The only wrestling coach that Utah Valley has known, Cody Sanderson brings to Orem a resume and name that is known worldwide in the wrestling community.
The Sanderson name is known for its wrestling prowess and success, bringing instant credibility to Utah Valley State’s young program.
In its inaugural year, Sanderson led the Wolverine wrestling program to a 10-5 team record, an impressive record for a school brand new to the sport.
But while wrestling at Utah Valley State was brand new, wrestling had been a part of Sanderson’s life since he was a boy.
He grew up in Heber City, Utah and wrestled for his father Steve at Wasatch High School. There he was a four-time State Champion, two-time Junior National Champion and the school Valedictorian.
Following his storied high school career, he took his talent to Ames, Iowa and Iowa State University. His credentials at the Big XII school speak for themselves; two-time NCAA Runner-Up, two-time All-American, Big XII Champion, Big XII Outstanding Wrestler, four-time NCAA Tournament Qualifier, Midlands Tournament Champion and three-time Academic All-American.
Sanderson finished his career at Iowa State with 116 wins.
He served as captain of the Cyclones in 1999 and 2000 for legendary head coach Bobby Douglas. In 1999, Iowa State finished fourth at the NCAA Championships and a year later finished second in the nation. Sanderson also wrestled internationally for Coach Douglas.
Sanderson also wrestled for the USA National Team. He was the Sunkist International Open Champion, the Dave Schultz International Open Runner-Up and a three-time University National Champion.
His coaching career began where his collegiate career ended, at Iowa State, where Sanderson served as an administrative assistant before ending up at Utah Valley State.
Sanderson served as the Cyclone Wrestling Club Coach for three years, where his teams competed in the University National Championships, United States National Championships, United States World Team Trials, Junior World Team Trials, and the Espoir National Championships.
Sanderson has also assisted with the Utah National Team for the past seven years and is a certified Bronze Level Coach with USA Wrestling.
Sanderson earned his bachelor’s degree from Iowa State in Psychology. He is the brother of Olympic Champion Cael Sanderson, who went undefeated during his collegiate career at Iowa State, going 159-0.
Cody married his wife Sarah on July 17, 1999 in Hudson, Wisconsin. They met at Iowa State where Sarah was a member of the ISU Gymnastics Team. Together they have two children; a son, Kade (2) and a daughter, Tylar Ann (1).
