The 2000 NCAA's are over and we were one take down away from a national title. It was a roller coaster ride for me as a coach. One session I thought we would win it, the next I thought we were out of it, and the next it was close. When it was all over, the Cyclones came in 2nd place by 6. 5 points, losing to arch-rival Iowa.

My guys gave it all they had, fighting the whole way, and the returning guys will be hungrier for it next year. They felt they should have won it and will work even harder to be #1 next year. Most of the starters were in the wrestling room back home on Tuesday wrestling hard and getting ready for the 2000 freestyle season.

Back to the tourney.

125- Matt Azevedo did not know he was even going to the tournament until the Friday before. He was an alternate, but got a chance and I believe with more time to prepare, he would have been an All-American.

133- Cody Sanderson had a wonderful career and finished runner-up for the 2nd straight year. It was a joy to have Cody as a teammate and to have coached him as well. Just think, Cody was originally going to go North Carolina! Luckily for us, he changed his mind.

141- Sonny had a great season. When he set foot in our room in August he felt so far behind, but made great progress and if he continues to work, will be an All-American. He won 2 and lost 2 at the tourney.

149- Billy Maldando was one match away (along with a terrible call against Zadick of Iowa) from being an All-American, he too will place in the future.

157- Cole Sanderson got beat in the quarterfinals only to drop down and wrestle the #3 seed who was upset in the 1st round. Against anyone else, Cole would have been an All-American. I know he will continue to work hard.

165- Joe Heskett was one takedown away from being a national champ, he will work harder next year and will contend again.

184- Cael Sanderson, 79-0, 2 time NCAA champ, 2 time outstanding wrestler - enough said.

197- Zach Thompson, 30 seconds away from being a national champ, came a long way from placing 8th last year. He also worked hard and deserved to win a title, but luckily has one year left.

Heavyweight- Trenk Hynek, 3rd place. Not bad for a guy who was never supposed to be able to wrestle again. He suffered 2 bulging disks in his neck. He is a worrier. We will miss him.