great HD day!" - Jay Paterno
by ReadingRambler on Apr 17, 2009 6:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Penn State is a year removed from finishing third
Their regression this year is why they sprung for Sanderson.
by PSU Nick on Apr 17, 2009 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Third in the NCAA tourney, that is.
PSU is hardly a school with a ‘modest wrestling tradition’.
Cael wants to get his hands on Pa.’s HS class of ’10 sooo bad. Of course, so does every coach in the country.
'People are about as happy as they decide they want to be'
by Pete the Streak on Apr 18, 2009 5:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Everyday is like Christmas....
when Pollard loses a coach! Seriously, I hope they keep him on forever, the clowns reputation as a sports school is getting dimmer and dimmer! A round of applause for Pollard!!!!
by MexHawk on Apr 17, 2009 4:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
A Thought
Jamie Pollard has spent a lot of money in facilities and other improvements, leaving the athletic department in a tight but functional position, given ticket projections.
Unfortunately, with the combination of losing teams and a bad economy leading to lower sales (not to mention contract buyouts), ISU could be backed into a financial corner.
Possibly you have to make deep budget cuts.
The only place you can make deep budget cuts is where you actually have a deep budget, but not where cuts would effect your real money makers (football and basketball).
Could such cuts in wrestling be coming? And knowing the cuts were coming, would Sanderson be looking for an out?
by TrueAndValiant on Apr 17, 2009 4:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
not if pollard is serious about keeping his job
I do what I can.
by Anonymous Hero on Apr 17, 2009 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would think
that with the exception of Title IX concerns taking over, wrestling would be among the last to have any serious cuts because it’s a sport with a proven record of success.
However, if Sanderson had heard rumblings to that effect, then yes, it would make sense for him.
by chitownhawkeye on Apr 17, 2009 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hahahahhaa holy shit
He’s one of the most beloved people in school history, had a great contract, and a loaded team coming back…and he STILL couldn’t stand the idea of staying in Ames. Awesome.
by NorseHawk on Apr 17, 2009 5:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I am completely stunned and laughing my ass off...
He’s arguably their greatest wrestling alum ever (him or Gable, probably, and Gable can’t match Cael’s undefeated record and 4 NCAA titles), already one of the 2-3 highest paid coaches in the sport, and had one of the teams expected to be among the strongest challengers to Iowa for the national title next year… and he still decided to bolt. LOL.
The ongoing failure of the Pollard Era is the greatest gift in Iowa-ISU schadenfreude history since the Two Jims (Criner and Walden) Era in ISU football. Two of his three major coaching hires have bolted and the one guy left (McD) hasn’t exactly impressed so far. Supposedly he’s galvanized the ISU fundraising forces better than anyone before… if that’s the case, he’d better hope they’re still in a giving mood even though the results so far have been middling and future expectations are low. ISU’s AD relies on state funding a lot more than Iowa’s AD and a budget crunch is a-comin’… Maybe the Inconsolable Mr. Pollard can try to beg for some bailout money…
by RossWB on Apr 17, 2009 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"and Gable can’t match Cael’s undefeated record and 4 NCAA titles".
By one match – a 3-2 loss in the NCAA finals his senior year (to Washington’s Larry Owings, in the biggest upset of recorded time). Kept him from a perfect lifetime record in HS, college, Olympics and Worlds.
Not that Cael isn’t a stud. He most certainly is, and we’re happy to have him.
'People are about as happy as they decide they want to be'
by Pete the Streak on Apr 18, 2009 6:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
On the other hand, maybe Cael felt like he just didn't get whupped by Brands enough...
Taking it on the chin in the Iowa-ISU dual meet and at nationals just wasn’t enough, I guess. He wanted to add a beatdown at the Big Ten Championships to the mix, too…
by RossWB on Apr 17, 2009 6:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
And as far as the idea that PA talent is so much better than IA talent...
Some good for thought:
All time # of NCAA champions from Pennsylvania high schools: 72
Number that attended Penn State: 11
Number that attended other PA colleges: 31
Number that attended Iowa: 0
Number that attended Iowa St.: 3
Number that attended other out-of-state colleges: 27
All time # of NCAA champions from Iowa high schools: 74
Number that attended Iowa: 24
Number that attended Iowa St.: 26
Number that attended other Iowa colleges: 14
Number that attended Penn St: 0
Number that attended other out-of-state colleges: 10
(thanks to overeasy on the Hawkeye Report Wrestling board)
That said, there is definitely a lot of good wrestling talent in Pennsylvania. And now he won’t have to recruit against an in-state rival as tenacious as Brands…
by RossWB on Apr 17, 2009 6:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Them stats are interesting
Using (possibly incorrect) math:
67% of NCAA national champions from Iowa high schools attended Iowa or Iowa State, and while 58% of NCAA national champs from the pwned state went to school in-state, only 15% of them went to Penn State.
Are you thinking what Cael’s thinking? That’s a lot of potential talent that he can monopolize if he can somehow find a way to recruit better than Drexel and Lock Haven.
No self-respecting man from Iowa goes anywhere without beer
by Hayden Fry's Moustache Ride on Apr 17, 2009 9:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow!
That is fascinating. And totally makes sense.
Wow, can’t wait to see those 31 & 27 start jumping the 11.
Hey, this game is fun too and you can make it fun. --j. odrick
But I’m biased towards tailgating, as you may imagine. -ts
Ignore the accolades – just enjoy the games. -bb&w
by jtothep on Apr 22, 2009 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pollard's tears of failure taste delicious
What’s next? Oh, who cares. Whatever happens next, it will be just as enjoyable. I’ll tell you one thing though: I am going to be inconsolable when Elwood Ave. High School ISU smartens up and fires his ass.
In the words of Homer Simpson: It’s funny because it’s not me. (Knock on wood)
by shada's revenge on Apr 17, 2009 6:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
he can always resort back to the billboard of advertising. that worked swell for him.
by kinnickcolt on Apr 17, 2009 6:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Conspiracy Theory
Pollard realized Brands^2 + Gable >>>>>>>>>>>>>Sanderson. Mr. Pollard leaks information that the department will have to make cuts and wrestling is on the short list. This starts the cascade that leads to Cael going to Penn State. Now Mr. Pollard can go after his top 2. One is a former Iowa State wrestling great with 15 national titles in his belt. The second choice would be a former Iowa wrestling great that is tired of being second fiddle to his brother. I give it 3 weeks before you can call me awesome (or you can ridicule me).
In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.
- Thomas Jefferson
by Hawkeyewith49Jackrabbits on Apr 17, 2009 6:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The big question
is he taking any of his wrestlers with him? Now that would be some sweet, sweet schadenfreude.
by icculus on Apr 17, 2009 9:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Unpaid furloughs....
If you think about it, Cael already took (was forced to take?) an unpaid furlough. There is probably not going to be a pay raise for him in the next year or two at ISU, what with budget issues. Also, probably no significant upping of the recruiting budget. Brands, his in-state competition, has won 2 national titles in 3 years. I know everyone claims there is Hilton Magic, but PSU has a newer arena. Then add in the the (from what I have read in this thread) apparently great Pennsylvania high school wrestlers. It all adds up to a move east for Cael.
To reply to Jackrabbits, I can’t imagine Gable coming back to Ames. I can see Terry Brands moving over, but is he ready? I could see ISU trying to poach from Ohio St, Mizzou, or Nebraska first. I’m also not sure that Terry has been second fiddle, as it is my impression that Tom had to convince him to join the team after Tom’s first year there.
by WaterlooChazz on Apr 19, 2009 10:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That is the fun thing about conspiracy theories
They are full of half possibilities that make sense. Honestly if Pollard doesn’t try to at least contact Gable he needs to be fired. I don’t think either Gable would leave (his unofficial) or Terry would leave (his official).
In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.
- Thomas Jefferson
by Hawkeyewith49Jackrabbits on Apr 20, 2009 7:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
inconsolable
Anytime BHGP can crank out another installment of the Pollard Obamicon it makes my life better than it was before.
Thank you Penn State, thank you Cael Sanderson.
by Internet Legend on Apr 20, 2009 8:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The Sleeping Giant
is already beginning to awaken:
Hey, this game is fun too and you can make it fun. --j. odrick
But I’m biased towards tailgating, as you may imagine. -ts
Ignore the accolades – just enjoy the games. -bb&w
by jtothep on Apr 27, 2009 12:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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