#GrecoMonday: A healthy Kendrick Sanders looks rejuvenated at 82 kg

In 2014 Kendrick Sanders claimed his first U.S. Open Greco-Roman title at 71 kg. Five years later and 11 kilograms heavier, Sanders is back on top and sitting in Final X with a great chance to make his first World Team. 

 

Going into the 2019 Marine Corps U.S. Open, some may have been doubting Sanders. He did not compete in last year’s World Team Trials, and he did not place in the 75 kg bracket of the 2017 World Team Trials.

 

Two years later, and wrestling at a higher weight class, some thought that the twenty-eight-year-old could be past his prime. While Sanders showed promise and talent throughout his career, he was also plagued with injuries. Maybe he had missed his window of opportunity?

 

Sanders came into the tournament as the No. 6 seed. He rolled in his first two matches against unseeded wrestlers, hitting jaw-dropping lifts and throws.

 

His third match of the tournament came against No. 3, Jon Jay Chavez. Chavez won the World Team Trials last year at 72 kg but did not participate in the World Championship due to injuries. Sanders controlled the match and was up 4-0, when he launched Chavez for five points from par terre to end the match 9-0.

 

In the semifinals Sanders had another tough opponent, two-time National Team member John Stefanowicz. Once again, Sanders’ high-octane offense was on display. He rushed out to a 7-0 lead in the first period. While Stefanowicz was able to put some points on the board late, it was not enough to overcome the deficit. Sanders took the victory 7-3.

 

This was Sanders’ closest match of the tournament.

 

In the finals he defeated his up-and-coming teammate Spencer Woods, 10-0. To make the finals Woods defeated top seed Cheney Haight, 4-3. However, the youngster was no match for the veteran. Sanders only held a 1-0 lead going into the break, but he blew the match open in the second period with a four-point reverse lock from par terre which lead to another flurry of action, and an additional four points for Sanders.

 

After the match Sanders spoke about having to wrestle his teammate in finals.

 

“I feel good. I feel like I performed great. He (Woods) is my teammate, and I’m proud of the tournament he had. He’s one hell-of-a wrestler, but I came here to win. We’re both in it for the same goals, but not everyone can make a team. It’s heartbreaking for other people, but sometimes you have to break someone else’s heart to accomplish your own dreams” Sanders said.

 

One notable person who did not doubt Sanders’ ability was National Greco-Roman Head Coach Matt Lindland.

 

“I wasn’t surprised. He’s a very talented athlete, and if he has his mind right and his body healthy I think he can do something big.” Lindland said

 

Sanders echoed Lindland’s thoughts on his health and state of mind. 

 

“I’ve been through so much these past couple years on and off the mat. To finally be healthy, and to do the things I’m doing right now, all thanks to God, man. A year ago I would have been a different person out there, frustrated, not getting the calls I want to get. I had to keep my composure. Guys want to frustrate me. They feel like that’s the way to get me off my game, and in the past it’s worked. But I’m a completely different person now. I put all the work in, and it’s finally showing up.” Sanders said.