1. Penn State improved in enough areas to escape with a 5-1-1 dual meet record;
2. The internal expectations are higher this semester.
“The first semester was productive for us,” associate head coach Cody Sanderson said. “We made some improvements in some areas we needed to make improvement. But we have a lot of work to do before we get to the national tournament.” The team returned to practice last Monday to begin preparations for the final two months, which includes a trip to next weekend’s Virginia Duals, eight conference matches and the Big Ten and NCAA Championships.
A second-semester dual against Lock Haven often sparks emotions. But the today’s atmosphere could be subdued because both schools are adjusting to new coaching staffs. The Bald Eagles underwent their coaching change when Robbie Waller replaced Rocky Bonomo in November. Lock Haven, which participated in last week’s Southern Scuffle in Greensboro, N.C., wrestled two dual meets during the first semester, falling to Rider 24-15 and Hofstra 20-19. Penn State has collected minimal Lock Haven data since returning to campus, instead focusing on correcting its own flaws. The holiday diet included an abundance of top and bottom wrestling, two areas the coaching staff has emphasized since arriving.
Junior 125-pounder Brad Pataky said mat wrestling is the area where Penn State has made its biggest improvements. Tenacity from all positions helped Penn State rebound from a 23-14 season-opening loss at Lehigh to win five straight duals before posting a tie at Pitt. “Compared to last year at this point of the year we’re pleased,” Pataky said. “There has been an overall increase wrestling-wise.” Penn State lost once last semester despite wrestling at Pitt without starting heavyweight Cameron Wade (sprained ankle) and 197- pounder Clay Steadman (disciplinary reasons). The lineup also included juggling at 133, 141, 174 and 184.
Senior David Erwin, who started the season at 174, has settled at 184 and Justin Ortega appears entrenched at 174. Cody Sanderson, who works with the lightweights, said the staff is mulling its options at 133 and 141. Bryan Pearsall and Tyler Saltsman split time at 133 and Colby Pisani and Adam Lynch are receiving looks at 141. “As far as who is going to be the ultimate starter, that’s not something we need to determine for another three or four weeks. Right now, we are still trying to make sure we are getting as many matches there for as many guys as possible.”
The Nittany Lions’ dual-meet success this semester could hinge on their improvement at 133, 141 and 174. Penn State is 5-16 at those weights and 37-12 at the other seven weights in duals. The lineup is solid from 149-165, where Frank Molinaro, Cyler Sanderson and Dan Vallimont are a combined 19-2 in duals. Starters should enter today recharged. They received a week off before workouts resumed. Most physical ailments suffered during the fall semester are healed, and head coach Cael Sanderson said Wade will return today. Classes don’t resume until Jan. 11, so wrestling should dominate the discourse again next week.
“You can see it in their faces they are a little more relaxed and a little more calm without classes,” Cody Sanderson said. “It’s nice to have a little bit of a different attitude coming from them in the wrestling room. It helps to get some better work done.”
Thanks to the "Centre Daily Times" (State College, Pa.) for the article