A 2008 analysis by the Des Moines Register found that Sanderson's base salary of $110,000 was tied with Oklahoma's Jack Spates for highest among Division I wrestling coaches.

"The reasons I'm here are simple. I've said several times it's not anything about financials," Sanderson said. "It's about the unique situation that Penn State University has. It's really that simple."

CHAMPAIGN – Not many college coaches enjoy such classy departures as wrestling's Mark Johnson and volleyball's Don Hardin.

Hardin stepped down from a youth- studded Sweet 16 team that finished third in the Big Ten and No. 11 nationally, while attracting one of the UI's best-ever incoming classes.

Jeff Huth's review and preview of all things Illinois

CHAMPAIGN - From now on, Mark Johnson will be pinning down donors.

The University of Illinois wrestling coach is stepping down after 17 years at the school to become chief executive officer of the Champaign County YMCA.
In that position, he will work to raise money for a new YMCA building in southwest Champaign that will also house Larkin's Place at the Y. The Y's interim CEO, Kim Webb, will become chief operating officer and run day-to-day operations.

CHAMPAIGN — Mark Johnson, the top wrestling coach in Illinois history, announced his retirement Monday.

During his 17-year career, Johnson led the Illini to more wins and
produced more NCAA champions, NCAA qualifiers and All-Americans than any coach in school history. His teams were 203-44-3 in duals.

Mark Johnson is ending his Illinois wrestling career after 17 seasons and a 203-44-3 record. Here are five highlights:

ST. LOUIS – Nobody understands what Mike Poeta was going through Saturday night better than Mark Johnson.

Poeta, the undefeated Illinois senior, lost his NCAA 157-pound title match 5-1 to Nebraska's Jordan Burroughs. For the second consecutive year, Poeta finished as the NCAA runner-up.

Q: Look into your crystal ball and tell me where the Illinois basketball teams – men and women – will be seeded for the 2010 NCAA tournaments.

A: For the men, I would forecast a No. 4, with a small chance at a No. 3.