Updates from Cael Sanderson's Tuesday news conference
- Thread starter GregPickel
- Start date
On building lineup the way he wants it and how much of a test Michigan is
I think everyone knows Michigan is one of the very best teams in the country. That's no secret. Every weekend is a test. Are we making progress as we move along? Every week, different kids have to step up. You have guys out with COVID, out with the flu, and there's just a lot of challenges It's the same for everybody. You're competing in circumstances where you just need whoever is in your lineup's best effort. Michigan is a well-coached team. They have two Olympians in their roster. We're excited about the opportunity.
I think everyone knows Michigan is one of the very best teams in the country. That's no secret. Every weekend is a test. Are we making progress as we move along? Every week, different kids have to step up. You have guys out with COVID, out with the flu, and there's just a lot of challenges It's the same for everybody. You're competing in circumstances where you just need whoever is in your lineup's best effort. Michigan is a well-coached team. They have two Olympians in their roster. We're excited about the opportunity.
On challenges of hitting the road
There are challenges in everything you do, and it's about being your best wherever you are. When you have a fairly young team, the more they come together, and I'm excited about that. These next couple weekends will be great for team bonding. Very competitive teams that we're battling, but that's why we'll do this. That's why we put the time and effort in, for the big matches and big opponents. We're just trying to get better as the week's move along here so we're ready to compete in March.
There are challenges in everything you do, and it's about being your best wherever you are. When you have a fairly young team, the more they come together, and I'm excited about that. These next couple weekends will be great for team bonding. Very competitive teams that we're battling, but that's why we'll do this. That's why we put the time and effort in, for the big matches and big opponents. We're just trying to get better as the week's move along here so we're ready to compete in March.
On enjoying the high level of competition coming this weekned
I enjoy watching. Obviously, it's more about competing and trying to do our best to be sure each of our individuals do what they need to do and are prepared for their match so they can feel confident going into their matches and continue to improve. We want to win every match. We hate losing. At this point, we're just trying to keep getting better.
I enjoy watching. Obviously, it's more about competing and trying to do our best to be sure each of our individuals do what they need to do and are prepared for their match so they can feel confident going into their matches and continue to improve. We want to win every match. We hate losing. At this point, we're just trying to keep getting better.
On extra prep for a weekend like this with two tough opponents?
You're preparing for the big matches year round. I think for us, it's trying to get our guys to keep getting better. We have been, and I'm sure the individual guys in our lineup, they know the top guys in their weight class. It's a matter of getting out there and competing and seeing where we're at.
You're preparing for the big matches year round. I think for us, it's trying to get our guys to keep getting better. We have been, and I'm sure the individual guys in our lineup, they know the top guys in their weight class. It's a matter of getting out there and competing and seeing where we're at.
What's the travel plans like?
Generally, we leave about midday the day before, so we'll leave Thursday and get there in time to workout in their facility. After we wrestle Michigan, we'll head over to Michigan State. Then we'll head back Monday. We're bussing and like to get our guys a good night sleep. We'll be taking the guys you've seen compete. I don't think there would be any surprises. We're still just a small group of guys that we're taking, and a few guys who are willing to step in and compete, a guy like Brandon Meredith, just making sure you have all your weights covered in case something were to happen.
Generally, we leave about midday the day before, so we'll leave Thursday and get there in time to workout in their facility. After we wrestle Michigan, we'll head over to Michigan State. Then we'll head back Monday. We're bussing and like to get our guys a good night sleep. We'll be taking the guys you've seen compete. I don't think there would be any surprises. We're still just a small group of guys that we're taking, and a few guys who are willing to step in and compete, a guy like Brandon Meredith, just making sure you have all your weights covered in case something were to happen.
On Aaron Brooks' season to date
In addition to him just being a great wrestler, he's very consistent, and he's calm, regardless of where we're at or the circumstances. That's really a valuable leadership quality and something that he's just off the charts in that category. Even when I go back to the first match he wrestled for Penn State, we were at Lehigh, and he had a tough opponent, and he was the same kid, just smiling and calm and ready to go compete. Has great perspective and ability and that's one of the things that really makes him special.
In addition to him just being a great wrestler, he's very consistent, and he's calm, regardless of where we're at or the circumstances. That's really a valuable leadership quality and something that he's just off the charts in that category. Even when I go back to the first match he wrestled for Penn State, we were at Lehigh, and he had a tough opponent, and he was the same kid, just smiling and calm and ready to go compete. Has great perspective and ability and that's one of the things that really makes him special.
On his message to the team before a big match
I think at this level, if you're relying on pep talks, you're probably in trouble. It's more of the consistency that you work on and work towards year round. You're talking to individuals, and the team, and more than anything preparing them to compete. There's times when there's adversity and challenges when you have to help them see things a little bit differently, but we just want to have fun and do what we do.
I think at this level, if you're relying on pep talks, you're probably in trouble. It's more of the consistency that you work on and work towards year round. You're talking to individuals, and the team, and more than anything preparing them to compete. There's times when there's adversity and challenges when you have to help them see things a little bit differently, but we just want to have fun and do what we do.
On how in-season losses can help prepare a wrestler for the postseason
A great example would be Beau Bartlett this last weekend. He was disappointed that he didn't win hat match, but that. match will be a huge blessing for him as he approaches the rest of the season. We're not afraid to lose. If you're afraid to lose, you're probably never going to win the big stuff. But, you have to hate to lose. We don't get too worked up over wins
A great example would be Beau Bartlett this last weekend. He was disappointed that he didn't win hat match, but that. match will be a huge blessing for him as he approaches the rest of the season. We're not afraid to lose. If you're afraid to lose, you're probably never going to win the big stuff. But, you have to hate to lose. We don't get too worked up over wins
On Berge
He hit some really nice shots. He hasn't competed in almost a year, and he's wrestling a weight higher than he was, but I think he just needed to get out on the mat and let it go. It's mid-Janaury now. Two months, we'll be at the tournament. It was getting him out there and getting him started. He's a great wrestler with great technique. Hopefully, he can approach things with a really healthy perspective knowing that he jumped into coaching and saw that life goes on whether you're an NCAA champ or not, and that can free you up to let it rip a little bit. He's an all-around awesome person. He just needs to compete. Every match, I would expect him to get a little bit more comfortable, but he looked fine, and his conditioning looked fine.
He hit some really nice shots. He hasn't competed in almost a year, and he's wrestling a weight higher than he was, but I think he just needed to get out on the mat and let it go. It's mid-Janaury now. Two months, we'll be at the tournament. It was getting him out there and getting him started. He's a great wrestler with great technique. Hopefully, he can approach things with a really healthy perspective knowing that he jumped into coaching and saw that life goes on whether you're an NCAA champ or not, and that can free you up to let it rip a little bit. He's an all-around awesome person. He just needs to compete. Every match, I would expect him to get a little bit more comfortable, but he looked fine, and his conditioning looked fine.
Hey Greg,
Did anyone ask Cael if their is any plan of Berge doing to 157 ? Thank you.
That was not asked directly but his answer to the last question didn't indicate to me that they're planning on making any changes there. But, we'll see what they elect to do this weekend.
thanks for this Greg. I look forward to these updates...
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Cael has a perspective that is so healthy for young wrestlers/people. None of the hyperbole and drama of what will happen. A very well-grounded leader who any parent could be delighted to have as their student-athlete mentor and role model.
Thank you Greg. Berge would have to be on a weight decent plan. I’m not sure what he weighed in against Rutgers. Your only allowed to lose so much weight per week or official weigh in. We shall see.
Not sure who asked, or the phrasing ..... but why would someone ask about Berge, and not directly ask if Berge's plan is to descend to 157 or stay at 165?
That one is on me. I misheard one of the questions after the Rutgers match. Thought it was addressed then. It wasn’t, so that’s on me. However, knowing Cael, I expect he wouldn’t have given much away anyway. But the quote itself was interesting. Not sure what he weighed in at either but it read to me like 65 was where he could get on the mat so let’s get him out there competing awhile
and see how it shakes out over the next two months or so.
I have no insight or any source but I’m suspecting that whoever asked the question was satisfied enough with Cael’s answer and let it go. Further guessing that if that same guy is asking questions week after week that he’s familiar with the level of depth Cael will respond to those kind of questions and in order to, for lack of better wording, ‘stay on the good side’ for open communication all season long. It seems that the coaching staff is a group that discloses only when and what they need to. Just speculation here
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Some of you may have seen this on Rokfin, but this is pretty cool...
“The More Excellent Way”
Blog by Coach Cael
Leadership
If asked what the best movie of all time is, the first thought that comes to my mind is Gladiator. I know Gladiator is rated R and that is not good, but it is the one rated R movie that is allowed on our PSU bus trips. I remember watching the movie in the theater in Park City, Utah, with my girlfriend, now wife, Kelly, back in the summer of 2000. There are a lot of reasons I like the movie, but I feel especially motivated by the leadership and selflessness of Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius. I value leaders who walk the walk and put the needs of those they lead ahead of their own. Maximus led his army into battle. He didn’t play politics in committee meetings in an office back in Rome, micromanaging every move of the soldiers on the field of battle.
Maximus led by example; he didn’t ask or expect his soldiers to do anything that he himself was not willing to do. He led his soldiers into battle. He was “all in” with them and the soldiers knew this. Maximus truly wanted what was best for his soldiers, and ultimately, his nation. He didn’t sit back and claim to know what was best for others, he lived it with them. Maximus could be trusted with authority and to give power that he could keep for himself back to the people. He clearly didn’t lust for power, prestige, or wealth. He simply loved his fellow soldier, his nation, his family, and his God. He was willing to die for any one of these four things without hesitation. After the emperor was murdered by his evil son Commodus, Maximus was the only person unwilling to go along with the corruption and treachery. Maximus valued honor, truth, and doing the right thing more than he valued his own life. That is inspiring, and as Maximus told his soldiers before a battle, it “will echo an eternity.”
This type of leadership is obviously very rare but critically important to the long-term sustainability and progress of individuals, teams, organizations, nations, college athletics, and everything in between. The point of this blog is not to criticize anyone or any organization but to simply contend that there is “a more excellent way.”
Leadership is not a destination that once you obtain, you look to better your own life. Great leadership is extremely valuable, and in most cases should be and is rewarded. I don’t oppose that concept, I would just say that the leader’s job should still be to make life better for those they lead. This life is designed to be a test for each of us and that test includes being faithful in good times and in adversity. Adversity isn’t always a lack of God’s favor and success isn’t always a sign of it. In either case, how we respond, what choices we make, and the attitude we choose are the real test. The leader sets the example in all things.
Correct principles are correct principles and apply to every level of the game from top to bottom. The same success principles that apply to the lowest entry level employee on his or her first day or to the incoming recruit are the same principles that will determine the success of the organization and the people at the top. It all starts with the leader. If the leader puts the team first, the other team members have a much greater chance of doing the same. If the leader’s priority is to take care of him or herself, this sets the example and culture of the whole organization. History is full of examples of leaders that see themselves as an exception to the rules they enforce on those they are responsible to lead.
One of my favorite passages and insight into the challenges of leadership, and simply being all that God wants us to become, comes from Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-36. It reads, “Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.”
In the movie Braveheart, another inspiring example of a leader who, in spite of the greedy and corruptible leaders around him on both sides of the conflict, stayed true to himself and the cause. When addressing the noblemen who were squabbling over power and land, William Wallace said, “There's a difference between us. You think the people of this country exist to provide you with position. I think your position exists to provide those people with freedom. And I go to make sure that they have it.”
The higher the position of leadership, the greater the responsibility and obligation to serve others. Jesus clearly taught in word, and more importantly, through example, this powerful truth.
Matthew 23:11, “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”
“The More Excellent Way”
Blog by Coach Cael
Leadership
If asked what the best movie of all time is, the first thought that comes to my mind is Gladiator. I know Gladiator is rated R and that is not good, but it is the one rated R movie that is allowed on our PSU bus trips. I remember watching the movie in the theater in Park City, Utah, with my girlfriend, now wife, Kelly, back in the summer of 2000. There are a lot of reasons I like the movie, but I feel especially motivated by the leadership and selflessness of Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius. I value leaders who walk the walk and put the needs of those they lead ahead of their own. Maximus led his army into battle. He didn’t play politics in committee meetings in an office back in Rome, micromanaging every move of the soldiers on the field of battle.
Maximus led by example; he didn’t ask or expect his soldiers to do anything that he himself was not willing to do. He led his soldiers into battle. He was “all in” with them and the soldiers knew this. Maximus truly wanted what was best for his soldiers, and ultimately, his nation. He didn’t sit back and claim to know what was best for others, he lived it with them. Maximus could be trusted with authority and to give power that he could keep for himself back to the people. He clearly didn’t lust for power, prestige, or wealth. He simply loved his fellow soldier, his nation, his family, and his God. He was willing to die for any one of these four things without hesitation. After the emperor was murdered by his evil son Commodus, Maximus was the only person unwilling to go along with the corruption and treachery. Maximus valued honor, truth, and doing the right thing more than he valued his own life. That is inspiring, and as Maximus told his soldiers before a battle, it “will echo an eternity.”
This type of leadership is obviously very rare but critically important to the long-term sustainability and progress of individuals, teams, organizations, nations, college athletics, and everything in between. The point of this blog is not to criticize anyone or any organization but to simply contend that there is “a more excellent way.”
Leadership is not a destination that once you obtain, you look to better your own life. Great leadership is extremely valuable, and in most cases should be and is rewarded. I don’t oppose that concept, I would just say that the leader’s job should still be to make life better for those they lead. This life is designed to be a test for each of us and that test includes being faithful in good times and in adversity. Adversity isn’t always a lack of God’s favor and success isn’t always a sign of it. In either case, how we respond, what choices we make, and the attitude we choose are the real test. The leader sets the example in all things.
Correct principles are correct principles and apply to every level of the game from top to bottom. The same success principles that apply to the lowest entry level employee on his or her first day or to the incoming recruit are the same principles that will determine the success of the organization and the people at the top. It all starts with the leader. If the leader puts the team first, the other team members have a much greater chance of doing the same. If the leader’s priority is to take care of him or herself, this sets the example and culture of the whole organization. History is full of examples of leaders that see themselves as an exception to the rules they enforce on those they are responsible to lead.
One of my favorite passages and insight into the challenges of leadership, and simply being all that God wants us to become, comes from Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-36. It reads, “Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.”
In the movie Braveheart, another inspiring example of a leader who, in spite of the greedy and corruptible leaders around him on both sides of the conflict, stayed true to himself and the cause. When addressing the noblemen who were squabbling over power and land, William Wallace said, “There's a difference between us. You think the people of this country exist to provide you with position. I think your position exists to provide those people with freedom. And I go to make sure that they have it.”
The higher the position of leadership, the greater the responsibility and obligation to serve others. Jesus clearly taught in word, and more importantly, through example, this powerful truth.
Matthew 23:11, “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”
TameTurk, GTFO, really? One of the most hilarious things I have read in ages.
Cael is damn near unreal. Can’t be overstated. He’s an incredible coach but even better human being especially for young people. If my son was #1 and I didn’t have the blue and white glasses on. Still no question he would be wrestling for Cael Sanderson.
There are 2 more blog entries as well on there from Cael. Both similarly excellent. One, in particular, about appreciating your opponent rather than hating him. I felt a minor sense of guilt copying the first one because it’s behind a paywall, but then again, it’s just a blog post. Hence, I won’t copy the others. That said, if your month hasn’t yet expired from signing up for the Collegiate Duals, you should check it out. Also a video of Snyder and I think DT that is supposed to be very good and has some good stuff with Cael. I haven’t watched it yet but I have 2 more days to do so until the next time Rokfin hooks me in for a month.
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