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November 2, 2009

BWI Staff

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By Andy Elder
Blue White Illustrated Assistant Editor

Featured prominently on the cover of the 2009-10 Penn State wrestling media guide is a picture of first-year coach Cael Sanderson. That's understandable since his hiring has created such a buzz.

Less noticeable, set off to the left of Sanderson's photo, are the words
NITTANY LION WRESTLING 2009-10 and then HERE WE GO.

Here we go, indeed.

The interest and excitement surrounding the program might be at an all-time high, which is saying something considering the history of the one of the university's most storied programs.

Sanderson was caught up in the excitement, too, on Oct. 27 at the team's media day.

"Things are going well for us. We're really anxious to get the season started here. We open up two weeks from Friday at Lehigh, which should be a great event," he said.

"I'm anxious just to see where we're at as much as anybody else is. We've been training really hard. We're making a lot of progress in the room. Now it's time to see what we can do out on the mat."

When it comes time to send a team on the mat for that Nov. 13 showdown at Lehigh to open the season, the 10-man lineup will be a mixed bag.
Don't expect to see any of four highly touted freshmen that started at University Park this fall.

"There's flexibility. It isn't a done deal until the season is over. Right now we're planning on redshirting everybody," Sanderson said.

And, when someone asked a followup question to clarify that he meant only the incoming freshmen, Sanderson set off the funniest moment of the news conference.

"Yes, I'm sorry, just the incoming freshmen. Some of the other guys have already used up their redshirt year and Tim (Curley) wants us to put a team out there," he said as the assembled media broke up in laughter.

Still, there will be an awful lot of talent on the shelf this season, a fact not lost on the coach.

"It is tough because we have a really strong senior class in Cyler (Sanderson, Cael's younger brother who transferred from Iowa State) coming in here, (Dan) Vallimont, (David) Erwin, guys who have had a lot of success in the past," Sanderson said Tuesday at Penn State's wrestling media day.

"We have some really strong talent. These freshmen that are in the room right now are very tough."

Three of those freshmen that Sanderson plans to redshirt were ASICS All-Americans and ranked among the top 7 overall nationally. David Taylor (141/149) was the No. 1 overall recruit, Ed Ruth (174/184) was No. 5 and Jake Kemerer (157/165) was No. 7.

Freshman 197-pounder Luke Macchiaroli was a three-time Arizona state champion.

In addition, Sanderson confirmed he plans to redshirt sophomore Quentin Wright, an All-American 174-pounder in 2009, who is a future 184- or 197-pounder.

And, Sanderson said, "there's a good chance Bubba Jenkins will redshirt." Jenkins was the national runner-up at 149 pounds in 2008.

Jenkins' probable redshirt opened a spot in the lineup that initially will be filled by returning 141-pound All-American Frank Molinaro.

"Coming into the season I talked to the coaches about it. I certified at 141, which was really hard, and I'm going to start the year off at 149. I'm pretty excited about it," Molinaro said, "being able to wrestle and compete and not have to kill myself to make weight."

As for the other nine starting spots, six will be filled with returning starters: Brad Pataky (125), Sanderson (157), Vallimont (165), David Erwin (174), who returns after season-ending shoulder surgery took him out of the lineup a year ago, Clay Steadman (197) and Cameron Wade (heavyweight).

That still leaves questions marks at 133, 141 and 184.
Sanderson said a trio of untested wrestlers will battle for the 133-pound slot: redshirt freshmen Bryan Pearsall and Jack Chidester and redshirt sophomore Tyler Saltsman, who will miss more than a week of practice after dislocating his kneecap.

At 184, Pitt transfer David Crowell is the likely starter once he becomes eligible after fall semester under the NCAA's transfer rules.

Sanderson didn't discuss Molinaro's replacement at 141, but the most likely candidates are senior Adam Lynch and redshirt sophomore Colby Pisani.

Even with some obvious holes in the lineup, Sanderson didn't back away from his stated goal of competing for national championships.

"Really, to win the national tournament, I know the team I was with last year only had four All-Americans and we took third. If you can get four or five guys in there, they have to place high, we have the potential this year to have a really strong tournament," he said.

"Throw Pataky in there. He is a guy whose goal is to be a national champion. He's making real progress and should be a real legit All-American candidate. Molinaro is a returning All-American. Right there (along with the seniors), that's a good group. Cameron Wade is a guy who should be ready to do some damage. We're expecting him to compete for All-American honors and be right in the mix, as well."

If you're a subscriber, click here to check out the rest of the issue in its entirety at BlueWhiteOnline.com!

Here's a preview of what else is in this issue:

Phil's Corner

In this week's Phil's Corner, BWI publisher Phil Grosz addresses the questions that the Nittany Lions had coming into the 2009 season, and how those queries, such as the Lions' secondary and wide receiving corps, have responded to the doubters.

Northwestern coverage

As always, Blue White Illustrated provides the best, most insightful game coverage anywhere. Take a look at our game story, the highs and lows of the game, statistics, game grades and our weekly 'At the Game' feature column.

Ohio State preview

BWI contributor Eric Thomas provides a complete game preview and key match-ups from the game. Don't miss this must-read before the game on Saturday afternoon.

Anchor Man

BWI Contributor Beth Hudson goes in depth about junior defensive tackle Ollie Ogbu, and the journey he has made to become a starter on the Nittany Lions top-ranked defense.

A nation takes notice

BWI Contributor Ron Bracken takes a look back at the Nittany Lions' 1978 win over Ohio State at the Horseshoe. With the Buckeyes coming to town this week, the Lions' win at Columbus is always a fun read.

Don't miss any of these stories, plus of course, Varsity Views, Scorecard and The Tail End!

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