It starts with Cael Sanderson at 12:20. Racing over from football but will start posting updates ASAP.
Updates from Penn State wrestling media day
- Thread starter GregPickel
- Start date
I will unlock this thread at the conclusion of interviews so that way the updates all flow without interruptions.
On the lineup 41/57/65
No clarity. Obviously we got several really good wrestlers preparing. We won't announce anything until our first match. We're excited.
No clarity. Obviously we got several really good wrestlers preparing. We won't announce anything until our first match. We're excited.
On Levi
We read ablut things and see waht might change. You just prepare assuming what could or couldn't happen. He's in class right now. Probably rather not be in class. But is preparing in case he gets that opportunity. We're just waiting to hear the final word. Been a pretty wild five years of twists and turns and changes, but everyone is in the same boat and trying to navigate and figure out what they're doing. We're preparing but don't know more than anything else.
We read ablut things and see waht might change. You just prepare assuming what could or couldn't happen. He's in class right now. Probably rather not be in class. But is preparing in case he gets that opportunity. We're just waiting to hear the final word. Been a pretty wild five years of twists and turns and changes, but everyone is in the same boat and trying to navigate and figure out what they're doing. We're preparing but don't know more than anything else.
On more lineup questions across the sport
It's just different. Scholarships are more available. Teams are going to have more depth. For us, you don't go to Penn State if you're looking for a guaranteed starting spot. The changes last second makes things tricky. The whole landscapes changed. You adapt and keep hustling. Everyone's in the same boat. Changes like NIL, scholarship limitations, roster caps, whatever, everything is different.
It's just different. Scholarships are more available. Teams are going to have more depth. For us, you don't go to Penn State if you're looking for a guaranteed starting spot. The changes last second makes things tricky. The whole landscapes changed. You adapt and keep hustling. Everyone's in the same boat. Changes like NIL, scholarship limitations, roster caps, whatever, everything is different.
On Ono
He's been training really hard. He's just a happy hard working competiitve guy. Excited about folkstyle. Preparing for it for however long he's been here. For us, before RTCs, the transition from folk to free isn't always easy. Even more difficult to go from a life of free to folk. But he's dilignet and a phenomneal wrestlers. Still working through weight classes. We have a lot going on. Large group of guys left for Seniors. We're preparing for college but also locked in what's next.
He's been training really hard. He's just a happy hard working competiitve guy. Excited about folkstyle. Preparing for it for however long he's been here. For us, before RTCs, the transition from folk to free isn't always easy. Even more difficult to go from a life of free to folk. But he's dilignet and a phenomneal wrestlers. Still working through weight classes. We have a lot going on. Large group of guys left for Seniors. We're preparing for college but also locked in what's next.
What's Cael looking forward to?
It's always exciting. Who I worke with and the staff we have, the trust and love we have is unique in college sports. It's a special time. With all the changes, our culture is going to be really strong. That doesn't mean everything is perfect. Adversity and change gives us a chance to take a program up a notch, which is exciting.
It's always exciting. Who I worke with and the staff we have, the trust and love we have is unique in college sports. It's a special time. With all the changes, our culture is going to be really strong. That doesn't mean everything is perfect. Adversity and change gives us a chance to take a program up a notch, which is exciting.
Is this the most talented team?
I don't know. Comparing isn't something you should probably ever do. Love our team and potential. Have opportunity to score points. It's about getting better and scoring points and getting ready for March.
I don't know. Comparing isn't something you should probably ever do. Love our team and potential. Have opportunity to score points. It's about getting better and scoring points and getting ready for March.
On Mesenbrink
He's Mitchell. Furocious competitor. He's been active. His training doesn't ever slow down. Tell him maybe it's good to take a couple days off. Saw him jump levels last year. He's a never satisfied kind of guy. Mitchell's Mitchell. He's pretty dang good.
He's Mitchell. Furocious competitor. He's been active. His training doesn't ever slow down. Tell him maybe it's good to take a couple days off. Saw him jump levels last year. He's a never satisfied kind of guy. Mitchell's Mitchell. He's pretty dang good.
On the team
We're really close. Culture and close group. Steadman, our GM, has done a great job. Our guys live what they say. It's a special team and place. To have the support we have from the admin, it's a good time. We don't take any of that for granted. We're very blessed.
We're really close. Culture and close group. Steadman, our GM, has done a great job. Our guys live what they say. It's a special team and place. To have the support we have from the admin, it's a good time. We don't take any of that for granted. We're very blessed.
On kasak and Barr
Both doing fine. Temporary as far as weeks not months kind of injuries. Both been back competing hard for awhile.
Both doing fine. Temporary as far as weeks not months kind of injuries. Both been back competing hard for awhile.
On Blaze
He's a special human being. Incredible competitor at whatever he's doing. Lives the life, trains, does everything right. Wrestling at Seniors next weekend. I couldn't say enough good things about Marcus. Works so hard and is such a good kid. Never satisfied. He's just one of those guys you're grateful to have on your team.
He's a special human being. Incredible competitor at whatever he's doing. Lives the life, trains, does everything right. Wrestling at Seniors next weekend. I couldn't say enough good things about Marcus. Works so hard and is such a good kid. Never satisfied. He's just one of those guys you're grateful to have on your team.
On Haines again
Don't know on the likelihood of him competing. Would be nice if at some point NCAA coudl enforce rules and have a say. Kind of wild and embarassing. What are we doing? What's the standard? What's allowed and isn't? Haines is preparing for Worlds. If he gets called back to folkstyle, he'll be good to go. Wishes he was out hunting, but it's not like we're calling him back out of the woods.
Don't know on the likelihood of him competing. Would be nice if at some point NCAA coudl enforce rules and have a say. Kind of wild and embarassing. What are we doing? What's the standard? What's allowed and isn't? Haines is preparing for Worlds. If he gets called back to folkstyle, he'll be good to go. Wishes he was out hunting, but it's not like we're calling him back out of the woods.
Could 5 for 5 change inseason lineups with more guys?
Kids are coming in and it's go time. It's a mindset shift for them. Not like I'm going to come in here and float around for a year. If you're ready to go you're ready to go. For Penn State, this isn't the easy path. No guaranteed starting position. Why the NLWC is as successful as it is. We have the best guys in the world training here. I dont know if kids will get more opportunities, maybe, I guess. Everything will adjust. The big thing is hoping at some point the NCAA can enforce standard and rules so we know where we're at. That's the biggest challenge, and if you're following the rules are you at a disavantage, adn we follow the rules. It's all hands on deck. No freshman 15 or 30 or whatever the deal is and get ready for next year. It's be ready.
Kids are coming in and it's go time. It's a mindset shift for them. Not like I'm going to come in here and float around for a year. If you're ready to go you're ready to go. For Penn State, this isn't the easy path. No guaranteed starting position. Why the NLWC is as successful as it is. We have the best guys in the world training here. I dont know if kids will get more opportunities, maybe, I guess. Everything will adjust. The big thing is hoping at some point the NCAA can enforce standard and rules so we know where we're at. That's the biggest challenge, and if you're following the rules are you at a disavantage, adn we follow the rules. It's all hands on deck. No freshman 15 or 30 or whatever the deal is and get ready for next year. It's be ready.
Is having a lot of depth a good problem to have
Plusses and minuses. Want everyone to be the best they can be. Some of the tougher elements of the job is who's going and who isn't, but for the most part, they decide that. In our sport it's whoever wins the spot wins the spot. That is the tough part. Care about each guy and want everyone to be able to compete, but it's your opportunity, have to earn that spot, and it pushes everyone to a higher level.
Plusses and minuses. Want everyone to be the best they can be. Some of the tougher elements of the job is who's going and who isn't, but for the most part, they decide that. In our sport it's whoever wins the spot wins the spot. That is the tough part. Care about each guy and want everyone to be able to compete, but it's your opportunity, have to earn that spot, and it pushes everyone to a higher level.
On Kasak and James
It was tough redshirting Tyler last year because he's such a competitor. Big match guy. Fun guy to have in the lineup and fun to watch wrestle. Nice to have him back. With Jayden, he's 18, he's just a young kid, so we don't know where he's going to end up weight class wise. We're thrilled to have Jayden coming in. he's special.
It was tough redshirting Tyler last year because he's such a competitor. Big match guy. Fun guy to have in the lineup and fun to watch wrestle. Nice to have him back. With Jayden, he's 18, he's just a young kid, so we don't know where he's going to end up weight class wise. We're thrilled to have Jayden coming in. he's special.
On Kasak and James
It was tough redshirting Tyler last year because he's such a competitor. Big match guy. Fun guy to have in the lineup and fun to watch wrestle. Nice to have him back. With Jayden, he's 18, he's just a young kid, so we don't know where he's going to end up weight class wise. We're thrilled to have Jayden coming in. he's special.
It was tough redshirting Tyler last year because he's such a competitor. Big match guy. Fun guy to have in the lineup and fun to watch wrestle. Nice to have him back. With Jayden, he's 18, he's just a young kid, so we don't know where he's going to end up weight class wise. We're thrilled to have Jayden coming in. he's special.
On HWT and the Mirsolas
Connor doesn't see himself as a depth guy. He wants to be a national champ and he's righ there. He's move to HWT. He's not wrestling 97. Those guys, they have to be pushing each other. They care more about one another then probably they're own success. Both big boys and getting better and helping each other by pushing each other.
Connor doesn't see himself as a depth guy. He wants to be a national champ and he's righ there. He's move to HWT. He's not wrestling 97. Those guys, they have to be pushing each other. They care more about one another then probably they're own success. Both big boys and getting better and helping each other by pushing each other.
On Ono
He's just a breath of fresh air kind of a guy. Just a humble kid in a lot of laughing smiling and enjoying what he's doing. Incredible competitor and wants to be successful. He's worked hard in school to pass his classes. He's getting As. Seeing his devotion and his character it's been really good for everybody, in addition to how he competes on the mat.
He's just a breath of fresh air kind of a guy. Just a humble kid in a lot of laughing smiling and enjoying what he's doing. Incredible competitor and wants to be successful. He's worked hard in school to pass his classes. He's getting As. Seeing his devotion and his character it's been really good for everybody, in addition to how he competes on the mat.
On MM and Duke moving up
Real possibility. We're still waiting to hear, and each guy knows where they're going. Mitchell's big and strong but to me it's about development and keep developing and the weight classes will take care of themselves.
Real possibility. We're still waiting to hear, and each guy knows where they're going. Mitchell's big and strong but to me it's about development and keep developing and the weight classes will take care of themselves.
On how true freshmen are thriving in college wrestling
The RTCs have played a big part in it. I think there needs to be some regulation in that. College wrestling has become a little crazy and they've become a work around for recruiting rules. USA Wrestling has to figure itout. They haven't because kids are at a higher level faster. Kids are ready to compete at a high level early.
The RTCs have played a big part in it. I think there needs to be some regulation in that. College wrestling has become a little crazy and they've become a work around for recruiting rules. USA Wrestling has to figure itout. They haven't because kids are at a higher level faster. Kids are ready to compete at a high level early.
That's big news did he say why?
@GregPickel did anyone have the balls to ask if Davis is still on the team?
Can we do our worst?
Like many others, I am feeling down about football. ..
Reading Cael’s words is a breath of fresh air!
Reading Cael’s words is a breath of fresh air!
Yeah, Luke, MM, and SVN. I’ll get some quotes up on them ASAP.
We are extremely fortunate to have you covering and reporting here the way you do. Always appreciated, never taken for granted. Thank you so much, Greg!!
100% "Comparison is the thief of joy" (or "comparison is the death of true self-contentment" John Powell)
First story is up on Levi Haines' situation. As you can see above, Penn State is in wait and see mode like everyone else:
www.on3.com
Is there any chance that Levi Haines will wrestle for Penn State in 2026-2027? Here's what Cael Sanderson said on Tuesday
Penn State wrestler Levi Haines is out of eligibility unless a court ruling says otherwise. Here's where things stand for him and the Lions.
To circle back to this: There are no legal docs pertaining to Davis at this time, and sources have not indicated any status change, despite the obvious photos that are out there relative to an active (as far as we know) State College Police investigation. Absent both of those, it's just not a fair question to ask, imo. I know many will disagree, but just wanted to address that.
--After not competing this offseason while taking a reset on and off the mat, Penn State star Mitchell Mesenbrink is ready to do whatever Penn State needs him to do to help in its quest for another national title as the wait for a decision on Haines' eligibility continues.
"You guys know as much as I do," Mesenbrink said. I don't know where they are in that decision. We just go with the flow, whatever, and we go with what it is. We got so many guys that are able to wrestle at a moment's notice, and so again, I would love to wrestle, of course, and fourth and final year. But again, if it's like if that, I'm just saying, like, if that something happens where it's like, 'all right, we put in Levi,' I'm also a big Penn State wrestling fan.
"Like I love Penn State wrestling, and so I want what's going to be [the best] for Penn State wrestling. That means, that's probably a national championship. And so however that happens, I think we'll figure it out. I want to be a helper with that."
"You guys know as much as I do," Mesenbrink said. I don't know where they are in that decision. We just go with the flow, whatever, and we go with what it is. We got so many guys that are able to wrestle at a moment's notice, and so again, I would love to wrestle, of course, and fourth and final year. But again, if it's like if that, I'm just saying, like, if that something happens where it's like, 'all right, we put in Levi,' I'm also a big Penn State wrestling fan.
"Like I love Penn State wrestling, and so I want what's going to be [the best] for Penn State wrestling. That means, that's probably a national championship. And so however that happens, I think we'll figure it out. I want to be a helper with that."
--Luke Lilledahl knows he can be better than his performance showed at U23 Worlds. He's also ready to roll again for Penn State at 125 pounds as he looks to defend his NCAA title.
"I definitely kind of flushed it, right? Because you can't really dwell on the past, but definitely, for sure, have some stuff to work on, and just talking to the coaches and stuff like that," Lilledahl said. "But obviously, I was frustrated, right? Because I feel like I'm not really in that position [of losing] a lot, so definitely a different perspective for me. But I think every time I lose, I always come back just hungrier and better.
"I'm kind of growing into the [125-pound] weight class. Maybe my freshman year, I was a little bit smaller. Obviously, I'm a little bigger now, but I think 125 is definitely my weight class, and I'm going to hold it down."
"I definitely kind of flushed it, right? Because you can't really dwell on the past, but definitely, for sure, have some stuff to work on, and just talking to the coaches and stuff like that," Lilledahl said. "But obviously, I was frustrated, right? Because I feel like I'm not really in that position [of losing] a lot, so definitely a different perspective for me. But I think every time I lose, I always come back just hungrier and better.
"I'm kind of growing into the [125-pound] weight class. Maybe my freshman year, I was a little bit smaller. Obviously, I'm a little bigger now, but I think 125 is definitely my weight class, and I'm going to hold it down."
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