Portland State University Athletics

WRESTLING, 1965-68
Rick Sanders’ legendary career included a record of 103-2, but it was so much more than that. From 1965-68 he was a five-time national champion. In 1965 he was an NAIA National Champion and Outstanding Wrestler. In 1966, Sanders won the NCAA University Division Championship and was third place in the NCAA College Division. In 1967, he was the NCAA College and University Division National Champion and Outstanding Wrestler. And in 1968, Sanders was the NCAA College Division National Champion and University Division second-place finisher.

During his career, Sanders compiled 65 consecutive dual match wins with 48 pins. He had a 40-2 record overall in NAIA and NCAA Tournaments, and he led Portland State to the 1967 National Championship.

Sanders was a member of the USA AAU World Team in 1964, 1966, 1967 and 1969. He was the first American to win a World Freestyle Championship for the AAU World team. Sanders was an Olympic Silver Medalist in 1968 and 1972. Sanders also earned Oregon Outstanding Amateur Athlete (Hayward Award) in 1967 and was inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1983.