Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA
Penn State's Cyler Sanderson Named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week
Senior All-American lauded after Nittany Lion debut
STATE COLLEGE, Pa.; November 17, 2009 - Penn State Nittany Lion wrestler Cyler Sanderson (Heber City, Utah) has been named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week for action ending Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009. Sanderson, a transfer from Iowa State who made his Penn State debut this past weekend, is the first Penn State Wrestler of the Week since February of 2008.
Sanderson entered last week ranked No. 5 at 157, and made his Rec Hall dual meet debut with a thrilling 3-2 win over No. 2 Matt Moley of Bloomsburg. The victory helped spark the Nittany Lions to a 23-15 win over the visiting Huskies in head coach Cael Sanderson's home dual debut. Two days earlier, he beat Lehigh's Sean Bilodeau (5-2) in his PSU dual debut. In two bouts, Sanderson did not get taken down.
Penn State is now 1-1 on the year while Bloomsburg falls to 2-1. The Nittany Lions trek to Binghamton, N.Y., to take part in the Sprawl and Brawl Duals on Sunday, Nov. 22. Penn State will face Rutgers (9:45 a.m.), Harvard (11:30 a.m.) and Edinboro (3 p.m.) at Binghamton University. Single event tickets will cost $8 for adults and $6 for youth. Group sales are available once again for groups of 15 people or more. Group prices are $5 in advance and $6 walk-up. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 1.800.NITTANY between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. All Penn State events will once again air live on Forever Broadcasting's WRSC (1390 AM) or 3WZ (95.3 FM) and on www.GoPSUsports.com as well. The 2009-10 Penn State Wrestling season is presented by The Family Clothesline.
No. 15 Penn State Wrestlers Down Bloomsburg in Home Opener
Over 4,000 fans watch Lions defeat Huskies in Cael Sanderson's coaching debut
STATE COLLEGE, Pa.; November 15, 2009 - The Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team, ranked No. 15 in the initial NWCA Coaches Poll, downed Bloomsburg 23-15 in the home opener for head coach Cael Sanderson's squad. Over 4,000 Penn State faithful watched as Penn State's young line-up won six of ten bouts for the win. Senior Cyler Sanderson (Heber City, Utah), ranked No. 5 at 157, downed No. 2 Matt Moley of Bloomsburg in the day's signature bout.
Junior Brad Pataky (Clearfield, Pa.), ranked No. 8 nationally, put Penn State up 4-0 early with a four-point tech fall at 125, downing BU's Jason Guffey 22-7. Lion freshman Bryan Pearsall (Lititz, Pa.) was up 11-5 at 133 in his Penn State debut but got caught with a quick pin at 133 as BU's Dan Gaylord got the fall at the 5:28 mark to put the Huskies up 6-4. Bloom's Frank Hickman picked up a win at 141 and BU quieted the Nittany Lion fans and led 9-4 after three bouts.
But two Nittany Lion All-Americans sent the Penn State faithful into a frenzy in the next two bouts. Sophomore Frank Molinaro (Barnegat, N.J.) posted a 12-3 major over BU's Josh Roosa a 149, setting up the dual's marquee match-up at 157. Penn State senior Cyler Sanderson (Heber City, Utah) thrilled the Lion crowd with a superb 3-2 win over Bloomsburg's Matt Moley. Sanderson was ranked No. 5 at 157 while Moley entered the bout ranked No. 2. The decision gave Penn State an 11-9 lead heading into intermission.
All-American Dan Vallimont (Lake Hopatcong, N.J.), ranked No. 9 at 165, pushed Penn State out to a 14-9 lead with a 2-1 win over No. 19 Rick Schmelyun. Bloomsburg, however, was not done. The Huskies countered with an 11-5 win from Nate Graham at 174 and a 4-0 win from Derek Coffey at 184 to give BU a 15-14 lead with just two bouts left to wrestle. Sophomore Clay Steadman (McKean, Pa.) was re-ignited the Penn State fans, however, with a thrilling late takedown in a 3-1 win over Bloomsburg's Jake Dabashinky, putting Penn State back on top 17-15. Sophomore Cameron Wade (Twinsburg, Ohio), ranked No. 20 at HWT, put the exclamation point on the win by pinning Bloomsburg's Zach Walsh at the 4:42 mark, giving Penn State a 23-15 win.
Penn State won six of the ten bouts and notched 20 takedowns to Bloomsburg's 11. Penn State had five bonus point in the bout while Bloomsburg picked up three on the quick pin at 133.
Penn State is now 1-1 on the year while Bloomsburg falls to 2-1. The Nittany Lions trek to Binghamton, N.Y., to take part in the Sprawl and Brawl Duals on Sunday, Nov. 22. Penn State will face Rutgers (9:45 a.m.), Harvard (11:30 a.m.) and Edinboro (3 p.m.) at Binghamton University. Single event tickets will cost $8 for adults and $6 for youth. Group sales are available once again for groups of 15 people or more. Group prices are $5 in advance and $6 walk-up. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 1.800.NITTANY between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. All Penn State events will once again air live on Forever Broadcasting's WRSC (1390 AM) or 3WZ (95.3 FM) and on <http://www.GoPSUsports.com>www.GoPSUsports.com as well. The 2009-10 Penn State Wrestling season is presented by The Family Clothesline.
#15 Penn State 23, Bloomsburg 15
State College, Pa. - Rec Hall - November 15, 2009
125: #8 Brad Pataky PSU tech. fall Jason Guffey BU, 22-7 (7:00, 4-pt) 4-0
133: Dan Gaylord BU pinned Bryan Pearsall PSU, WBF (5:28) 4-6
141: Frank Hickman BU dec. Colby Pisani PSU, 19-12 4-9
149: #6 Frank Molinaro PSU maj. dec. Josh Roosa, 12-3 8-9
157: #5 Cyler Sanderson PSU dec. #2 Matt Moley BU, 3-2 11-9
165: #9 Dan Vallimont PSU dec. #19 Rick Schmelyun, 2-1 14-9
174: Nate Graham BU dec. Nick Fischer PSU, 11-5 14-12
184: Derek Coffey BU dec. Justin Ortega PSU, 4-0 14-15
197: Clay Steadman PSU dec. Jake Dabashinky BU, 3-1 17-15
HWT: #20 Cameron Wade PSU pinned Zach Walsh BU, WBF (4:42) 23-15
Attendance: 4,063
Records: Penn State 1-1, Bloomsburg 2-1
Up Next for Penn State: At Sprawl and Brawl Duals, Binghamton, N.Y., Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009
BOUT-BY-BOUT:
125: Nittany Lion junior Brad Pataky (Clearfield, Pa.), ranked No. 8 at 125, took on Bloomsburg's Jason Guffey. Pataky, as is his norm, wasted no time in getting in deep on his opponent's leg. But Guffey was able to fight off the move and force a stalemate. Pataky shot again and got his first two points at the 1:57 mark, using another low single to score and take the lead. He then put together a strong ride, building up :50 in riding time before cutting the Huskie loose at the 1:00 mark. Pataky then gained control of the Huskie's shoulders and worked his way around behind Guffey to up his lead to 4-1 with 1:34 in riding time, after the first period. Pataky chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 5-1 lead. The Lion junior used a strong high double for a third takedown and a 7-2 lead after cutting the Huskie loose with 1:30 left. Guffey took a lunging shot that Pataky countered, with a nice side step takedown. Pataky quickly cut Guffey loose and added another takedown and cut to lead 11-4 with :32 left in the period. Pataky was relentless, adding two more takedowns in the final :30 to lead 15-5 with 2:29 in riding time heading into the third period. Guffey chose down to start the third period. Pataky controlled Guffey long enough to secure the riding time point and pick up a stall point before cutting him to a 16-6 lead. Another Guffey stall gave Pataky a 17-6 lead and Pataky quick scored with a low double off the reset to up his lead to 19-6 with :33 left. With :15 left, Pataky cut Guffey loose and quickly added a final takedown to post a 22-7 tech fall. With no back points scored, Pataky's tech fall put the Lions up 4-0.
133: Freshman Bryan Pearsall (Lititz, Pa.) took to the mat at 133 to face BU's Dan Gaylord. Pearsall, making his Penn State dual meet debut, was fierce out of the gates, taking a quick shot that he looked to turn into a quick takedown. But Gaylord deftly countered the move to take Pearsall down. He then quickly completed a cradle for two quick back points and was up 4-0 just :40 into the bout. Pearsall, however, quickly escaped to cut into the lead and then used a solid low shot to notch his first collegiate dual meet takedown and cut Gaylord's lead to 4-3. He then turned the Huskie to his back for three near fall points and then rode him out to lead 6-4 at the end of a furious first period. Pearsall chose down to start the second period and quickly worked his way out from underneath Gaylord for a reversal. A nice turn gave the Lion freshman two more near fall points and with 1:00 left in the middle stanza, Pearsall led 10-4. Another ride out allowed the Lion to secure the riding time point and lead 10-4 heading into the final period. Gaylord chose down to start the third period and was cut loose by Pearsall. Pearsall shot quickly, looking to work for team bonus points, but Gaylord stunned the Lion freshman, turning into the shot, rolling him to his back for a quick pin. The swift move, at the 5:28 mark, put the Huskies up 6-4 after two bouts.
141: Colby Pisani (Ridgway, Pa.) to meet Husky Frank Hickman at 141. Pisani quickly broke out to a 4-0 lead, turning a two point takedown into two nearfall points and a 4-0 lead. The Lion sophomore continued his dominant ride, letting the Huskie reset himself and then turning him for two more back points and a 6-0 lead with 1:05 left. Hickman then escaped with just :15 left and added a critical takedown as the period ended. Pisani led 6-3 with 2:40 in riding time heading into the second period. Hickman chose down to start the stanza, but Pisani quickly began looking to complete a cradle on the Huskie. Hickman worked his way out of trouble and quickly escaped to a 6-4 deficit. He pressured Pisani into a quick takedown and added three near fall points. Allowing the Lion sophomore to reset, Hickman picked up another three point near fall to lead 14-7 after two periods. Pisani chose down to start the third period and was allowed up by Hickman. Trailing 14-8, the Nittany Lion sophomore gave up another takedown and fell behind 16-9. The Huskie freshman added another takedown with 1:20 left to move out to an 18-9 lead. Pisani managed a reversal to cut into the lead, trailing 19-11 with :30 left. Pisani nearly added another late shot by Pisani nearly led to another score, but time wound out and Hickman escaped with a 19-12 lead (Pisani picked up a riding time point to avoid the major). Bloomsburg led 9-4 after three bouts.
149: All-American Frank Molinaro (Barnegat, N.J.), ranked No. 6 at 141, met Bloomsburg's Josh Roosa at 149. Molinaro quickly opened up a 2-1 lead with a takedown at the 2:18 mark. The Nittany Lion sophomore was relentless, adding another quick high double to lead 4-2 with 1:30 left in the opening period. The same move just a minute later led to the same result as Molinaro worked his way to a 6-2 lead after the ride out on the third takedown. Trailing by four, Roosa chose down to start the second stanza. Molinaro put together a dominant ride, working the Huskie hard while looking for a chance to turn him. The Lion cut Roosa with :50 left and quickly gained control of his right thigh off the reset, lifting him high off the ground and taking him down for another takedown and an 8-3 lead. A ride out gave the Lion sophomore an 8-3 lead heading into the third. Molinaro chose down to start the third period and quickly escaped to a 9-3 lead (with 2:38 in riding time). Molinaro continued to pressure Roosa and picked up a critical takedown with :55 left to up his lead to 11-3. With the riding time point secured, Molinaro continued to work the Huskie head into the mat, looking for a chance to turn him for back points. Roosa managed to stay off his back and keep damage to a minimum. Molinaro's 12-3 major cut the Huskie lead to 9-8.
157: Senior Cyler Sanderson (Heber City, Utah), ranked No. 5 at 157, met Bloomsburg's Matt Moley, ranked No. 2, in the marquee match-up of the day. Sanderson took the first shots of the bout, looking to get in on the Huskie All-American's upper legs. But Moley was able to step back and stay out of trouble and keep the bout scoreless halfway through the opening period. Neither wrestler managed to get on the scoreboard through the first three minutes and action moved to the second period tied at 0-0. Sanderson chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 1-0 lead. Moley took an early shot off a reset, but Sanderson was able to step out of trouble and maintain his 1-0 lead with 1:35 left in the period. Sanderson took a shot at a high single that Moley nearly countered and turned into two points. But Sanderson was able to avoid trouble and still led 1-0 with :50 left. Sanderson shot high at the :30 mark, but this time Moley was able to step back and stay off the mat. Trailing 1-0, Moley chose down to start the third period. A quick escape tied the bout at 1-1 with 1:57 left in the hotly contested bout. Sanderson got in deep on a high single right away, but Moley was able to break free of the hold and keep the bout tied. Sanderson then took a quick low shot and then fought off a scrambling effort by Moley on the edge of the mat, lifting the Huskie high in the air and taking him down to the mat for a 3-1 lead with :55 left in the bout. Moley escaped to a 3-2 deficit with :35 left, but Sanderson continued to pressure the Huskie back on his heels, forcing action to the edge of the mat. Sanderson then scrambled away from a late Moley shot on the edge of the mat and secured a thrilling 3-2 win over the second-ranked Huskie. The win put Penn State up 11-9 heading into intermission.
165: Senior Dan Vallimont (Lake Hopatcong, N.J.), ranked No. 9 at 165, took on No. 19 Rick Schmelyun of Bloomsburg. Vallimont shot low off a reset with 2:10 left, gaining control of the ranked Huskie's right ankle. But Schmelyun was able to step over the Lion All-American and force a reset with 1:38 left in the first period. Vallimont took another low shot and spent the next minute-plus working for a takedown. Schmelyun, however, was able to fight off the move and the clock wound down to zero with the grapplers still tied up in the center of the mat. Vallimont chose down to start the second period and steadily worked his way to a reversal at the 1:12 mark to lead 2-0. The senior then put together a strong ride, gaining control of Schmelyun's wrist and looking to turn the Huskie for near fall points. While the BU senior was able to stay parallel, the ride out allowed Vallimont to lead 2-0 with :34 in riding time heading into the final period. Schmelyun chose top to start the final period, hoping to turn the Lion for back points. But Vallimont did not panic, fighting off every Huskie effort and forcing a reset with 1:00 left. Schmelyun managed to ride Vallimont out, but the Lion was never in any danger and walked away with a solid 2-1 win. The victory put Penn State up 14-9.
174: Freshman 165-pounder Nick Fischer (Unionville, Pa.) took to the mat at 174 for Penn State to face Bloomsburg's Nathan Graham. Graham notched a quick takedown of Fischer, bolting out to an early 2-0 lead. Fischer escaped to a 2-1 deficit at the 1:00 mark and then shot low on Graham. But Graham countered the move, stepping behind the Lion freshman for a 4-1 lead. A ride out allowed the Huskie to hold that lead heading into the second period. Graham chose down to start the middle stanza and worked his way to a reversal and a 6-1 lead just :10 in. Fischer nearly got his own reversal, but Graham was able to work his way out of bounds with 1:10 left. The escape cut the BU lead to 6-2. Trailing by four, Fischer chose down to start the third period. Graham rode the Lion freshman long enough to secure the riding time point before Fischer escaped to a 6-3 deficit. The Loin freshman then looked to score on a high single, but Graham was able to step behind the shot and get a takedown of his own to up his lead to 8-4. Fischer shot again but could not break through the Huskie's defense. Graham added another takedown with :15 left to post an 11-5 win and cut Penn State's lead to 14-12.
184: Nittany Lion Justin Ortega (Oxford, Pa.) met Bloomsburg's Derek Coffey at 184. Coffey took a couple early shots that Ortega was able to easily step away from. The Lion sophomore then began looking for his own offense after a reset in the middle of the mat with :30 left. But Coffey was able to work his way out of bounds as Ortega worked his upper body and the bout was scoreless after one period. Coffey chose down to start the second period and worked his way to a 1-0 lead after the escape at the 1:52 mark. The duo traded shots over the next minute, with neither grappler finding a solid opening to move into. Ortega finished a low single with :15 left, but action moved out of bounds and the second period ended with the Lion sophomore trailing 1-0. Ortega chose down to start the final period but Coffey was able to turn the Lion for two nearfall points and a 3-0 lead. Coffey then continued to pressure Ortega, securing the riding time point and ended the bout on top. The ride out allowed the Huskie to post a 4-0 win and put BU up 15-14 with two bouts to wrestle.
197: Sophomore Clay Steadman (McKean, Pa.) battled Bloom's Jake Dabashinky at 197. The duo spent the first minute-plus looking for a scoring opportunity, but defense ruled the opening period. Steadman picked up the offensive pressure as the first period wound down under the one minute mark. While Steadman forced the Huskie backwards, he could not find a way to score and the bout moved to the second stanza tied 0-0. Dabashinky chose down to start the period and maintained control of the Huskie long enough to build up a 1:28 riding time edge before the Huskie escaped to a 1-0 lead. Trailing 1-0, Steadman chose down to start the third period, needing to escape in :28 to maintain his time advantage. But Dabashinky was able to keep control long enough to erase the advantage. Now Steadman needed the escape to tie the bout. A tie-up forced a reset with 1:12 left. Dabashinky got hit with a stall for hanging onto Steadman's ankle with :59 left. Steadman finally escaped to a 1-1 tie with :45 left and immediately used a quick high single to take Dabashinsky down and take a 3-1 lead with just :28 left. The Lion sophomore then rode the Huskie out to post a thrilling 3-1 win and give the Nittany Lions a 17-15 lead.
HWT: Sophomore heavyweight Cameron Wade (Twinsburg, Ohio), ranked No. 20 nationally, met Zach Walsh. Steadman got the first takedown at the 2:09 mark, taking a 2-0 lead. He then began looking to turn the Huskie sophomore and build up a riding time advantage. Walsh escaped to a 2-1 deficit as Wade built up a 1:00 time edge. Wade carried the 2-1 lead into the second period. Walsh chose down to start the middle frame, but Wade spent the bulk of the period looking for a chance to turn the Huskie for back points. With :45 left, Wade picked up two near fall points to up his lead to 4-1. He then reset the Huskie and turned him once more and this time, pinned the Huskie at the 4:42 mark. The quick fall gave Penn State a 23-15 victory.
Penn State's Taylor and Kemerer Outstanding at W&J Open
Taylor wins title at 157 while Kemerer takes third at 165
STATE COLLEGE, Pa.; November 15, 2009 - Nittany Lion wrestlers David Taylor (St. Paris, Ohio) and Jake Kemerer (Greensburg, Pa.) traveled south for the Washington and Jefferson Open, competing as unattached grapplers, and had outstanding days. Taylor was perfect at 157 to claim the title while Kemerer was 5-1 to take third at 165.
Taylor, a true freshman red-shirting this season, won four of his five bouts by technical fall, including a 20-5 win over West Virginia's Kyle Eason in the finals. Taylor's other win was a forfeit victory. In all, the Ohio native outscored his opponents 76-16 in his debut at the college level. Kemerer was equally impressive, rolling to a 5-1 mark including two pins and two technical falls. His only loss was a tough 5-3 loss to West Virginia starter Donnie Jones in the semifinals.
Also competing at the event was true freshman Andrew Church (Erie, Pa.), who went 1-2 at 174, and red-shirt freshman James English (York, Pa.), who went 1-2 at 149. Both wrestlers were unattached as well.
Penn State's first home dual is slated for Sunday, Nov. 15, at noon when the Bloomsburg Huskies invade Rec Hall. Penn State Wrestling season tickets for the 2009-10 season are on sale now. The five-event package (which does not include the Nittany Lion Open) costs $30 for adults ($6 per event) and $25 for youth ($5 per event). Single event tickets will cost $8 for adults and $6 for youth. Group sales are available once again for groups of 15 people or more. Group prices are $5 in advance and $6 walk-up. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 1.800.NITTANY between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. All Penn State events will once again air live on Forever Broadcasting's WRSC (1390 AM) and on GoPSUsports.com as well. The 2009-10 Penn State Wrestling season is presented by The Family Clothesline.
No. 15 Penn State Drops Tough Dual at No. 17 Lehigh in Wrestling Opener
Vallimont downs Galante in marquee match-up at 165
BETHLEHEM, Pa.; November 13, 2009 - The Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team, ranked No. 15 in the initial NWCA Coaches Poll, dropped a hard-fought 23-14 dual meet at No. 17 Lehigh in the first dual meet for new head coach Cael Sanderson. Penn State won four of the ten bouts in the dual, including senior All-American Dan Vallimont (Lake Hopatcong, N.J.), who downed No. 12 Mike Galante at 165.
With a line-up featuring three wrestlers making their collegiate dual meet debuts, the Nittany Lions opened up an early lead, fell behind but fought back to take a lead at intermission. But the Mountainhawks, returning eight starters from a team that went 22-1 in duals last year, won the final four bouts to pull away for the victory.
Penn State got out to an early 4-0 lead as Brad Pataky (Clearfield, Pa.) used six takedowns to notch a 14-4 major at 125. But Lehigh followed with a major at 133 and a pin at 141 and three bouts in, Penn State found itself down 10-4. But two All-Americans helped propel Penn State to an 11-10 lead heading into intermission as Frank Molinaro (Barnegat, N.J.) got a 12-3 major off five takedowns at 149 and senior Cyler Sanderson (Heber City, Utah) made his Penn State debut with a 5-2 decision at 157.
Senior All-American Dan Vallimont (Lake Hopatcong, N.J.) got an impressive 5-2 decision over No. 12 Mike Galante of Lehigh to put Penn State up 14-10. But an upset victory at 174 pulled Lehigh even as red-shirt freshman Robert Hamlin downed Penn State senior David Erwin (Urbana, Ohio) 17-8 to tie the bout at 14-14. Lehigh's fifth year senior, No. 12 David Craig, had all he could handle from Penn State freshman Justin Ortega (Oxford, Pa.) in a 3-1 win at 184 that put the Mountainhawks up 17-14. Sophomore Clay Steadman (McKean, Pa.) gave Lehigh's Joe Kennedy all he could handle as well, but Kennedy escaped with a 4-2 win that put Lehigh up 20-14. No. 6 Zach Rey then posted a hard-fought 5-2 win over No. 20 Cameron Wade (Twinsburg, Ohio) to give Lehigh the 23-14 victory.
Penn State is now 0-1 on the year while Lehigh moves to 2-0. The Nittany Lions will open up their home schedule on Sunday with a dual on Sunday against Bloomsburg. Penn State will entertain the Huskies at 12 p.m. in Rec Hall. Penn State Wrestling season tickets for the 2009-10 season are on sale now. The five-event package (which does not include the Nittany Lion Open) costs $30 for adults ($6 per event) and $25 for youth ($5 per event). Single event tickets will cost $8 for adults and $6 for youth. Group sales are available once again for groups of 15 people or more. Group prices are $5 in advance and $6 walk-up. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 1.800.NITTANY between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. All Penn State events will once again air live on Forever Broadcasting's WRSC (1390 AM) or 3WZ (95.3 FM) and on <http://www.GoPSUsports.com>www.GoPSUsports.com as well. The 2009-10 Penn State Wrestling season is presented by The Family Clothesline.
#15 Penn State 14, #17 Lehigh 23
Bethlehem, Pa. - Stabler Arena - November 13, 2009
125: #8 Brad Pataky PSU maj. dec. John McDonald LU, 14-4 4-0
133: #12 Matt Fisk LU maj. dec. Tyler Saltsman PSU, 14-1 4-4
141: #18 Seth Ciauslli LU pinned Adam Lynch PSU, WBF (2:42) 4-10
149: #6 Frank Molinaro PSU maj. dec. Brian Tanen LU, 12-3 8-10
157: #5 Cyler Sanderson PSU dec. Sean Bilodeau LU, 5-2 11-10
165: #9 Dan Vallimont PSU dec. #12 Mike Galante LU, 5-2 14-10
174: Robert Hamlin LU maj. dec. David Erwin PSU, 17-8 14-14
184: #12 David Craig LU dec. Justin Ortega PSU, 3-1 14-17
197: Joe Kennedy LU dec. Clay Steadman PSU, 4-2 14-20
HWT: #6 Zach Rey LU dec. #20 Cameron Wade PSU, 5-2 14-23
Attendance: 5,254
Records: Penn State 0-1, Lehigh 2-0
Up Next for Penn State: Hosts Bloomsburg, Sunday, 12 p.m. - Rec Hall
BOUT-BY-BOUT:
125: Nittany Lion junior Brad Pataky (Clearfield, Pa.), ranked No. 8 at 125, took on Lehigh's John McDonald at 125. Pataky quickly took McDonald down just :15 into the bout to open up an early 2-0 lead. He put together a solid ride, maintaining control of the Mountainhawk grappler for 1:26 before cutting him loose at the 1:28 mark. Pataky then gained control of McDonald's right leg and worked the LU grappler to the ground for a 4-1 lead at the :32 mark. He then rode McDonald out to lead 4-1 with 2:06 in riding time after the opening stanza. Pataky chose down to start the second period and quickly rolled his way out of control to up his lead to 5-1. Pataky then used a swift high double leg, driving McDonald to the mat to lead 7-1 with just under a minute left in the period. Pataky cut McDonald loose after a reset and immediately began pushing for another takedown. Another double leg gave the Nittany Lion junior a 9-2 lead as the period ended. McDonald chose down to start the third period. Pataky cut the Mountainhawk loose and immediately scored on another double leg, upping his lead to 11-4 after cutting McDonald loose again. With the riding time point secured, Pataky once again shot in on McDonald and turned a single leg shot into a low double and his sixth takedown. A ride out and riding time point gave Pataky a 14-4 major and put Penn State up 4-0 after one bout.
133: Penn State sent sophomore Tyler Saltsman (Concord, N.H.) to the mat to meet No. 12 Matt Fisk of Lehigh. Saltsman was making his collegiate dual meet debut. Saltsman fought off an early Fisk shot but then was taken down at the 1:30 mark as the ranked Mountainhawk scrambled his way to a 2-0 lead midway through the opening period. Fisk rode Saltsman for the remainder of the period to lead 2-0 with 1:30 in riding time after the opening period. Fisk chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 3-0 lead. Fisk gained control of Saltsman and looked to throw him to his back, but the Lion sophomore was able to roll out of trouble and work his way out of bounds to force a reset with no damage done. Fisk fought his way to another takedown and turned Saltsman to his back for three near fall points before a reset was called at the :35 mark. The quick five-point move put Fisk up 8-0, a lead he would carry into the third period. Saltsman chose neutral to start the third period, looking for a first takedown to cut into Fisk's lead. Saltsman took a quick shot but was countered by Fisk, who worked his way around the Nittany Lion for a third takedown and a 10-0 lead. Fisk worked his way into completing a cradle and turned Saltsman to his back, nearly pinning the Nittany Lion. But Saltsman was able to keep his shoulders off the mat and roll out of danger again. Fisk opened up a 13-0 lead with the move with :29 left to wrestle (he had a secured riding time point as well). Fisk cut Saltsman loose to a 13-1 lead, looking for one more takedown to notch a technical fall. But it was Saltsman who nearly notched the takedown as time expired. While the Lion did not get the takedown, the last :20 of good offense allowed him to keep the damage to a 14-1 major, tying the bout at 4-4.
141: Senior Adam Lynch (Mifflinburg, Pa.) took to the mat at 141 for the Nittany Lions, facing Lehigh's Seth Ciasulli, ranked No. 18. Lynch got in on a single leg early and spent the next minute working for an opening takedown. But Ciasulli was able to fight off the move and force a stalemate at the 1:47 mark. Ciasulli worked into a high single after the reset and steadily worked his way to a 2-0 lead with a takedown on the edge of the mat with 1:14 left in the opening period. Ciasulli then used the reset to work his way into control of Lynch's shoulders and after :30 of work, turned the Nittany Lion to his back for a pin at the 2:42 mark, giving LU a 10-4 lead.
149: All-American Frank Molinaro (Barnegat, N.J.), ranked No. 6 at 141, met Lehigh's Brian Tanen at 149. Tanen took the first solid shot of the bout, gaining control of Molinaro's thigh. But the Lion sophomore forced a reset and action returned to the center circle. Molinaro shot quickly off the reset, turning a fast high double into a takedown at the 1:24 mark to lead 2-0. The Nittany Lion sophomore put together a very strong ride, looking for an opening to turn Tanen to his back. While not turning Tanen, he managed to ride the LU grappler out. Down 2-0, Tanen chose down to start the middle period and was cut loose by Molinaro to a 2-1 score. Molinaro shot quick again off the reset, gaining control of Tannen's right leg and pulling the Mountainhawk down to the mat for another takedown and a 4-1 lead. Molinaro cut Tanen loose after a reset and began looking for another takedown. Leading 4-2 with :45 left in the middle period, Molinaro continued to force the offense. Grabbing Tanen at the waste and lifting him off the ground, Molinaro drove the Mountainhawk into the mat for a 6-2 lead after two periods. Molinaro chose down to start the third period. The Lion All-American steadily worked his way out to a 7-2 lead at the 1:36 mark and immediately turned into Tanen, looking for more offense. Molinaro used a quick underhook for his fourth takedown and, after cutting Tanen loose, led 9-3 with 1:02 left (and a clinched riding time point). Needing one more takedown for a major, Molinaro continued to pressure the Tanen and got that fifth takedown with :30 left. Molinaro then rode Tanen out and, with the bonus point, notched an impressive 12-3 major decision to cut into the LU lead, 10-8.
157: All-American Cyler Sanderson (Heber City, Utah), ranked No. 5 at 157, made his Penn State dual meet debut against Sean Bilodeau. Sanderson was the aggressor early on, forcing Bilodeau to the edge of the mat for the first part of the period. He then used a quick low double to notch his first Nittany Lion takedown and lead 2-0 at the 1:29 mark. Bilodeau quickly escaped to cut the lead to 2-1, but Sanderson continued to pressure the Mountainhawk, making the Lehigh wrestler play defense while looking for a chance to score. Bilodeau managed to keep Sanderson at bay for the remainder of the period. Leading 2-1, Sanderson chose down to start the second period and steadily worked his way out of Bilodeau's grasp to lead 3-1. Sanderson forced Bilodeau into a stall warning as the period ended. Bilodeau, trailing 3-1, chose down to start the third period and escaped to a 3-2 deficit. The Lion senior continued to do the shooting while Bilodeau continued to back up towards the edge of the mat. Sanderson's offensive pressure finally paid off as the Lion worked his way to a takedown at the :03 mark that cinched the 5-2 decision and put Penn State up 11-10 heading into halftime.
165: All-American Dan Vallimont (Lake Hopatcong, N.J.), ranked No. 9 at 165, met No. 12 Mike Galente of Lehigh in a match-up of ranked grapplers. Vallimont shot low early, using a high outside single to work his way into control of Galante's ankle. But the Mountainhawk forced a stalemate at the 2:10 mark with the bout scoreless. Vallimont scrambled through a Galante shot, countering the Hawk to take a 2-0 lead with 1:20 left in the period. Galante quickly escaped and action returned to the center circle with 1:00 left in the opening period. Leading 2-1, Vallimont chose down to begin the second period. After :30 of work, Vallimont escaped to a 3-1 lead. Vallimont got in on a solid high single at the :25 mark and used his strength to get the takedown with just :02 left to lead 5-1 heading into the third period. Galante chose down to begin the final stanza and worked out to a 5-2 deficit with the escape. Vallimont did not let up, pressuring Galante towards the edge of the mat and not allowing the Mountainhawk to mount any kind of comeback. The Nittany Lion All-American walked away with a very strong 5-2 win, putting Penn State up 14-10.
174: Senior David Erwin (Urbana, Ohio) stepped up for Penn State at 174 to face Mountainhawk Robert Hamlin. Erwin gained control of Hamlin's ankle and got a takedown on the edge of the mat at the 2:15 mark to take a 2-1 lead after a Hamlin escape. Erwin quickly shot on the Mountainhawk and nearly got the takedown, but Hamlin countered and got the takedown himself to briefly lead 3-2. But Erwin wasted no time in reversing Hamlin to take a 4-3 lead. Hamlin then escaped and took Erwin down in a flurry on the edge of the mat to lead 6-4. The Lehigh freshman then added three near fall points to take a commanding 9-5 lead after Erwin escaped with just :04 left. Trailing by four, Erwin chose down to start the middle period but could not work free of Hamlin until the 1:00 mark. Escaping to a 9-6 deficit, Erwin turned into the Mountainhawk and began looking for his own offense. Erwin shot low on Hamlin as the period ended, but the Hawk grappler stepped over Erwin and got another takedown as the period ended to open up an 11-6 lead heading into the third period. Hamlin chose down to start the third period, escaped and quickly took Erwin down again to up his lead to 14-6. Erwin was cut loose to a 14-7 deficit. Erwin had three straight scoring chances slip out of his grasp as Hamlin continued to counter ever shot. On the third, Hamlin got his fifth takedown and took a 16-8 lead after Erwin escaped. The bonus point made the final score 17-8 and the major decision tied the bout at 14-14.
184: Penn State moved freshman Justin Ortega (Oxford, Pa.) up to 184 to meet Lehigh's David Craig, ranked No. 12 in the country. Craig got the bout's first takedown with a nice move, faking low and working his way to the side off Ortega for an early 2-0 lead. Craig rode Ortega out to lead 2-0 with 1:00 in riding time heading into the middle period. Kennedy chose down to begin the period and escaped just :30 in to lead 3-0. Ortega did not back down from Kennedy, continuing to look for openings to score and keeping action in the middle of the mat. Still, a scoreless second period allowed the ranked Mountainhawk to lead 3-0 with two minutes to wrestle. Ortega chose down to start the second stanza and escaped at the 1:31 mark to trail 3-1. Ortega nearly tied the bout, countering a Craig shot with 1:00 to go. But Craig was able to back out of the circle to keep his lead and action resumed in the center circle with 1:00 left. Ortega's offense forced Craig into a stall warning with :20 left. The Nittany Lion worked hard over the final seconds but could not break through Craig's defense. The 3-1 win put Lehigh up 17-14.
197: Sophomore Clay Steadman (McKean, Pa.) took on Lehigh's Joe Kennedy at 197. Kennedy gained control of Steadman's right ankle at the 1:30 mark and spent :45 trying to take the Lion sophomore down. But Steadman held fast and worked his way free to keep the bout scoreless with :20 left in the opening period. Scoreless after one period, Kennedy chose down to start the second stanza and quickly escaped to a 1-0 lead. Steadman battled the talented Hawk even for much of the second period but was hit for a first stall warning in the process. Steadman shot quickly off a reset, but Kennedy was able to counter the move, step to the side of the Lion and notched the bout's first takedown with :10 left to lead 3-0. But Steadman was able to escape as the period ended and trailed only 3-1 heading into the final period. Steadman chose down to start the final period. Steadman looked to escape but could not break out of Kennedy's control until the 1:00 mark. Steadman trailed 3-2 but Kennedy had 1:09 in riding time. Steadman furiously looked for an opening and with a reset at the :20 mark, got in deep on Kennedy's right ankle. But the Nittany Lion could not finish off the move as time expired. The bonus point gave Kennedy a 4-2 win and put Lehigh up 20-1. Steadman looked to escape but could not break out of Kennedy's control until the 1:00 mark. Steadman trailed 3-2 but Kennedy had 1:09 in riding time. Steadman furiously looked for an opening and with a reset at the :20 mark, got in deep on Kennedy's right ankle. But the Nittany Lion could not finish off the move as time expired. The bonus point gave Kennedy a 4-2 win and put Lehigh up 20-14.
HWT: Nittany Lion sophomore Cameron Wade (Twinsburg, Pa.), ranked No. 20 at HWT, met No. 6 Zach Rey of Lehigh in another battle or ranked foes. The two ranked big men battled evenly for the first three minutes with neither wrestler finding a true chance to score. Tied 0-0, Rey chose down to start the second period and quickly reversed the Nittany Lion sophomore to take a 2-0 lead. Wade steadily worked his way to an escape at the :53 mark to cut the lead to 2-1 and turned into the sixth-ranked wrestler, looking for his own chance to score. But Rey was able to fight off Wade and hold the 2-1 lead (with :44 in riding time) after two periods. Wade chose down to start the third period and gets his escape at the 1:40 mark, tying the bout at 2-2. But Rey owned a 1:06 time advantage. Wade worked hard to break through Rey's defense, but the Mountainhawk was able to keep way at arm's length long enough to counter a final Wade shot and post a 5-2 win. The victory gave the Hawks a 23-14 dual meet win.
Penn State Announces Nittany Lion Wrestling Radio Broadcast Schedule
Sanderson's first year as head coach to air locally on WRSC AM and 3WZ FM
STATE COLLEGE, Pa.; November 11, 2009 - Fans of the Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling program will once again be able to listen to a full season of action on local radio. Local AM station WRSC (1390 AM) will broadcast the bulk of the schedule with 3WZ (95.3 FM) carrying a selection of duals as well. Friday night's match against Lehigh will air on 3WZ while Sunday's Bloomsburg dual will air on WRSC.
WRSC, part of Forever Broadcasting, is one of the Centre Region's strongest AM signals and will carry every dual meet of the season (as well as action from the Reno Tournament of Champions, Big Ten Championships and NCAA Championships) except five select events that will be picked up by 3WZ. Jeff Byers, the long-time voice of Penn State wrestling, will call the action once again this season. In addition to the regular season schedule, the Cael Sanderson Show airs every Wednesday from 6 to 6:30 p.m. on the PA Sports Network, which airs locally on 3WZ as well. Byers will serve as host of the show.
Each radio event will also be streamed on the internet as part of Penn State's All-Access package at <http://www.GoPSUsports.com>www.GoPSUsports.com (click on All-Access). The full Penn State wrestling radio schedule is as follows:
NOVEMBER
Wed. 11 Cael Sanderson Radio Show 6 p.m. 3WZ/PASN
Fri. 13 at Lehigh 7 p.m. 3WZ
Sun. 15 BLOOMSBURG 12 p.m. WRSC
Wed. 18 Cael Sanderson Radio Show 6 p.m. 3WZ/PASN
Sun. 22 Sprawl and Brawl Duals, Binghamton, N.Y.
vs. Rutgers 9:45 a.m. WRSC
vs. Harvard 11:30 a.m. WRSC
vs. Edinboro 3 p.m. 3WZ
DECEMBER
Wed. 2 Cael Sanderson Radio Show 6 p.m. 3WZ/PASN
Sun. 6 NITTANY LION OPEN 8:30 a.m. WRSC (air TBA)
Wed. 9 Cael Sanderson Radio Show 6 p.m. 3WZ/PASN
Fri. 11 at West Virginia 8 p.m. WRSC
Sat. 12 at Pittsburgh 7 p.m. WRSC
Wed. 16 Cael Sanderson Radio Show 6 p.m. 3WZ/PASN
Sun. 20 Reno Tournament of Champions, Reno, Nev. 7 a.m. WRSC (air TBA)
Wed. 30 Cael Sanderson Radio Show 6 p.m. 3WZ/PASN
JANUARY
Sun. 3 at Lock Haven 3 p.m. 3WZ
Wed. 6 Cael Sanderson Radio Show 6 p.m. 3WZ/PASN
Fri.-Sat. 8-9 Virginia Duals, Hampton, Va. All Day WRSC (air TBA)
Wed. 13 Cael Sanderson Radio Show 6 p.m. 3WZ/PASN
Wed. 20 Cael Sanderson Radio Show 6 p.m. 3WZ/PASN
Fri. 22 ILLINOIS* 7 p.m. WRSC
Sun. 24 at Ohio State* 2 p.m. 3WZ
Wed. 27 Cael Sanderson Radio Show 6 p.m. 3WZ/PASN
Fri. 29 at Iowa* 8 p.m. WRSC
Sun. 31 at Wisconsin* 2 p.m. 3WZ
FEBRUARY
Wed. 3 Cael Sanderson Radio Show 6 p.m. 3WZ/PASN
Fri. 5 NORTHWESTERN* 7 p.m. WRSC
Sun. 7 MICHIGAN* 1 p.m. WRSC
Wed. 10 Cael Sanderson Radio Show 6 p.m. 3WZ/PASN
Fri. 12 MICHIGAN STATE* 7 p.m. WRSC
Wed. 17 Cael Sanderson Radio Show 6 p.m. 3WZ/PASN
Fri. 19 at Minnesota* 8 p.m. WRSC
Wed. 24 Cael Sanderson Radio Show 6 p.m. 3WZ/PASN
MARCH
Wed. 3 Cael Sanderson Radio Show 6 p.m. 3WZ/PASN
Sa.-Su. 6-7 Big Ten Championships at Michigan All Day WRSC (air TBA)
Wed. 10 Cael Sanderson Radio Show 6 p.m. 3WZ/PASN
Wed. 17 Cael Sanderson Radio Show 6 p.m. 3WZ/PASN
Th.-Sa. 18-20 NCAA Championships, Omaha, Neb. All Day WRSC (air TBA)
Penn State opens up the dual meet season at Lehigh on Friday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. Penn State's first home dual is slated for Sunday, Nov. 15, at noon when the Bloomsburg Huskies invade Rec Hall. Penn State Wrestling season tickets for the 2009-10 season are on sale now. The five-event package (which does not include the Nittany Lion Open) costs $30 for adults ($6 per event) and $25 for youth ($5 per event). Single event tickets will cost $8 for adults and $6 for youth. Group sales are available once again for groups of 15 people or more. Group prices are $5 in advance and $6 walk-up. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 1.800.NITTANY between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. All Penn State events will once again air live on Forever Broadcasting's WRSC (1390 AM) or 3WZ (95.3 FM) and on www.GoPSUsports.com as well. The 2009-10 Penn State Wrestling season is presented by The Family Clothesline.
Penn State Nittany Lion Wrestling Team Signs Four of the Nation's Best High School Seniors to National Letters of Intent
v Four seniors have amassed six PIAA titles heading into their final high school campaigns
STATE COLLEGE, Pa.; November 11, 2009 - Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling coach Cael Sanderson received more good news on the first day of the NCAA's early signing period. Four of the nation's top high school wrestlers have signed National Letters of Intent to attend Penn State and become members of the Penn State wrestling family.
The vaunted foursome, all homegrown Pennsylvania talent, has combined for six PIAA state titles already as each young man readies for the 2009-10 high school season. Alphabetically, Sanderson received NLI's from twin brothers Andrew Alton (Mill Hall, Pa.) and Dylan Alton (Mill Hall, Pa.), Dirk Cowburn (Coudersport, Pa.) and Sam Sherlock (West Mifflin, Pa.). Each wrestler is among the tops at his respective weight class, according to Intermat (www.intermatwrestle.com).
"This is an outstanding group of young men and we are pleased that they have made the decision to become Nittany Lions," Sanderson said. "As we continue to build the kind of program we envisioned when we arrived in State College, it is the hard work and dedication of wrestlers like this that will help us achieve our goals."
Andrew Alton (Mill Hall, Pa.) is ranked No. 1 at 145 by Intermat and, heading into the new high school season, is the No. 2 ranked overall recruit in the country (at any weight). Andrew is coming off a 140 pound title at last year's PIAA championships, going 46-0 overall. Andrew went 47-1 at 140 as a sophomore, taking third at PIAAs, and was 40-7 as a high school freshman at 130 (also placing third at states). He carries a 133-8 career record into his senior season at Central Mountain High School in neighboring Clinton County. The Mill Hall native is also an outstanding freestyle wrestler, having won the last two (2008 and 2009) Junior National Championships. He took third at the FILA Junior Nationals in 2009, won the 2008 Super 32 Challenge and took second place at the 2008 Junior Nationals in Greco-Roman. Andrew is the son of Neil and Donna Alton of Mill Hall, Pa., and the twin brother of fellow signee Dylan.
Dylan Alton (Mill Hall, Pa.) is ranked No. 1 at 152 by Intermat and, heading into the new high school season, is the No. 5 ranked overall recruit in the country (at any weight). Dylan is a two-time PIAA state champion, having claimed the 145 pound title last year after a 47-0 junior campaign. The year before, he went 45-1 at 135 and claimed the state title as well. As a high school freshman, Dylan posted a 39-4 mark and took seventh at states. Heading into his final year at nearby Central Mountain High School, Dylan sports a 131-5 career record. The Mill Hall native is, like his twin, an outstanding freestyle wrestler as well. Dylan won the 2008 and 2009 Junior National crowns, took the 2008 Junior National championship in Greco Roman, won the 2008 Walsh Ironman title and took third at the 2008 Super 32 Challenge. Dylan is the son of Neil and Donna Alton of Mill Hall, Pa., and the twin brother of fellow signee Andrew.
Dirk Cowburn (Coudersport, Pa.) is ranked No. 4 at 160 by Intermat and, heading into his final year at Coudersport High School, is the No. 47 ranked overall recruit in the country (at any weight). Cowburn is a two-time PIAA state champion, having claimed the 152 pound title in each of the last two years. As a junior, he went 30-2 to claim the title and as a sophomore he went 38-0. Heading into his senior year, Cowburn carries a 101-7 overall mark with him on his quest to three-peat. An outstanding freestyle and Greco wrestler as well, Cowburn won the 2007 Cadet National title in Greco-Roman and took second in freestyle at that event. In 2008, Cowburn placed second at the 2008 Junior Nationals in Greco as well. Dirk is the son of Dan and Darla Cowburn of Coudersport, Pa.
Sam Sherlock (West Mifflin, Pa.) is ranked No. 2 nationally at 130 by Intermat and, heading into the 2009-10 high school campaign, is ranked No. 16 overall at any weight. Sherlock is the defending PIAA state champion at 125 after going 38-3 last year and winning his first crown. He went 35-3 as a sophomore in 2007-08 and placed fourth. Sherlock is 73-6 in two years as the starter for West Mifflin High School as he preps for his final season. A standout in both freestyle and folkstyle, Sam took second place at the 2008 Super 32 Challenge and Beast of the East and placed third at the 2009 Junior Nationals. Sam is the son of Sam and Nancy Sherlock of West Mifflin, Pa.
Penn State opens up the dual meet season at Lehigh on Friday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. Penn State's first home dual is slated for Sunday, Nov. 15, at noon when the Bloomsburg Huskies invade Rec Hall. Penn State Wrestling season tickets for the 2009-10 season are on sale now. The five-event package (which does not include the Nittany Lion Open) costs $30 for adults ($6 per event) and $25 for youth ($5 per event). Single event tickets will cost $8 for adults and $6 for youth. Group sales are available once again for groups of 15 people or more. Group prices are $5 in advance and $6 walk-up. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 1.800.NITTANY between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. All Penn State events will once again air live on Forever Broadcasting's WRSC (1390 AM) and on www.GoPSUsports.com as well. The 2009-10 Penn State Wrestling season is presented by The Family Clothesline.
Free Fan Shuttle Available for Sunday's Penn State Wrestling and Women's Basketball Games
Fans encouraged to park at BJC to attend both events
STATE COLLEGE, Pa.; November 11, 2009 - Fans of Lady Lion basketball and Nittany Lion wrestling will have access to a free fan shuttle on Sunday, Nov. 15. The Nittany Lion wrestlers face Bloomsburg at 12 p.m. in their home opener in Rec Hall while the Lady Lion basketball squad hosts NJIT at 2 p.m. in its opener in the Jordan Center.
Fans that are planning to attend both events are encouraged to use the ample free parking at the Jordan Center and board the shuttle to Rec Hall for the wrestling match. The shuttle will then pick fans up after the Nittany Lion grapplers wrap up action with Bloomsburg and bring them back to the BJC for the Lady Lions' game against NJIT.
The first shuttle will depart from the bus turnaround near the Shields Parking Lot adjacent to the BJC at 10:30 a.m. and drop fans off in front of Rec Hall's main entrance. The short trip will be repeated approximately every 30 minutes between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
No. 14 Penn State visits No. 19 Lehigh and Hosts Bloomsburg to Begin 2009-10 Wrestling Season
STATE COLLEGE, Pa.; November 10, 2009 -- The Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team will open up the 2009-10 season with two duals in three days. No. 14 Penn State (0-0) visits No. 19 Lehigh (1-0) on Friday, Nov. 13, in a 7 p.m. battle in Stabler Arena. On Sunday, Nov. 15, Penn State hosts Bloomsburg (2-0) at 12 p.m. in Rec Hall.
Head coach Cael Sanderson will have five ranked grapplers in his starting line-up, including No. 8 Brad Pataky at 125, No. 6 (at 141) Frank Molinaro at 149, No. 5 Cyler Sanderson at 157, No. 9 Dan Vallimont at 165 and No. 20 Cameron Wade at HWT.
The Nittany Lions open up the season with a rugged dual at No. 19 Lehigh on Friday night. While the Mountain Hawks come in 1-0 after a 31-3 win over Rider last Sunday, Penn State will be making its 2009-10 debut. Key match-ups to watch would be No. 9 Vallimont of Penn State against No. 12 Mike Galante of Lehigh at 165 and No. 20 Wade against No. 6 Zach Rey at HWT. Penn State owns a 61-33-3 edge in the all-time series against Lehigh. The Mountainhawks won last year's meeting in Rec Hall, downing Penn State 17-16. Prior to that, Penn State had won four straight over LU, including a 33-0 win in Bethlehem in 2007-08.
Bloomsburg will visit Rec Hall on Sunday at noon for Sanderson's first home dual as head coach of the Nittany Lions. The Huskies, a rising power in the Eastern Wrestling League, bring a 2-0 mark into the dual after commanding wins over Boston by a 26-9 margin and Millersville by a 35-(-2) margin last Saturday at Millersville. Key match-ups against the Huskies include a battle at 157 featuring No. 5 Sanderson against No. 2 Matt Moley of Bloomsburg and a potential meeting at 165 between No. 9 Vallimont and No. 19 Rick Schmelyun. The Nittany Lions own a 13-5-1 edge of the Huskies, dating back to Penn State's days in the EWL. The two teams last met on Jan. 12, 2006, at the Virginia Duals with Penn State getting a 22-9 win.
Penn State will travel to the Sprawl and Brawl Duals in Binghamton, N.Y., for three duals on Sunday, Nov. 22. Penn State will face Rutgers at 9:45 a.m., No. 22 Harvard at 11:30 a.m. and 12 Edinboro at 3 p.m. on the campus of Binghamton, N.Y. Penn State Wrestling season tickets for the 2009-10 season are on sale now. The five-event package (which does not include the Nittany Lion Open) costs $30 for adults ($6 per event) and $25 for youth ($5 per event). Single event tickets will cost $8 for adults and $6 for youth. Group sales are available once again for groups of 15 people or more. Group prices are $5 in advance and $6 walk-up. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 1.800.NITTANY between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. All Penn State events will once again air live on Forever Broadcasting's WRSC (1390 AM) and on GoPSUsports. com as well. The 2009-10 Penn State Wrestling season is presented by The Family Clothesline.
TODAY'S POSSIBLE LINE-UP As of November 9, 2009
#14 PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS (0-0, 0-0 Big Ten)
Wt. Name Yr. Hometown/High School 2009-10 Record
125 #8 Brad Pataky Jr. Clearfield, Pa./Clearfield 0-0
133 Tyler Saltsman So. Concord, N.H./Concord 0-0
OR Bryan Pearsall Fr. Lititz, Pa./Warwick 0-0
141 Colby Pisani So. Ridgway, Pa./Ridgway 0-0
OR Adam Lynch Sr. Mifflinburg, Pa./Mifflinburg 0-0
149 #6 (@ 141) Frank Molinaro So. Barnegat, N.J./Southern Regional 0-0
157 #5 Cyler Sanderson Sr. Heber City, Utah/Wasatch 0-0
165 #9 Dan Vallimont Sr. Lake Hopatcong, N.J./Jefferson Twp. 0-0
174 David Erwin Sr. Urbana, Ohio/St. Paris Graham 0-0
OR Justin Ortega Fr. Oxford, Pa./Oxford 0-0
184 J.R. Brown So. Bellefonte, Pa./Bellefonte 0-0
197 Clay Steadman So. McKean, Pa./General McLane 0-0
285 #20 Cameron Wade So. Twinsburg, Ohio/St. Peter Chanel 0-0
#19 LEHIGH MOUNTAIN HAWKS (1-0)
Wt. Name Yr. Hometown/High School 2009-10 Record
125 John McDonald So. Rehoboth, Del./Sussex Central 1-0
133 #12 Matt Fisk Sr. Wyalusing, Pa./Wyalusing 1-0
141 #18 Seth Ciasulli Sr. Easton, Pa./Easton 1-0
149 Brian Tanen So. Souderton, Pa./Souderton 0-1
157 Sean Bilodeau So. Harvard, Mass./Brooks School 1-0
165 #12 Mike Galante Sr. Ocean City, N.J./Blair Academy 1-0
174 Robert Hamlin Fr. Jonesville, Vt./Mount Mansfield Union 1-0
184 #12 David Craig Sr. Brandon, Fla./Brandon 1-0
197 Joe Kennedy So. Milford, Pa./Delaware Valley 1-0
285 #6 Zach Rey So. Hopatcong, N.J./Hopatcong 1-0
BLOOMSBURG HUSKIES (2-0)
Wt. Name Yr. Hometown/High School 2009-10 Record
125 Jason Guffey Sr. Muncy, Pa./Warrior Run 2-0
133 Dan Gaylord Fr. Vestal, N.Y./Vestal 1-1
OR Jeremiah Biddle So. Slate Hill, N.Y./Minisik Valley 0-0
141 Frank Hickman Fr. Castle Hayne, N.C./E.L. Laney 2-0
149 Josh Roosa Fr. Mountaintop, Pa./Crestwood 2-0
157 #2 Matt Moley Sr. Phoenixville, Pa./Spring-Ford 2-0
165 Mike Dessino Fr. Middlesex, N.J./Middlesex 2-0
OR #19 Rick Schmelyun Sr. New Oxford, Pa./Bermudian Springs 0-0
174 Nate Graham Jr. Selkirk, N.Y./Ravena 2-0
184 Derek Coffey Jr. Lewisburg, Pa./Lewisburg 0-1
OR Brian Shaw Sr. Hollidaysburg, Pa./Hollidaysburg 0-0
197 Jake Dabashinksy So. Schuylkill Haven, Pa./Blue Mountain 1-1
285 Zach Walsh So. Denville, N.J./Morris Knolls 2-0
All rankings Intermat
HEAD COACH CAEL SANDERSON
Cael Sanderson comes to Penn State after three extremely successful years as the head coach at his alma mater. Sanderson's teams did not finish any lower than fifth at the NCAA Championships and never had a wrestler not qualify for nationals, getting 30 of 30 grapplers through to the championship tournament. In 2007, Sanderson's rookie campaign, he led ISU to a 13-3 dual meet record and the first of three straight Big 12 Championships. An NCAA Runner-Up finish in Detroit capped off a wildly successful year as the Cyclones crowned one national champion and Sanderson was honored as Big 12 Coach of the Year, National Rookie Coach of the Year and National Coach of the Year. The next year, Sanderson led ISU to a 16-4 dual meet mark, another Big 12 title and a fifth place finish at nationals. Iowa State's seven All-Americans in 2008 were the most at the school since 1993. This past season, Sanderson's team went 15-3 in duals, won its third straight Big 12 title and took third place at the NCAA Championships in St. Louis (just 12 points out of first place). The Cyclones also crowned another national champion. In three years, Sanderson's teams went 44-10, won three conference crowns, qualified all 30 wrestlers for nationals, and earned 15 All-America awards and two individual national titles. Sanderson now sports a 44-10 dual meet mark in this, his fourth year as a collegiate head coach.
SEASON TICKETS DOUBLE IN YEAR ONE UNDER
CAEL SANDERSON
Fans of the Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team are in the process of making home duals a hot ticket for the 2009-10 campaign. The season ticket fan base has nearly doubled in the build up to head coach Cael Sanderson's home debut this Sunday in Rec Hall. Over 2,000 season tickets have been sold as Penn State prepares for the season-opening weekend. Last season, Penn State sold a respectable 1,058 season tickets. This year, 2,047 season packages have already been sold for Penn State's five-dual home slate, including 40 new 'premium seats' which will also make their debut this weekend.
VOLLRATH AND MACCHIAROLI PLACE AT CLARION
Four Nittany Lion wrestlers competed at the Knight Point Clarion Open on Saturday, each wrestling unattached at the event. True freshmen James Vollrath (Richboro, Pa.) and Luke Macchiaroli (Tempe, Ariz.) each placed while classmates Tom Reynolds (Skillman, N.J.) and Andrew Church (Erie, Pa.) each competed as well. Vollrath entered the tournament seeded No. 2 at 157 and went 3-1, advancing to the finals, to take second place. Vollrath got wins over Corey Lear of Bucknell, Greg Hillbert of Lehigh and Patrick Marchetti of Army before falling to American's Steve Fittery in the finals (Fittery was the No. 1 seed). Macchiaroli entered the tournament seed No. 5 at 197 and went 3-2, advancing to the semifinals before losing and wrestling back to fifth place. Macchiaroli got wins over Lehigh's Robert Prigmore, Bloomsburg's Mike Grillakis and Franklin and Marshall's Colin Ely. Church was solid at 174, posting a 2-2 mark, including a pin over Bloomsburg's David Saksek. He also beat Buffalo's Pat Brady. Reynolds went 1-2 at 133 with a win over American's Corey Borshoff.
MEDIA DAY A BIG SUCCESS FOR LIONS;
OVER 30 PRESS DESCEND UPON THE LWC FOR EVENT
Over 30 members of the press, including photographers and television crews, descended upon the Lorenzo Wrestling Complex for Penn State's Wrestling Media Day, held on Tuesday, Oct. 27. The well-attended event featured Sanderson's press conference, individual wrestler availability as well as an open practice session. Full transcripts of the event, photo galleries and video highlights can be found at http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-wrestl/psu-m-wrestl-body.html .
TRUE FRESHMEN AND WRIGHT PROBABLE RED-SHIRTS;
JENKINS COULD RED-SHIRT AS WELL
Coach Sanderson confirmed at media day that it is the intention of the Nittany Lion coaching staff to red-shirt all true freshmen this year as well as sophomore All-American Quentin Wright. In addition, 2008 National Runner-Up Bubba Jenkins (who is ineligible first semester) is likely to red-shirt as well.
BIG TEN NETWORK TO TELEVISE NINE DUALS THIS
YEAR, SOME LIVE, PENN STATE ON ONCE
The Big Ten Network will air nine dual meets on its national cable network this year, five of which will air live and four that will be broadcast on a tape-delay basis. The Penn State Nittany Lions will be featured once again this year, with the Nittany Lions' dual at Ohio State on Sunday, Jan. 24, airing on a same-day delay basis at 7 p.m. that day. In addition to the nine dual meets, the Big Ten Network will air the finals of Midlands on Sunday, Jan. 3, and the finals of the Big Ten Championships on Sunday, March 7. BigTenNetwork.com will offer video streaming of 15 other duals as well. Penn State will be featured on six of those web-only streams.
PENN STATE #14 IN INTERMAT POLL; FIVE LIONS RANKED
Five members of the Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team will head into the 2009-10 season with individual national rankings as Intermat has released its pre-season poll. Head coach Cael Sanderson's squad is ranked 14th in the pre-season coaches rankings. Senior Cyler Sanderson (Heber City, Utah) leads the charge for Penn State with a No. 5 ranking at 157. Sanderson, a transfer from Iowa State, was a 2008 All-American and is a three-time NCAA qualifier. Sophomore Frank Molinaro (Barnegat, N.J.) is ranked No. 6 at 141 after his eighth place finish at 141 last season earned him his first All-America honor. Sophomore Brad Pataky (Clearfield, Pa.) is ranked No. 8 at 125. The Clearfield native was a national qualifier in 2009, finishing just one win shy of All-America laurels in the 'round of 12'. Senior Dan Vallimont (Lake Hopatcong, N.J.), a 2008 All-American as a third place finisher at 157, moved to 165 last year and also advanced to the 'round of 12'. Vallimont is ranked No. 9 at 165 to start the year. Sophomore Cameron Wade (Twinsburg, Ohio) enters his second season at heavyweight ranked No. 20 in the pre-season poll. The Nittany Lions are ranked No. 14 to start the campaign. Seven Big Ten schools are listed in the rankings, including No. 1 Iowa, No. 3 Ohio State, No. 5 Minnesota, No. 11 Wisconsin, No. 15 Indiana and No. 21 Michigan State. In addition, Penn State will wrestle three other top 25 teams during its non-conference slate (No. 12 Edinboro, No. 19 Lehigh and No. 22 Harvard) in addition to whomever the team meets at the Virginia Duals.
LIONS EARN PRE-SEASON RANKINGS
FROM W.I.N. MAGAZINE
Five members of the Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team are ranked among the top 20 at their respective weights in Wrestling Insider Newsmagazine's pre-season individual rankings. Head coach Cael Sanderson's team is well represented on the list with all five wrestlers sitting in the top ten at their weights. With returning All-American Quentin Wright (Wingate, Pa.) set to red-shirt this year and not ranked at 174, fellow 2009 All-American Frank Molinaro (Barnegat, N.J.) checks in with a No. 7 ranking at 141. Molinaro placed eighth at nationals last year and went 23-19 on the year. Three 2008 All-Americans are also ranked, led by transfer Cyler Sanderson (Heber City, Utah), who is ranked No. 6 at 157. Sanderson, who finished seventh at 157 two years ago with a 33-6 record, went 20-9 last year and was 2-2 at nationals. Senior Bubba Jenkins (Virginia Beach, Va.) spent much of the 2009 season ranked among the top two in the nation at 149, but injuries down the stretch prevented the 2008 national runner-up from repeating as an All-American. Jenkins went 24-3 last year, is ranked No. 6 nationally at 149, and is scheduled to return to action in late December of this year. Senior Dan Vallimont (Lake Hopatcong, N.J.) was a third place finisher at 157 two years ago, earning his first All-America tag. Last year, Vallimont moved up to 165 during the Big Ten season and ended the campaign with a tough loss in the 'round of 12' at nationals, just one win shy of All-America status. Vallimont ended the 2008-09 season with a 24-12 record and enters this season ranked No. 9 at 165 by W.I.N. Junior Brad Pataky (Clearfield, Pa.) also advanced to the 'round of 12' in 2009 during his first trip to nationals. The talented 125-pounder went 31-11 last year and heads into the new season ranked No. 9 at 125.
LIONS EARN PRE-SEASON RANKINGS
FROM AWN MAGAZINE
Five members of the Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team are ranked among the top 20 at their respective weights in Amateur Wrestling News' pre-season individual rankings. Head coach Cael Sanderson's team is well represented on this list, which is released every year by one of the nation's oldest wrestling publications. With returning All-American Quentin Wright (Wingate, Pa.) set to red-shirt this year and not ranked at 174, fellow 2009 All-American Frank Molinaro (Barnegat, N.J.) checks in with a No. 8 ranking at 141. Molinaro placed eighth at nationals last year and went 23-19 on the year. Two 2008 All-Americans are also ranked, led by transfer Cyler Sanderson (Heber City, Utah), who is ranked No. 5 at 157. Sanderson, who finished seventh at 157 two years ago with a 33-6 record, went 20-9 last year and was 2-2 at nationals. Senior Dan Vallimont (Lake Hopatcong, N.J.) was a third place finisher at 157 two years ago, earning his first All-America tag. Last year, Vallimont moved up to 165 during the Big Ten season and ended the campaign with a tough loss in the 'round of 12' at nationals, just one win shy of All-America status. Vallimont ended the 2008-09 season with a 24-12 record and enters this season ranked No. 12 at 165. Junior Brad Pataky (Clearfield, Pa.) also advanced to the 'round of 12' in 2009 during his first trip to nationals. The talented 125-pounder went 31-11 last year and heads into the new season ranked No. 8 at 125. Senior David Erwin (Urbana, Ohio) was injured in last year's opening event after beginning the year 3-0. A two-year starter for Penn State, Erwin has a 49-18 career record and is ranked No. 17 in AWN's pre-season rankings.
THE CAEL SANDERSON RADIO SHOW
The Cael Sanderson Radio Show will take place on Wednesday nights at 6 p.m., airing locally on 3WZ (95.3 FM) and statewide on the Pennsylvania Sports Network. The show will then air every Wednesday night throughout the season with the exception of an occasional off-evening. The 30-minute show will be hosted by Jeff Byers, the voice of Penn State wrestling, and Sanderson. Upcoming events will be highlighted and fans will have the opportunity to call in and ask questions of Sanderson and Byers. The show will originate from the conference room in the Lorenzo Wrestling Complex. Local affiliate 3WZ is the Centre Region's source for the Pennsylvania Sports Network. The PA Sports Network is a 16-station radio network spanning the entirety of the Commonwealth, from Erie to Lancaster. The Network's programming is also carried live on Comcast Channel 4 in State College. The full affiliate list that will air the Cael Sanderson Show is as follows:
3WZ 95.3 FM State College/Bellefonte
WTKT 1460 AM Harrisburg/Lebanon/York
WLPA 1490 AM Lancaster/Reading
WVAM 1430 AM Altoona/Bedford
WCHX 105.5 FM Lewistown
WKVA 920 AM Lewistown/Huntingdon
WBPZ 1230 AM Lock Haven
WLYC 1050 AM Williamsport
WLYC 104.1 FM Williamsport/Montoursville
WCPA 900 AM Clearfield/Dubois
WGET 1320 AM Gettysburg/Hanover
WTZN 1310 AM Troy/Canton
WWGE 1400 AM Ebensburg/Loretto
WKGE 850 AM Johnstown
WPHB 1260 AM Phillipsburg
WFNN 1300 AM Erie
Other Outlets: Cable 4 News on Comcast Cable Systems in State College, Huntingdon, Clearfield and other areas.
Penn State's Vollrath and Macchiaroli Place at Clarion Open
Four unattached Nittany Lions compete on Saturday
STATE COLLEGE, Pa.; November 9, 2009 - Four Nittany Lion wrestlers competed at the Knight Point Clarion Open on Saturday, each wrestling unattached at the event. True freshmen James Vollrath (Richboro, Pa.) and Luke Macchiaroli (Tempe, Ariz.) each placed while classmates Tom Reynolds (Skillman, N.J.) and Andrew Church (Erie, Pa.) each competed as well.
Vollrath entered the tournament seeded No. 2 at 157 and went 3-1, advancing to the finals, to take second place. Vollrath got wins over Corey Lear of Bucknell, Greg Hillbert of Lehigh and Patrick Marchetti of Army before falling to American's Steve Fittery in the finals (Fittery was the No. 1 seed). Macchiaroli entered the tournament seed No. 5 at 197 and went 3-2, advancing to the semifinals before losing and wrestling back to fifth place. Macchiaroli got wins over Lehigh's Robert Prigmore, Bloomsburg's Mike Grillakis and Franklin and Marshall's Colin Ely. Church was solid at 174, posting a 2-2 mark, including a pin over Bloomsburg's David Saksek. He also beat Buffalo's Pat Brady. Reynolds went 1-2 at 133 with a win over American's Corey Borshoff.
Penn State opens up the dual meet season at Lehigh on Friday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. Penn State's first home dual is slated for Sunday, Nov. 15, at noon when the Bloomsburg Huskies invade Rec Hall. Penn State Wrestling season tickets for the 2009-10 season are on sale now. The five-event package (which does not include the Nittany Lion Open) costs $30 for adults ($6 per event) and $25 for youth ($5 per event). Single event tickets will cost $8 for adults and $6 for youth. Group sales are available once again for groups of 15 people or more. Group prices are $5 in advance and $6 walk-up. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 1.800.NITTANY between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. All Penn State events will once again air live on Forever Broadcasting's WRSC (1390 AM) and on GoPSUsports.com as well. The 2009-10 Penn State Wrestling season is presented by The Family Clothesline.
Penn State Wrestling Season Tickets Double in Sanderson's First Year
Over 2,000 packages sold to date
STATE COLLEGE, Pa; November 9, 2009 - Fans of the Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team are in the process of making home duals a hot ticket for the 2009-10 campaign. The season ticket fan base has nearly doubled in the build up to head coach Cael Sanderson's home debut this Sunday in Rec Hall.
Over 2,000 season tickets have been sold as Penn State prepares for the season-opening weekend. Last season, Penn State sold a respectable 1,058 season tickets. This year, 2,047 season packages have already been sold for Penn State's five-dual home slate, including 40 new 'premium seats' which will also make their debut this weekend.
Penn State opens up the dual meet season at Lehigh on Friday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. Penn State's first home dual is slated for Sunday, Nov. 15, at noon when the Bloomsburg Huskies invade Rec Hall. Penn State Wrestling season tickets for the 2009-10 season are on sale now. The five-event package (which does not include the Nittany Lion Open) costs $30 for adults ($6 per event) and $25 for youth ($5 per event). Single event tickets will cost $8 for adults and $6 for youth. Group sales are available once again for groups of 15 people or more. Group prices are $5 in advance and $6 walk-up. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 1.800.NITTANY between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. All Penn State events will once again air live on Forever Broadcasting's WRSC (1390 AM) and on GoPSUsports.com as well. The 2009-10 Penn State Wrestling season is presented by The Family Clothesline.
Over 2,400 Fans Enjoy Show at Penn State Wrestling Intrasquad Dual
Wade and Pataky notch technical falls at HWT and 125
STATE COLLEGE, Pa.; November 5, 2009 - Over 2,400 fans packed Rec Hall to get a first look at the start of a new era in Penn State Wrestling as the team held an intrasquad dual meet. Head coach Cael Sanderson showcased 22 wrestlers in an 11-bout dual meet with no team scores kept. The outstanding crowd got its first look at Penn State's returning veterans, four All-Americans and a talented crop of true freshmen.
The evening began with a surprise at 174, where red-shirt freshman Justin Ortega (Oxford, Pa.) posted a convincing 6-2 win over senior David Erwin (Urbana, Ohio). True freshman Ed Ruth (Harrisburg, Pa.) followed that up with a rousing 10-1 major decision over J.R. Brown (Bellefonte, Pa.) at 184. In an exhibition bout at 184, Quentin Wright (Wingate, Pa.) posted a solid 8-2 win over sophomore David Crowell (Easton, Pa.), notching three takedowns in the win.
True freshman Luke Macchiaroli (Tempe, Ariz.) notched a 5-3 win at 197 over sophomore Clay Steadman (McKean, Pa.), getting the bout's only takedown in the opening period. Two ranked Nittany Lions then posted two dominating performances as sophomore Cameron Wade (Twinsburg, Ohio), ranked No. 20 at HWT, posted a 15-0 decision over Brendan Herlihy (Fairfield, Conn.) at the 7:00 mark. No. 8 Brad Pataky (Clearfield, Pa.) was brilliant in a 16-1 technical fall over Tom Reynolds (Skillman, N.J.) in just 3:17 at 125. In a spirited bout at 133, sophomore Tyler Saltsman (Concord, N.H.) notched a takedown with just :03 left in sudden victory time to post a 6-4 (SV) win over Bryan Pearsall (Lititz, Pa.).
A bout of cramps in his right calf forced sophomore Colby Pisani (Ridgway, Pa.) to injury default against senior Adam Lynch (Mifflinburg, Pa.), who lead 2-0 at the time of the default. All-American Frank Molinaro (Barnegat, N.J.), ranked No. 6 at 141, was convincing with a 12-4 major over James English (York, Pa.) at 149. Senior All-American Cyler Sanderson (Heber City, Utah), ranked No. 5 at 157, then faced true freshman David Taylor (St. Paris, Ohio) at 157 and came away with a hard-fought 11-4 win. True freshman Jake Kemerer (Greensburg, Pa.) used a last-second takedown to post a 4-3 win over No. 9 Dan Vallimont (Lake Hopatcong, N.J.) at 165 to close out a rousing evening.
Penn State opens up the dual meet season at Lehigh on Friday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. Penn State's first home dual is slated for Sunday, Nov. 15, at noon when the Bloomsburg Huskies invade Rec Hall. Penn State Wrestling season tickets for the 2009-10 season are on sale now. The five-event package (which does not include the Nittany Lion Open) costs $30 for adults ($6 per event) and $25 for youth ($5 per event). Single event tickets will cost $8 for adults and $6 for youth. Group sales are available once again for groups of 15 people or more. Group prices are $5 in advance and $6 walk-up. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 1.800.NITTANY between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. All Penn State events will once again air live on Forever Broadcasting's WRSC (1390 AM) and on GoPSUsports. com as well. The 2009-10 Penn State Wrestling season is presented by The Family Clothesline.
#14 Penn State Hosts Intrasquad Dual
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009 - Rec Hall - State College, Pa.
174: Justin Ortega dec. David Erwin, 6-2
184: Ed Ruth maj. dec. J.R. Brown, 10-1
Exhib 184: Quentin Wright dec. David Crowell, 8-2
197: Luke Macchiaroli dec. Clay Steadman, 5-3
285: #20 Cameron Wade tech. fall Brendan Herlihy, 15-0 (7:00)
125: #8 Brad Pataky tech. fall Tom Reynolds, 16-1 (3:17)
133: Tyler Saltsman dec. Bryan Pearsall, 6-4 (SV)
141: Adam Lynch inj. def. Colby Pisani, (Pisani cramping)
149: #6 Frank Molinaro maj. dec. James English, 12-4
157: #5 Cyler Sanderson dec. David Taylor, 11-4
165: Jake Kemerer dec. #9 Dan Vallimont, 4-3
Final Score: No team scores kept
Attendance: 2,400 (appx.)
Records: Penn State 0-0, 0-0 Big Ten
Up next: Penn State visits Lehigh to open up the 2009-10 season on Friday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m.
BOUT-BY-BOUT:
174: Senior David Erwin (Urbana, Ohio), coming off a season missed with an injury, met freshman Justin Ortega (Oxford, Pa.) at 174. Erwin went on offense early and notched his first takedown at the 2:40 mark and led 2-1 after an Ortega escape. The senior then countered an Ortega shot to nearly notch another takedown, but Ortega forced a stalemate with 1:00 left in the period. Erwin had one final shot at points as the period ended but could not score. Trailing 2-1, Ortega chose down to start the second stanza and quickly escaped to a 2-2 tie. Erwin continued to be the aggressor, but Ortega's defense kept the senior from putting any more points on the scoreboard. Ortega got hit with a first stall warning with 1:00 left in the second period. Ortega lifted Erwin with just :20 left and took the senior down for a 4-2 lead as the second period ended. Erwin chose down to start the third stanza but could not work out from a strong Ortega ride. Erwin gave up a stall point as well and Ortega broke open a 5-2 lead. The red-shirt freshman picked up a riding time point to post a convincing 6-2 win.
184: Sophomore J.R. Brown (Bellefonte, Pa.) took on true freshman Ed Ruth (Harrisburg, Pa.) at 184. Ruth wasted no time notching an early takedown, quickly opening up a 2-0 lead just :14 into the bout. Brown escaped after a :22 Ruth ride to cut the lead to 2-1 and action returned to the center of the mat. The Harrisburg native added a second takedown midway through the period and then put together a strong ride to build up a 1:44 riding time edge while riding Brown out. Leading 4-1, Ruth chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 5-1 lead. The freshman then worked his way quickly around Brown to gain control of the bout with a third takedown, leading 7-1 with 1:30 left in the middle period. Ruth was dominating on top, not allowing Brown any room to maneuver on his way to another ride out. Ruth led 7-1 with an assured riding time point thanks to a 3:16 advantage. Brown chose neutral to start the third period, but Ruth quickly added another takedown with a quick counter to a Brown shot. Leading 9-1 with just over a minute left, Ruth began looking for a way to turn the Bellefonte native to his back for bonus points. Brown was able to keep his shoulders off the mat, but Ruth's dominating performance on top led to another ride out and a convincing 10-1 major decision (with the riding time point).
Ex. 184: All-American Quentin Wright (Wingate, Pa.) met David Crowell (Easton, Pa.) in an exhibition bout at 184. Wright, a 2009 All-American at 174, met sophomore David Crowell (Easton, Pa.). Crowell had the first opening in the high-energy bout, but Wright was able to counter, step over the talented sophomore, and gain control for a takedown of his own and a 2-0 lead with 1:07 left. Wright maintained control over Crowell for the rest of the opening period to take a 2-0 lead into the second stanza. Wright chose down and quickly escaped to a 3-0 lead. The Wingate native then immediately turned into Crowell, looking for another scoring opportunity. But Crowell was equal to the task, looking for his own chances to score while keeping Wright from building on his lead. But a quick high single from Wright with just :17 left in the period gave the All-American a 5-0 lead as the period ended. Down 5-0, Crowell chose down to start the final stanza and quickly escaped to a 5-1 deficit. Wright worked a strong, low double leg to up his lead to 7-1 with just over :30 left and secured his riding time point in the process. Crowell added an escape as the bout wound down to cut into Wright's lead. Wright walked away with a solid 8-2 win.
197: Sophomore Clay Steadman (McKean, Pa.) took to the mat at 197 against true freshman Luke Macchiaroli (Tempe, Ariz.). Macchiaroli got the first takedown of the bout, finishing off a low double on the edge of the mat with just :45 left in the opening bout. Steadman escaped quickly to cut the lead to 2-1 with just over :30 left and action resumed, neutral, in the center circle. Steadman chose down to start the second period and escaped to a 2-2 tie with 1:54 left in the period. Steadman took a low shot but Macchiaroli deftly countered, worked his way around the sophomore and got a second takedown to up his lead to 4-3 after a quick Steadman escape. Steadman quickly turned into Macchiaroli, looking to finish a high single. But the true freshman forced a stalemate to keep his lead with :40 left on the clock. Leading 4-3, Macchiaroli chose down to start the third period and escaped after :40 work to up his lead to 5-3. Steadman looked to score off a reset with :40 left, but Macchiaroli was able to fight off the move (although he picked up a stall warning in the process). Macchiaroli held on for a 5-3 win.
285: Sophomore heavyweight Cameron Wade (Twinsburg, Ohio), ranked No. 20 at HWT, met senior Brendan Herlihy (Fairfield, Conn.). Wade finished off a single leg to get the bout's first takedown and lead 2-0 at the 1:17 mark. The sophomore then quickly turned Herlihy to his back for three back points and a 5-0 lead. He then rode the senior out to take a 5-0 lead into the second period. Herlihy chose neutral to start the second period. Wade added a second takedown after a Herlihy stall and led 7-0 with just over :30 left in the period. Herlihy gave up a stall point as the period ended and Wade led 8-0 after two periods. Wade chose down to start the final stanza and escaped to a 9-0 lead. Wade countered a Herlihy shot and got his own takedown with 1:10 left, adding another three point near fall to lead 14-0 with :34 left in the bout. Wade then rode Herlihy out, added the riding time point, and notched a 15-0 technical fall at the 7:00 mark.
125: Junior Brad Pataky (Clearfield, Pa.) took on freshman Tom Reynolds (Skillman, N.J.) at 125. Pataky will enter the 2009-10 season ranked No. 8 by Intermat. Pataky wasted no time in getting his first takedown, taking a 2-0 lead just over :10 into the bout. He quickly turned Reynolds for three near fall points and led 5-0 with 2:12 left. After resetting, Pataky added a two point near fall move and was up 7-0. Pataky added another two point turn and led 9-0 with 1:00 left. Pataky picked up one more two point near fall point before Reynolds escaped to an 11-1 deficit with :40 left. Pataky was undaunted, adding one more takedown to lead 13-1 with 2:25 in riding time after one period. Pataky chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 14-1 lead. Pataky added a final takedown to post a 16-1 technical fall at the 3:17 mark.
133: The 133-pound bout featured redshirt freshman Bryan Pearsall (Lititz, Pa.) taking on sophomore Tyler Saltsman (Concord, N.H.). Pearsall notched the first takedown after a mad scramble on the edge of the mat with 1:24 left, taking a 2-0 lead. Pearsall was able to ride Saltsman for the rest of the period, not allowing the New Hampshire native off the mat to lead 2-0 heading into the second stanza. Pearsall then chose down and escaped to a 3-0 lead with 1:30 left in the middle period. Pearsall began playing defense and Saltsman made the freshman pay, getting a takedown and two near fall points with a swift move as the second period ended. The four point move allowed Saltsman to lead 4-3 heading into the third period. Saltsman chose down to start the final stanza but Pearsall was too strong, building up a large riding time edge to secure a riding time point and maintaining control for the full two minutes. Pearsall's riding time point tied the bout at 4-4, forcing a sudden victory period. Saltsman used a strong high double with just :03 left to pull out a thrilling 6-4 sudden victory win.
141: Sophomore Colby Pisani (Ridgway, Pa.) met senior Adam Lynch (Mifflinburg, Pa.) at 141. Pisani was hampered from the get go by sever cramping in his right calf, delaying action while the Penn State training staff worked to try and get him ready to go. Pisani tried to return to action, Lynch notched the first takedown, countering a Pisani shot and taking a 2-0 lead with :45 left. Pisani then cramped again and the Penn State training staff and coaching staff stopped the bout, giving Lynch the injury default win.
149: Sophomore All-American Frank Molinaro (Barnegat, N.J.), ranked No. 6 at 141, took on freshman James English (York, Pa.) at 149. Molinaro wasted no time in getting the first takedown, working English to the mat for a 2-1 lead (after an escape. Molinaro countered an English attempt at a quick pin and upped his lead to 4-1 with 1:18 left in a furious opening period. Another English escape cut the lead to 4-2. Molinaro used a quick move behind English to up his lead to 6-2 after the first period with 1:13 in riding time. Molinaro chose down to start the middle stanza and quickly escaped to a 7-2 lead. The sophomore All-American continued to pour on the offense, adding a fourth takedown at the 1:10 mark to up his lead to 9-2. Trailing 9-2, English chose down to begin the final period and escaped to a 9-3 deficit. English looked to score, trying a low single on Molinaro, but the Lion sophomore used his quickness to work behind the freshman for a fifth takedown and an 11-3 lead. English escaped with :22 left to cut Molinaro's lead to 11-4, but the Lion All-American had secured a riding time point with over 3:00 in time. The riding time point allowed Molinaro to post a convincing 12-4 major decision.
157: 2008 All-American Cyler Sanderson (Heber City, Utah), ranked No. 5 at 157, met true freshman David Taylor (St. Paris, Ohio). Sanderson made his first seconds on a Rec Hall mat count with a sizzling four point move (takedown and two near fall points) right out of the gates against Taylor. Sanderson added a second takedown and two more near fall points to up his lead to 8-1 with 1:21 left in the period. A third takedown with :40 left gave Cyler a 10-3 lead after a Taylor escape. Leading 10-3, Sanderson chose down to start the second period. Taylor was able to ride Sanderson for nearly a minute before the All-American was able to escape to an 11-3 lead. Trailing 11-3 and needing back points, Taylor chose top to start the third period and nearly turned the senior for back points right off the opening whistle. But Sanderson was able to fight back to parallel and keep his eight-point lead. Taylor put together a very strong ride, maintaining control of Sanderson while trying to lock in on a cradle. But Sanderson was able to fight off every Taylor scoring effort and wind out the period. The strong ride out allowed Taylor to work up a 1:41 riding time edge and keep the bout to a regular decision. Still, Sanderson's sizzling start allowed the All-American to walk away with an 11-4 decision.
165: 2008 All-American Dan Vallimont (Lake Hopatcong, N.J.), ranked No. 9 at 165, met true freshman Jake Kemerer (Greensburg, Pa.). The talented duo traded early shots with neither wrestler breaking through to score in the first period. Tied at 0-0, Kemerer chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 1-0 lead. Like the first period, neither grappler was able to find an opening to mount a serious scoring threat and Kemerer kept a 1-0 lead heading into the final period. Vallimont chose down to start the third stanza and quickly escaped to a 1-1 tie. The senior All-American then took a 3-2 lead with a solid takedown (and Kemerer escape) with 1:15 left. Kemerer worked to score himself and, with just :05 left, finished off a strong high double to post a thrilling 4-3 win over the All-American Vallimont.
Penn State Wrestling Club Pre-Dual Socials Set for 2009-10 Season
Events begin 90 minutes prior to each event
STATE COLLEGE, Pa.; November 4, 2009 - The Penn State Wrestling Club will once again host socials again this season, with the events being changed to 'pre-dual' socials instead of post-dual events. Each event will begin 90 minutes prior to start time and last for one hour.
The first event will take place this Thursday, prior to the intrasquad dual. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 6:30 p.m. and, like most other events, will take place behind the south bleachers. Thursday's social is open to the general public and is a chance for non-club members to meet the many outstanding members of the Club.
All other events are for club members only this year, including the first full social event on Sunday, Nov. 15, at 10:30 a.m. Club members will need to show their membership card to get into all other socials. The lone exception will be on Sunday, Feb. 7, prior to the Michigan dual. The Club will be hosting a pre-dual breakfast at the Nittany Lion Inn that morning.
The Penn State Wrestling Club has long been one of the driving forces behind Penn State's outstanding fan base. For more information on what the PSWC is, does and how to join, visit the Club's website at www.pennstatewrestlingclub.org.
No. 14 Penn State Hosts Intrasquad Dual on Thursday Night
STATE COLLEGE, Pa.; November 3, 2009 -- The Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team will host its Intrasquad Scrimmage on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. in Rec Hall. The event is free and open to the public. The dual meet formatted event will feature a bout at each weight class and one exhibition match-up as head coach Cael Sanderson showcases select members of the 2009-10 squad, including potential red-shirts. No team scores will be kept.
Set to compete for No. 14 Penn State are its five ranked grapplers and much of its highly-touted crop of true freshmen. In all, four All-Americans will take to the mat in Rec Hall on Thursday night. At 125, junior Brad Pataky (Clearfield, Pa.) will face true freshman Tom Reynolds. Pataky is ranked No. 8 nationally in Intermat's pre-season poll. Pataky went 31-11 last year and advanced to the 'round of 12' at nationals. Two red-shirt freshmen will compete at 133, with Bryan Pearsall (Lititz, Pa.) taking on Jack Chidester (Conestoga, Pa.). Pearsall went 6-9 in open tournaments while Chidester went 8-8. Sophomore Colby Pisani (Ridgway, Pa.) will take on senior Adam Lynch (Mifflinburg, Pa.) at 141. Pisani went 0-7 last season, moving up one or two weight classes during the season to fill in for injured starters. Lynch posted a 16-12 mark.
All-American Frank Molinaro (Barnegat, N.J.), ranked No. 6 at 141, is moving up to 149 for the first semester and will take on red-shirt freshman James English (York, Pa.). Molinaro went 23-19 in 2008-09 and placed eighth at Nationals. English sat out last season with an injury. All-American Cyler Sanderson (Heber City, Utah) will make his first appearance in a Nittany Lion singlet at 157 when he faces true freshman David Taylor (St. Paris, Ohio). Sanderson is ranked No. 5 at 157 and went 20-9 at Iowa State last year. Taylor, one of the nation's top new faces, is a likely redshirt this season. All-American Dan Vallimont (Lake Hopatcong, N.J.), ranked No. 9 at 165, will take on true freshman Jake Kemerer (Greensburg, Pa.). Vallimont went 24-12 last year in his first season at 165 while Kemerer, also a red-shirt this year, is part of Penn State's superb class of true freshman.
Senior David Erwin (Urbana, Ohio) returns after missing all but the opening date of last year's season to take the helm at 174. Erwin, who went 3-0 at the MSU Open last November before an injury ended his season, will face red-shirt freshman Justin Ortega. Ortega was 6-4 in open tournaments. Sophomore J.R. Brown (Bellefonte, Pa.) will take on true freshman Ed Ruth (Harrisburg, Pa.) at 184. Brown went 3-14 last year and was a spot starter for the Nittany Lions at 197. Ruth, a likely red-shirt this year, is coming off a superb season at the Blair Academy and, like Taylor and Kemerer, helps to form Penn State's talented freshman class. Sophomore Clay Steadman (McKean, Pa.) will take on true freshman Luke Macchiaroli (Tempe, Ariz.) at 197. Steadman went 5-16 in his first season as a starter last year while Macchiaroli is part of PSU's outstanding crop of true freshmen. The heavyweight bout will feature sophomore Cameron Wade (Twinsburg, Ohio), ranked No. 20 in Intermat's pre-season listing, taking on senior Brendan Herlihy (Fairfield, Conn.). Wade went 15-14 as a freshman last year while Herlihy went 2-2. In an exhibition at 184, All-American Quentin Wright (Wingate, Pa.), likely red-shirting this season after a 33-13 performance at 174 last year, will face an opponent to be determined. Wright placed sixth at Nationals last year.
Penn State opens up the dual meet season at Lehigh on Friday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. Penn State's first home dual is slated for Sunday, Nov. 15, at noon when the Bloomsburg Huskies invade Rec Hall. Penn State Wrestling season tickets for the 2009-10 season are on sale now. The five-event package (which does not include the Nittany Lion Open) costs $30 for adults ($6 per event) and $25 for youth ($5 per event). Single event tickets will cost $8 for adults and $6 for youth. Group sales are available once again for groups of 15 people or more. Group prices are $5 in advance and $6 walk-up. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 1.800.NITTANY between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. All Penn State events will once again air live on Forever Broadcasting's WRSC (1390 AM) and on GoPSUsports. com as well.
TODAY'S POSSIBLE LINE-UP
As of November 2, 2009
#14 PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS (0-0, 0-0 Big Ten)
Wt. Name Yr. Hometown/High School 2008-09 Record
125 #8 Brad Pataky Jr. Clearfield, Pa./Clearfield 31-11
vs. Tom Reynolds Fr. Skillman, N.J./Montgomery first year
133 Bryan Pearsall Fr. Lititz, Pa./Warwick 6-9
vs. Jack Chidester Fr. Conestoga, Pa./Conestoga 8-8
141 Colby Pisani So. Ridgway, Pa./Ridgway 0-7
vs. Adam Lynch Sr. Mifflinburg, Pa./Mifflinburg 16-12
149 #6/141 Frank Molinaro So. Barnegat, N.J./Southern Regional 23-19
vs. James English Fr. York, Pa./Central York 0-0
157 #5 Cyler Sanderson Sr. Heber City, Utah/Wasatch 20-9
vs. David Taylor Fr. St. Paris, Ohio/St. Paris Graham first year
165 #9 Dan Vallimont Sr. Lake Hopatcong, N.J./Jefferson Twp. 24-12
vs. Jake Kemerer Fr. Greensburg, Pa./Hempfield first year
174 David Erwin Sr. Urbana, Ohio/St. Paris Graham 3-0
vs. Justin Ortega Fr. Oxford, Pa./Oxford 6-4
184 J.R. Brown So. Bellefonte, Pa./Bellefonte 3-14
vs. Ed Ruth Fr. Harrisburg, Pa./Susquehanna Township first year
197 Clay Steadman So. McKean, Pa./General McLane 5-16
vs. Luke Macchiaroli Fr. Tempe, Ariz./Corona del Sol first year
285 #20 Cameron Wade So. Twinsburg, Ohio/St. Peter Chanel 15-14
vs. Brendan Herlihy Sr. Fairfield, Conn./Fairfield Warde 2-2
EXHIBITION
184 Quentin Wright So. Wingate, Pa./Bald Eagle Area 33-13
vs. TBA Opponent to be determined
THIS WEEK
The Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team will host its Intrasquad Scrimmage on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. in Rec Hall. The event is free and open to the public. The dual meet formatted event will feature a bout at each weight class as head coach Cael Sanderson showcases select members of the 2009-10 squad, including potential red-shirts.
UP NEXT
Penn State begins the 2009-10 season with a dual meet at Lehigh on Friday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m.
ON THE AIR
TV - None
Radio - All Penn State wrestling events will be broadcast locally as the Nittany Lions continue to be one of the nation's only wrestling programs to have full, season long commercial radio network for both home and away events. This year's schedule will be broadcast in its entirety by Forever Broadcasting, with most events available at WRSC, 1390 AM (a select few Sunday events will be aired on a different station w/ details to come soon). All broadcasts will also streamed live at GoPSUsports.com.
Home duals will feature live video internet streaming at GoPSUsports.com!
HEAD COACH CAEL SANDERSON
Cael Sanderson comes to Penn State after three extremely successful years as the head coach at his alma mater. Sanderson's teams did not finish any lower than fifth at the NCAA Championships and never had a wrestler not qualify for nationals, getting 30 of 30 grapplers through to the championship tournament. In 2007, Sanderson's rookie campaign, he led ISU to a 13-3 dual meet record and the first of three straight Big 12 Championships. An NCAA Runner-Up finish in Detroit capped off a wildly successful year as the Cyclones crowned one national champion and Sanderson was honored as Big 12 Coach of the Year, National Rookie Coach of the Year and National Coach of the Year. The next year, Sanderson led ISU to a 16-4 dual meet mark, another Big 12 title and a fifth place finish at nationals. Iowa State's seven All-Americans in 2008 were the most at the school since 1993. This past season, Sanderson's team went 15-3 in duals, won its third straight Big 12 title and took third place at the NCAA Championships in St. Louis (just 12 points out of first place). The Cyclones also crowned another national champion. In three years, Sanderson's teams went 44-10, won three conference crowns, qualified all 30 wrestlers for nationals, and earned 15 All-America awards and two individual national titles. Sanderson now sports a 44-10 dual meet mark in this, his fourth year as a collegiate head coach.
MEDIA DAY A BIG SUCCESS FOR LIONS;
OVER 30 PRESS DESCEND UPON THE LWC FOR EVENT
Over 30 members of the press, including photographers and television crews, descended upon the Lorenzo Wrestling Complex for Penn State's Wrestling Media Day, held on Tuesday, Oct. 27. The well-attended event featured Sanderson's press conference, individual wrestler availability as well as an open practice session. Full transcripts of the event, photo galleries and video highlights can be found at http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-wrestl/psu-m-wrestl-body.html .
TRUE FRESHMAN AND WRIGHT TO RED-SHIRT;
JENKINS A PROBABLE RED-SHIRT AS WELL
Coach Sanderson confirmed at media day that it is the intention of the Nittany Lion coaching staff to red-shirt all true freshmen this year as well as sophomore All-American Quentin Wright. In addition, 2008 National Runner-Up Bubba Jenkins (who is ineligible first semester) is likely to red-shirt as well.
BIG TEN NETWORK TO TELEVISE NINE DUALS THIS
YEAR, SOME LIVE, PENN STATE ON ONCE
The Big Ten Network will air nine dual meets on its national cable network this year, five of which will air live and four that will be broadcast on a tape-delay basis. The Penn State Nittany Lions will be featured once again this year, with the Nittany Lions' dual at Ohio State on Sunday, Jan. 24, airing on a same-day delay basis at 7 p.m. that day. In addition to the nine dual meets, the Big Ten Network will air the finals of Midlands on Sunday, Jan. 3, and the finals of the Big Ten Championships on Sunday, March 7. BigTenNetwork.com will offer video streaming of 15 other duals as well. Penn State will be featured on six of those web-only streams.
PENN STATE #14 IN INTERMAT POLL; FIVE LIONS RANKED
Five members of the Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team will head into the 2009-10 season with individual national rankings as Intermat has released its pre-season poll. Head coach Cael Sanderson's squad is ranked 14th in the pre-season coaches rankings. Senior Cyler Sanderson (Heber City, Utah) leads the charge for Penn State with a No. 5 ranking at 157. Sanderson, a transfer from Iowa State, was a 2008 All-American and is a three-time NCAA qualifier. Sophomore Frank Molinaro (Barnegat, N.J.) is ranked No. 6 at 141 after his eighth place finish at 141 last season earned him his first All-America honor. Sophomore Brad Pataky (Clearfield, Pa.) is ranked No. 8 at 125. The Clearfield native was a national qualifier in 2009, finishing just one win shy of All-America laurels in the 'round of 12'. Senior Dan Vallimont (Lake Hopatcong, N.J.), a 2008 All-American as a third place finisher at 157, moved to 165 last year and also advanced to the 'round of 12'. Vallimont is ranked No. 9 at 165 to start the year. Sophomore Cameron Wade (Twinsburg, Ohio) enters his second season at heavyweight ranked No. 20 in the pre-season poll. The Nittany Lions are ranked No. 14 to start the campaign. Seven Big Ten schools are listed in the rankings, including No. 1 Iowa, No. 3 Ohio State, No. 5 Minnesota, No. 11 Wisconsin, No. 15 Indiana and No. 21 Michigan State. In addition, Penn State will wrestle three other top 25 teams during its non-conference slate (No. 12 Edinboro, No. 19 Lehigh and No. 22 Harvard) in addition to whomever the team meets at the Virginia Duals.
LIONS EARN PRE-SEASON RANKINGS
FROM W.I.N. MAGAZINE
Five members of the Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team are ranked among the top 20 at their respective weights in Wrestling Insider Newsmagazine's pre-season individual rankings. Head coach Cael Sanderson's team is well represented on the list with all five wrestlers sitting in the top ten at their weights. With returning All-American Quentin Wright (Wingate, Pa.) set to red-shirt this year and not ranked at 174, fellow 2009 All-American Frank Molinaro (Barnegat, N.J.) checks in with a No. 7 ranking at 141. Molinaro placed eighth at nationals last year and went 23-19 on the year. Three 2008 All-Americans are also ranked, led by transfer Cyler Sanderson (Heber City, Utah), who is ranked No. 6 at 157. Sanderson, who finished seventh at 157 two years ago with a 33-6 record, went 20-9 last year and was 2-2 at nationals. Senior Bubba Jenkins (Virginia Beach, Va.) spent much of the 2009 season ranked among the top two in the nation at 149, but injuries down the stretch prevented the 2008 national runner-up from repeating as an All-American. Jenkins went 24-3 last year, is ranked No. 6 nationally at 149, and is scheduled to return to action in late December of this year. Senior Dan Vallimont (Lake Hopatcong, N.J.) was a third place finisher at 157 two years ago, earning his first All-America tag. Last year, Vallimont moved up to 165 during the Big Ten season and ended the campaign with a tough loss in the 'round of 12' at nationals, just one win shy of All-America status. Vallimont ended the 2008-09 season with a 24-12 record and enters this season ranked No. 9 at 165 by W.I.N. Junior Brad Pataky (Clearfield, Pa.) also advanced to the 'round of 12' in 2009 during his first trip to nationals. The talented 125-pounder went 31-11 last year and heads into the new season ranked No. 9 at 125.
LIONS EARN PRE-SEASON RANKINGS
FROM AWN MAGAZINE
Five members of the Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team are ranked among the top 20 at their respective weights in Amateur Wrestling News' pre-season individual rankings. Head coach Cael Sanderson's team is well represented on this list, which is released every year by one of the nation's oldest wrestling publications. With returning All-American Quentin Wright (Wingate, Pa.) set to red-shirt this year and not ranked at 174, fellow 2009 All-American Frank Molinaro (Barnegat, N.J.) checks in with a No. 8 ranking at 141. Molinaro placed eighth at nationals last year and went 23-19 on the year. Two 2008 All-Americans are also ranked, led by transfer Cyler Sanderson (Heber City, Utah), who is ranked No. 5 at 157. Sanderson, who finished seventh at 157 two years ago with a 33-6 record, went 20-9 last year and was 2-2 at nationals. Senior Dan Vallimont (Lake Hopatcong, N.J.) was a third place finisher at 157 two years ago, earning his first All-America tag. Last year, Vallimont moved up to 165 during the Big Ten season and ended the campaign with a tough loss in the 'round of 12' at nationals, just one win shy of All-America status. Vallimont ended the 2008-09 season with a 24-12 record and enters this season ranked No. 12 at 165. Junior Brad Pataky (Clearfield, Pa.) also advanced to the 'round of 12' in 2009 during his first trip to nationals. The talented 125-pounder went 31-11 last year and heads into the new season ranked No. 8 at 125. Senior David Erwin (Urbana, Ohio) was injured in last year's opening event after beginning the year 3-0. A two-year starter for Penn State, Erwin has a 49-18 career record and is ranked No. 17 in AWN's pre-season rankings.
THE CAEL SANDERSON RADIO SHOW
The Cael Sanderson Radio Show will make its premier on Wednesday night, airing locally on 3WZ (95.3 FM) and statewide on the Pennsylvania Sports Network. The show will then air every Wednesday night throughout the season with the exception of an occasional off-evening. The 30-minute show will be hosted by Jeff Byers, the voice of Penn State wrestling, and Sanderson. Upcoming events will be highlighted and fans will have the opportunity to call in and ask questions of Sanderson and Byers. The show will originate from the conference room in the Lorenzo Wrestling Complex. Local affiliate 3WZ is the Centre Region's source for the Pennsylvania Sports Network. The PA Sports Network is a 16-station radio network spanning the entirety of the Commonwealth, from Erie to Lancaster. The Network's programming is also carried live on Comcast Channel 4 in State College. The full affiliate list that will air the Cael Sanderson Show is as follows:
3WZ 95.3 FM State College/Bellefonte
WTKT 1460 AM Harrisburg/Lebanon/York
WLPA 1490 AM Lancaster/Reading
WVAM 1430 AM Altoona/Bedford
WCHX 105.5 FM Lewistown
WKVA 920 AM Lewistown/Huntingdon
WBPZ 1230 AM Lock Haven
WLYC 1050 AM Williamsport
WLYC 104.1 FM Williamsport/Montoursville
WCPA 900 AM Clearfield/Dubois
WGET 1320 AM Gettysburg/Hanover
WTZN 1310 AM Troy/Canton
WWGE 1400 AM Ebensburg/Loretto
WKGE 850 AM Johnstown
WPHB 1260 AM Phillipsburg
WFNN 1300 AM Erie
Other Outlets: Cable 4 News on Comcast Cable Systems in State College, Huntingdon, Clearfield and other areas.
The Cael Sanderson Radio Show Premiers Wednesday Night
Weekly wrestling news and call in show airs at 6 p.m.
STATE COLLEGE, Pa.; November 3, 2009 - The Cael Sanderson Radio Show will make its premier on Wednesday night, airing locally on 3WZ (95.3 FM) and statewide on the Pennsylvania Sports Network from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The show will then air every Wednesday night throughout the season with the exception of an occasional off-evening.
The 30-minute show will be hosted by Jeff Byers, the voice of Penn State wrestling, and Sanderson. Upcoming events will be highlighted and fans will have the opportunity to call in and ask questions of Sanderson and Byers.
This week's show will focus on Thursday night's intrasquad dual meet and originate from the conference room in the Lorenzo Wrestling Complex. Local affiliate 3WZ is the Centre Region's source for the Pennsylvania Sports Network. The PA Sports Network is a 16-station radio network spanning the entirety of the Commonwealth, from Erie to Lancaster. The Network's programming is also carried live on Comcast Channel 4 in State College. The full affiliate list that will air the Cael Sanderson Show is as follows:
3WZ 95.3 FM State College/Bellefonte
WTKT 1460 AM Harrisburg/Lebanon/York
WLPA 1490 AM Lancaster/Reading
WVAM 1430 AM Altoona/Bedford
WCHX 105.5 FM Lewistown
WKVA 920 AM Lewistown/Huntingdon
WBPZ 1230 AM Lock Haven
WLYC 1050 AM Williamsport
WLYC 104.1 FM Williamsport/Montoursville
WCPA 900 AM Clearfield/Dubois
WGET 1320 AM Gettysburg/Hanover
WTZN 1310 AM Troy/Canton
WWGE 1400 AM Ebensburg/Loretto
WKGE 850 AM Johnstown
WPHB 1260 AM Phillipsburg
WFNN 1300 AM Erie
Other Outlets: Cable 4 News on Comcast Cable Systems in State College, Huntingdon, Clearfield and other areas.
Penn State will host an Intra-Squad Dual on Thursday Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. in Rec Hall. The event is free and open to the public. The Nittany Lion regular season begins at No. 19 Lehigh on Friday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. Penn State's home opener is set for Sunday, Nov. 15, at 12 p.m.
Penn State Wrestling season tickets for the 2009-10 season are on sale now. The five-event package (which does not include the Nittany Lion Open) costs $30 for adults ($6 per event) and $25 for youth ($5 per event). Single event tickets will cost $8 for adults and $6 for youth. Group sales are available once again for groups of 15 people or more. Group prices are $5 in advance and $6 walk-up. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 1.800.NITTANY between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. All Penn State wrestling events will be aired live on local radio (an announcement is coming soon on our flagship station) and streamed live at www.GoPSUsports.com as part of the site's All-Access package.
Pat Donghia, Assistant Director -- Penn State Athletic Communications -- 814-865-1757; --www.GoPSUsports.com / Wrestling Twitter at www.twitter.com/pennstatepat
"Holding a feather won't help you fly, to rise above yourself and touch the sky. Standing like a lighthouse, oh how it shines -- The light is shadowing the darker side." -- Rising Gael, 2008 (...listen... www.risinggael.com )
"If I had a chance for another try, I wouldn't change a thing. It's made me all of who I am inside......And every day I wake, and tell myself a little lie....The whole wide world is mine." --AVA, 2007
Over 30 Press Gather at Penn State Nittany Lion Wrestling Media Day
STATE COLLEGE, Pa.; October 28, 2009 -- Head coach Cael Sanderson and the Nittany Lion wrestlers hosted Media Day yesterday in the Lorenzo Wrestling Complex. Over 30 media, photographers and TV reps attended the event. Attached is the full transcript of head coach Cael Sanderson's press conference as well as select quotes from various wrestlers. Please note that senior Cyler Sanderson was not able to attend the event as he was at class. The full release is posted at <http://www.GoPSUsports.com>www.GoPSUsports.com and video of both Sanderson's press conference and wrestler interviews will be available soon as well.
Penn State Nittany Lion Wrestling Programs Adds Another Top-Ranked Recruit With Addition of Jake Kemerer
Two-time PIAA Champion joins Cael Sanderson's Nittany Lion squad
STATE COLLEGE, Pa.; August 28, 2009 - The Penn State Nittany Lion Wrestling program added yet another top-ranked recruit to its already outstanding 2009 recruiting class with the addition of Jake Kemerer (Greensburg, Pa.). Kemerer has officially joined the Nittany Lion program and projects at 157 or 165 this year.
Kemerer is a two-time PIAA AAA State Champion, capping off a stellar high school career this March with the Pennsylvania crown at 160. His 48-0 mark this season allowed him to leave Hempfield High School with a 174-21 career record.
The Greensburg, Pa., native was ranked as the top 160-pounder in the nation by Intermat this past year and was that outlet's No. 7 overall recruit. Amateur Wrestling News had Kemerer ranked No. 4 overall in the nation as well.
Kemerer's addition to the Penn State recruiting class gives head coach Cael Sanderson three of Intermat's top seven recruits as he joins No. 1 David Taylor (St. Paris, Ohio) and No. 5 Ed Ruth (Harrisburg, Pa.). Kemerer was also an ASICS First Team High School All-American, joining Taylor and Ruth to give Penn State three of this year's first team. Like the other members of Sanderson's top-ranked recruiting class, Kemerer will not wrestle in the 2009-10 campaign.
Sanderson's Nittany Lions will open up its 2009-10 season with an Intrasquad Scrimmage on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. in Rec Hall (the Intrasquad is free and open to the public). The home season begins with a 12 p.m. dual against Bloomsburg on Sunday, Nov. 15.
Penn State Wrestling season tickets for the 2009-10 season are on sale now. The five-event package (which does not include the Nittany Lion Open) costs $30 for adults ($6 per event) and $25 for youth ($5 per event). Single event tickets will cost $8 for adults and $6 for youth. Group sales are available once again for groups of 15 people or more. Group prices are $5 in advance and $6 walk-up. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 1.800.NITTANY between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays.
Current season ticket holders will receive their renewal information shortly. Individuals who have already made deposits on new season tickets will receive their balance due invoices soon. New season ticket applications will be assigned based on Nittany Lion Club point totals and the time/date the deposit/new application was received by Penn State Athletics. Penn State wrestling season tickets are all reserved locations in Rec Hall. In addition, new premium seating will be available for home wrestling match in Rec Hall this year. Details of this package will be announced soon.
Pat Donghia, Assistant Director -- Penn State Athletic Communications -- 814-865-1757; --www.GoPSUsports.com / Wrestling Twitter at www.twitter.com/pennstatepat
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"Holding a feather won't help you fly, to rise above yourself and touch the sky. Standing like a lighthouse, oh how it shines -- The light is shadowing the darker side." -- Rising Gael, 2008 (...listen... www.risinggael.com )
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"If I had a chance for another try, I wouldn't change a thing. It's made me all of who I am inside......And everyday I wake, and tell myself a little lie....The whole wide world is mine." --AVA, 2007
Penn State Wrestling Team Announces 2009-10 Schedule
Five home duals and four in-season tournaments highlight slate
STATE COLLEGE, Pa.; August 12, 2009 - Five home duals and four in-season tournaments highlight the 2009-10 Penn State wrestling schedule, announced today by head coach Cael Sanderson. The Nittany Lions will also see an exciting change to their pre-season slate with all roads leading to March's NCAA Championships in Omaha, Neb.
The Nittany Lions will open up the 2009-10 season on Thursday, Nov. 5, with an intrasquad match in Rec Hall. The 7 p.m. event will replace wrestle-offs and give fans the chance to see many of the Nittany Lions, including true freshmen and red-shirts. Five regular season duals are on tap, beginning with a match-up against Bloomsburg on Sunday, Nov. 15. The Nittany Lion Open is the next Rec Hall event, with the annual event taking place on Sunday, Dec. 6.
Penn State's four home Big Ten duals begin on Friday, Jan. 22, when the Illinois Illini invade Rec Hall for a 7 p.m. dual. The Northwestern Wildcats visit Happy Valley on Friday, Feb. 5, for a 7 p.m. dual followed closely by the Michigan Wolverines on Super Bowl Sunday for a 1 p.m. match-up. Penn State's final home dual meet will against the Michigan State Spartans on Friday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m.
Penn State will take part in four competitive in-season tournaments, including the Nittany Lion Open. The Nittany Lions will trek to Binghamton, N.Y., on Sunday, Nov. 15, for the Sprawl and Brawl Duals. Penn State will meet Edinboro, Harvard and Rutgers at the event. In December, Penn State heads west for the Reno Tournament of Champions on Sunday, Dec. 20. Three weeks later, Penn State will head to Hampton, Va., for the Virginia Duals on Jan. 8-9.
Penn State faces a stiff road schedule this year, starting with the season opener at Lehigh on Nov. 13. Road duals at Pittsburgh (Dec. 12) and West Virginia (Dec. 13) follow and a short trek to Lock Haven on Jan. 3 closes out the non-conference portion of the slate. Penn State's four Big Ten road duals are at Ohio State on Sunday, Jan. 24; at Iowa on Friday, Jan. 29; at Wisconsin on Sunday, Jan. 31; and at Minnesota on Friday, Feb. 19.
The post-season begins with the 2010 Big Ten Wrestling Championships, hosted by the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor on March 6-7. The 2010 NCAA Wrestling Championships will be in Omaha, Neb., on March 18-20.
"We are excited about this year's schedule and I'm confident that it will help prepare us to do our best in March," Sanderson said. "This year's schedule has us away from home a bit more than we would like, but we're honoring some prior scheduling commitments. Our fans can expect us to wrestle at Rec Hall more often in years to come."
Penn State Wrestling season tickets for the 2009-10 season are on sale now. The five-event package (which does not include the Nittany Lion Open) costs $30 for adults ($6 per event) and $25 for youth ($5 per event). Single event tickets will cost $8 for adults and $6 for youth. Group sales are available once again for groups of 15 people or more. Group prices are $5 in advance and $6 walk-up. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 1.800.NITTANY between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. Current season ticket holders will receive their renewal information shortly.
Individuals who have already made deposits on new season tickets will receive their balance due invoices soon. New season ticket applications will be assigned based on Nittany Lion Club point totals and the time/date the deposit/new application was received by Penn State Athletics. Penn State wrestling season tickets are all reserved locations in Rec Hall. In addition, new premium seating will be available for home wrestling match in Rec Hall this year. Details of this package will be announced soon.
The 2009-10 Penn State Nittany Lion Wrestling Schedule
NOVEMBER
Sun. 1 INTRA-SQUAD SCRIMMAGE 1 p.m.
Fri. 13 at Lehigh 7 p.m.
15 BLOOMSBURG 12 p.m.
22 Sprawl and Brawl Duals, Binghamton, N.Y. 10 a.m.
vs. Edinboro
vs. Harvard
vs. Rutgers
DECEMBER
Sun. 6 NITTANY LION OPEN 8:30 a.m.
Sat. 12 at Pittsburgh TBA
Sun. 13 at West Virginia 1 p.m.
Sun. 20 Reno Tournament of Champions, Reno, Nev. 7 a.m.
JANUARY
Sun. 3 at Lock Haven 3 p.m.
Fri.-Sat. 8-9 Virginia Duals, Hampton, Va. All Day
(2010 Participating Teams: PENN STATE, Bucknell, Clarion, UC-Davis, Drexel, Edinboro, Kent State,
Lehigh, Liberty, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Old Dominion, Virginia, Virginia Tech)
Fri. 22 ILLINOIS* 7 p.m.
Sun. 24 at Ohio State* 1 p.m.
Fri. 29 at Iowa* 8 p.m.
Sun. 31 at Wisconsin* 2 p.m.
FEBRUARY
Fri. 5 NORTHWESTERN* 8 p.m.
Sun. 7 MICHIGAN* 1 p.m.
Fri. 12 MICHIGAN STATE* 7 p.m.
Fri. 19 at Minnesota* 8 p.m.
MARCH
Sat.-Sun. 6-7 Big Ten Championships, Ann Arbor, Mich. All Day
Th.-Sat. 18-20 NCAA Championships, Omaha, Neb. All Day
* Big Ten Dual -- All-Times Eastern -- Home Events in ALL CAPS
Pat Donghia, Assistant Director -- Penn State Athletic Communications -- 814-865-1757; --www.GoPSUsports.com / Wrestling Twitter at www.twitter.com/pennstatepat
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"Holding a feather won't help you fly, to rise above yourself and touch the sky. Standing like a lighthouse, oh how it shines -- The light is shadowing the darker side." -- Rising Gael, 2008 (...listen... www.risinggael.com )
-----
"If I had a chance for another try, I wouldn't change a thing. It's made me all of who I am inside......And everyday I wake, and tell myself a little lie....The whole wide world is mine." --AVA, 2007
Penn State Finalizes 2009-10 Wrestling Recruiting Class as Intermat Ranks Group No. 6 Nationally
All-American Cyler Sanderson officially a Nittany Lion as well
STATE COLLEGE, Pa.; July 7, 2009 - The Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling program, under the guidance of new head coach Cael Sanderson, has finalized its 2009-10 recruiting class and Intermat has ranked the strong group No. 6 nationally. Seven new faces are set to embark upon their freshman years at Penn State.
With ASICS All-Americans David Taylor (St. Paris, Ohio) and Ed Ruth (Harrisburg, Pa.) already announced, three-time Arizona state champion Luke Macchiaroli (Tempe, Ariz.) leads the list of talented newcomers helping to build up the class.
Macchiaroli, who was released from his national letter of intent with Iowa State, followed Sanderson to Penn State and brings a long list of high school accolades with him from the Southwest. In addition to three state titles, Macchiaroli was Arizona's winner of the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award (an award that Taylor won nationally), notched a 176-9 career record and leaves Corona del Sol High School as the all-time leader in takedowns (491), pins (101) and team points (1,013). He went undefeated as a junior and senior (101-0) and was 48-0 this past year (winning the state title at 215). Macchiaroli initially projects at 197 for the Nittany Lions.
Lucas Fedechko (Glassboro, N.J.) comes to Penn State from New Jersey's Delsea High School. Fedechko wrestled at 135 this past season and projects at 133 or 141 for Penn State. He was ranked No. 6 in the state by the Newark Star Ledger and was a two-time New Jersey State place winner after taking fourth this past season.
Tom Reynolds (Skillman, N.J.) comes to Penn State from New Jersey's Montgomery High School. Reynolds was an All-Somerset first team pick at 125 by the Newark Star Ledger and was a two-time New Jersey state qualifier.
Hunter Smith (Exton, Pa.) comes to Penn State after a stellar career at West Chester Henderson High School in suburban Philadelphia. Smith posted a 34-4 record at 171 this past season and advanced to the PIAA state semifinals. He then injury-forfeited out of consolations to take sixth place. The two-time PIAA place winner posted a 91-18 career record at Henderson and projects at 165 or 174 this year.
Jim Vollrath (Richboro, Pa.) comes to Penn State after a superb career at Council Rock South High School. Vollrath, who wrestled at 145, went 41-4 this past season and was a PIAA place winner. He then went on to earn High School All-America honors and left CRSHS with a 132-45 record. Vollrath could wrestle at 141 or 149 early on.
In addition to the sixth-ranked recruiting class, Sanderson and company will have the services of All-American Cyler Sanderson (Heber City, Utah). Cyler, the younger brother of Cael and associate head coach Cody, has officially transferred in from Iowa State and is enrolled at Penn State. Sanderson was a 2008 All-American, placing seventh at 157. Sanderson advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals this year but was stopped just short of a second All-America tag. He comes to Penn State with an 82-26 career record and will wrestle at 157 as a Nittany Lion senior.
Penn State Wrestling season tickets for the 2009-10 season can be reserved now. To make a $20 deposit on the best Rec Hall locations, fans should call 1.800.NITTANY between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. Current wrestling season ticket holders do not need to make a new deposit and will simply go through the coming renewal process. Penn State wrestling season tickets are all reserved locations in Rec Hall. The exact seat assignments for new commitments will not be available until the renewal cycle is complete, but new season ticket commitments made now will be assigned locations based on Nittany Lion Club point totals and the time/date the deposit was received by Penn State Athletics. Season ticket pricing for the 2009-10 season will be finalized and announced by July 1, 2009.
Pat Donghia, Assistant Director -- Penn State Athletic Communications -- 814-865-1757; --www.GoPSUsports.com / Wrestling Twitter at www.twitter.com/pennstatepat
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High School Wrestling All-American and Nation’s Top Recruit David Taylor Commits to Penn State
Sanderson and Nittany Lions land nation’s top talent
STATE COLLEGE, Pa.; June 9, 2009 – The Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling program, under the guidance of head coach Cael Sanderson, received more outstanding news today as high school All-American David Taylor (St. Paris, Ohio) committed to Penn State. Taylor is considered by many to be the top wrestling recruit in the nation. He signed a financial aid letter today and will join the Nittany Lions this fall for the 2009-10 campaign.
Taylor had signed a national letter of intent to attend Iowa State but was given a release from that NLI earlier this spring when Sanderson made the move to Happy Valley to take over the reins of the Nittany Lion program. Since an athlete may only sign one NLI, Taylor’s acceptance of the financial aid agreement solidifies his status as Penn State’s newest Nittany Lion grappler.
“We’re very pleased to welcome David to Penn State,” Sanderson said. “He is an outstanding young man from an outstanding family and his addition to our program is great news for every Penn State wrestling fan. David is a special talent whose character will allow him to excel at the collegiate level and it is an honor to have him join our program.”
Taylor, the son of David and Kathy Taylor, recently concluded an outstanding high school career at St. Paris Graham High School in St. Paris, Ohio. Under the guidance of head coach Jeff Jordan, the Falcons have reeled off a stunning nine consecutive Ohio State Division II state titles and have claimed the 2008 DII National Championship as well. Taylor has had a major influence on St. Paris-Graham’s fortunes.
This past year, Taylor received the prestigious Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award. The award is given in honor of the former Olympic and World Champion and is given to the nation’s top wrestler, evaluated on excellence in wrestling, scholastic achievement, character, citizenship and community service.
Taylor posted an amazing 180-2 overall record in four years and won four consecutive Ohio State Championships. As a high school freshman and sophomore, Taylor claimed the 103 pound title and as a junior he won the 112 pound crown. This past year, Taylor moved up to 135 for his senior season and rolled to his fourth straight championship. David was named the 2009 Ohio State Wrestling Tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler and was named the Ohio Wrestler of the Year in each of the past two seasons.
Not just garnering Ohio laurels, Taylor is a two-time Asics First Team All-American and has claimed the Beast of the East crown and won the Ironman title an unprecedented four times. He is the only wrestler in that tournament’s long and storied history to win four titles. He also won three Cadet and two Junior National titles in both freestyle and Greco-Roman competition. Taylor was a member of the 2007 FILA Junior World team as well.
“David Taylor is the kind of athlete any coach would be proud to work with,” Sanderson continued. “We are welcoming an outstanding young man to our program that is as committed to academic excellence and his community as he is to succeeding on the mat. He is an impressive person and I am confident that our fans will enjoy watching David’s career unfold.”
Taylor’s off-the-mat achievements are as impressive as his work for the Falcon wrestlers. He is a member and officer of the 4-H Club and is ranked in the top 10 of his class, carrying a 4.0 GPA into his final days at St. Paris-Graham.
As an Asics All-America first teamer, Taylor joins fellow first teamer and Nittany Lion signee Ed Ruth (Harrisburg, Pa.), who was also an Asics All-America first team selection after his title-winning run at the Blair Academy this past season, and Luke Macchiaroli (Tempe, Ariz.) in this year’s recruiting class.
Penn State Wrestling season tickets for the 2009-10 season can be reserved now. To make a $20 deposit on the best Rec Hall locations, fans should call 1.800.NITTANY between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. Current wrestling season ticket holders do not need to make a new deposit and will simply go through the coming renewal process. Penn State wrestling season tickets are all reserved locations in Rec Hall. The exact seat assignments for new commitments will not be available until the renewal cycle is complete, but new season ticket commitments made now will be assigned locations based on Nittany Lion Club point totals and the time/date the deposit was received by Penn State Athletics. Season ticket pricing for the 2009-10 season will be finalized and announced by July 1, 2009.
Pat Donghia, Assistant Director -- Penn State Athletic Communications -- 814-865-1757;
Cody Sanderson and Casey Cunningham Join Penn State Wrestling Family as Assistant Coaches
Dernlan, Letters and Anspach assume new duties as head coach Cael Sanderson finalizes new staff
STATE COLLEGE, Pa.; June 4, 2009 – Penn State head wrestling coach Cael Sanderson has finalized his new staff as two of his assistants at Iowa State will join three members of the former staff to complete the new wrestling brain trust. Cody Sanderson, Cael’s brother, has been named associate head coach while Casey Cunningham has been tabbed head assistant coach. The positions mirror the twosome’s positions at ISU.
The duo assisted Sanderson at Iowa State during the new Lion mentor’s successful run at the helm of the Cyclones. In addition to the two new hires, Sanderson has announced that former staffers Matt Dernlan, Troy Letters and Aaron Anspach will all remain at Penn State with each assuming new duties. The moves finalize Penn State’s new wrestling staff as Sanderson embarks upon his first year at the helm of the Nittany Lion program.
Over the past three seasons, the Sanderson brothers and Cunningham have led Iowa State to second, fifth and third place finishes at the NCAA Championships and have qualified all 30 of their wrestlers for nationals. A total of 15 Iowa State wrestlers earned All-America status during the last three campaigns.
Cody Sanderson served as associate head coach at Iowa State during brother Cael’s three-year run as mentor of the Cyclones. Prior to joining Cael in Ames, Cody was the head coach at Utah Valley State (now Utah Valley University), where he started the school’s wrestling program from scratch in 2003. Sanderson’s efforts helped create the nation’s first Division I wrestling program started from scratch in 30 years. Prior to beginning the program at UVSC, Cody served as administrative assistant at Iowa State from 2001 to 2003.
As an athlete, Sanderson was a two-time national finalist at 133 pounds, advancing to the NCAA title bout in 1999 in the Bryce Jordan Center and in 2000 in St. Louis. He ended his stellar Cyclone career with a 116-33 record, including a 33-3 mark his senior year. He also claimed the Big 12 title as a senior and helped spur ISU to a National Runner-Up finish at the NCAA Championships in 2000.
Sanderson graduated from Iowa State in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in pre-medicine. He wife, Sarah, was a standout Gymnast at Iowa State and the couple has three children (sons Kade and Mason and daughter Tylar Ann).
Cunningham served as Cael Sanderson’s assistant head coach last season at Iowa State. Prior to his one year stint in Ames, he was an assistant coach at Central Michigan for seven years (2001-2008). During his tenure at CMU, he helped lead 18 Chippewas to All-American honors and 35 Mid-American titles. During Cunningham’s last season as an assistant, Central Michigan finished seventh at the 2008 NCAA Championships. CMU dominated the MAC during Cunningham’s time with the Chippewas, winning the last 10 regular season championships (including all seven during his run as an assistant).
As a wrestler, Cunningham is among Central Michigan’s all-time greats. He capped off his collegiate career in 1999 by winning the 157-pound title in the Bryce Jordan Center, earning the school’s first Division I national title and only the second individual title in school history in any sport. The two-time All-American (he was national runner-up in 1998) won three MAC championships (1996, 1997 and 1999) and was twice named MAC Wrestler of the Year (1998 and 1999). Cunningham finished his Chippewa career with a 134-19 record. An accomplished international competitor, Cunningham won the 2008 Pan American Games silver medal and retired from international competition in 2008.
Cunningham earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology with an emphasis in criminal justice from CMU in 1999. His wife, Tara (Nott), is an Olympic champion, having won the gold medal in weightlifting at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. The couple has three sons, Hayden, Asher and Ryder.
Three members of the former coaching staff will remain at Penn State, but each in a new position. Dernlan will now serve as the program’s Director of Wrestling Operations, Letters has moved to the assistant coach position (volunteer) and Anspach will now slide over to work and coach with the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club. In addition, Tiffany Clark, the former office manager, has assumed the title of Administrative Assistant for Wrestling.
Cael Sanderson was named the 12th head coach in Penn State’s long wrestling history on April 17, 2009, and officially welcomed to the Penn State family at a public introduction and press conference on April 20.
Penn State Wrestling season tickets for the 2009-10 seasons can be reserved now. To make a $20 deposit on the best Rec Hall locations, fans should call 1.800.NITTANY between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. Current wrestling season ticket holders do not need to make a new deposit and will simply go through the coming renewal process. Penn State wrestling season tickets are all reserved locations in Rec Hall. The exact seat assignments for new commitments will not be available until the renewal cycle is complete, but new season ticket commitments made now will be assigned locations based on Nittany Lion Club point totals and the time/date the deposit was received by Penn State Athletics. Season ticket pricing for the 2009-10 season will be finalized and announced by July 1, 2009.