As a three-time state placewinner with a career record of 120-18, Ankeny Centennial standout Cale Vandermark attracted heavy interest from all three of Iowa’s NCAA Division I wrestling programs.
In the end, Vandermark decided to stay close to home–signing a letter of intent to compete for Iowa State next year. A strong student as well, he will receive both academic and athletic scholarships.
“I looked at a few other schools like Iowa and UNI—they all have great programs,” said Vandermark, whose brother Cody is a redshirt sophomore on the Grand View University squad. “What really stood out to me about Iowa State was the coaching staff and the culture; I felt like it was a great fit.
“I also liked how close it was to home,” he added.
Vandermark posted a 41-3 record and placed second at 120 pounds in the Class 3A state tournament as a junior. All three of his losses came to state champion Jake Knight of Bettendorf, including an 11-4 decision in the title match.
As a freshman in the 2022-23 season, Vandermark became an immediate starter and emerged as a future star for the Jaguars. He went 43-8 and placed fourth at 106.
Then, as a sophomore, he moved up to 113 and compiled a 36-7 mark. He again placed fourth at the state tournament, helping the Jaguars match their highest finish in school history with a fourth-place finish.