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University of Sioux Falls Athletics

Scoreboard

Scoreboard

2025-26 Men's Wrestling Roster

Jurgens Photography
Jurgens Photography
Jurgens Photography

Cooper Sanders

  • Ht./Wt. 6-0 / 157
  • Year Junior
  • Major Biology
  • Hometown Vinton, Iowa
  • High School Vinton-Shellsburg HS

Biography

CAREER SECTION:

An exceptionally talented and highly decorated student-athlete who has established himself as a premier pinning specialist and multi-time tournament champion at the collegiate level. Following an illustrious high school career where he earned All-American honors, captured a Utah State Championship, and reached the state finals four times, he made an immediate impact on the university wrestling circuit. Known for his aggressive, high-scoring style and elite bonus-point production, he has put together consecutive 17-win seasons, highlighted by an individual title at the Haws/Elton Rumble and a commanding 159 match points during his 2025–2026 junior campaign.

2025-2026 (Junior):

During a dominant junior season, served as a premier frontrunner and point-scorer for the program, matching his career-high with 17 varsity victories. Showcased relentless offensive output on the mat by racking up a total of 159 match points. Solidified his reputation as a dangerous finisher and versatile competitor, anchoring the lineup with seven falls, eight decisions, one technical fall, and one major decision.

2024-2025 (Sophomore):

Put together a phenomenal sophomore campaign, wrestling a grueling schedule to finish with a winning 17-15 overall record. Certified his status as a tournament frontrunner by capturing an individual championship with a 1st-place finish at the Haws/Elton Rumble, alongside a 5th-place finish at the Jimmie Open and a deep podium run to place 6th at the highly competitive Augsburg Invite. Contributed 60.5 match points to the team scorecard while acting as a premier bonus-point generator, weaponizing his pinning combinations to secure a staggering 10 victories by fall alongside two technical falls and five decisions.

2023-2024 (Freshman):

Made an immediate impact during his debut freshman season, navigating a rigorous schedule to secure 7 victories and gaining invaluable experience with a 0-8 mark in NSIC duals. Established his tournament pedigree early by fighting his way to back-to-back runner-up finishes, placing 2nd overall at both the Auggie Invite and the Haws/Elton 4-Team Rumble. Demonstrated high-scoring capabilities in his rookie year by amassing 127 match points, driven by four technical falls, one fall, one major decision, and one win by forfeit.

HIGH SCHOOL:

An extraordinary multi-sport standout for the Vikings, competing at a high level across soccer, football, and wrestling. Reached the absolute pinnacle of prep wrestling, capturing elite national recognition as an All-American wrestler and Iowa All-State honoree. Established a historic legacy on the mat as a four-time State Finalist and a Utah State Champion, sharpening his skills year-round against top-tier competition with the Big Game Wrestling Club.

PERSONAL:

The son of Angie and Jason, growing up alongside siblings Gabe, Chloe, and Gavin.

Historical Player Information

  • 2023-24Freshman

    149
    6'0" 149 lbs
  • 2024-25Sophomore

    165
    6'0" 165 lbs
  • 2025-26Junior

    157
    6'0" 157 lbs