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SOU coach to take part in all-star meet By DON HUNT Mail Tribune Southern Oregon University wrestling coach Mike Ritchey admits he will be equal amounts of fan and coach when he stands on the sidelines at the All-Star Wrestling Classic in Hempstead, N.Y., on Monday. The event features the nation's top NCAA Division I grapplers in each weight class squaring off in challenge matches with No. 1 rankings on the line. Ritchey is one of four coaches selected to serve in the 36th annual event. "To be able to watch this caliber of wrestling from the edge of the mat and interact with world-class wrestlers is a great honor," said Ritchey, who guided SOU to the NAIA title last season and was named national coach of the year. "I know a couple of these guys because they've been at our camps at SOU." However, Ritchey is most interested in watching Cael Sanderson of Iowa State, a three-time NCAA champion who has posted a 144-0 career record. Sanderson, 197 pounds, is seeking to become the first NCAA wrestler to go unbeaten. Dan Gable finished with a 118-1 mark for Iowa from 1968-71. "I'm excited about watching him (Sanderson)," Ritchey says. "Before he's through, he could be the best wrestler ever." Asked if he would give Sanderson some advice, Ritchey chuckled and said, "If he turns to me for a suggestion, I'll be happy to give him one." "I'm going to be an involved observer," Ritchey added. The top-ranked Sanderson will face No. 2-ranked John Trenge of Lehigh. Joining Ritchey as coaches for the event will be Joe McFarland of Michigan, Mark Johnson of Illinois and Mark Ostrander of Iowa Central. Ritchey will fly to New York on Sunday and plans to visit the World Trade Center Monday morning. The all-star match is set for Monday night at Hofstra University in nearby Hempstead. "I'd be crazy not to go (to Ground Zero), being so close," Ritchey said. Reach reporter Don Hunt at 776-4469, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.