Clay Steadman/Cael zoom call yesterday

[Roar More]

On the call, the following was mentioned:

Penn State wrestling has about half the financial support of our top five competition.

Penn State has plans for a new wrestling training facility (not a competition venue) near the outdoor track, or maybe near the law school. Fundraising is underway. (If so, it is a well kept secret. Clay really needs to gear up his efforts.)

Fundraising for 2025 is significantly behind 2024. (See above comment about efforts.)

Money donated to the wrestling excellence fund (I believe that is the name) will go to scholarships. While the roster has been cut by 25%, there is now an opportunity to fully fund 30 scholarships. That appears to be the goal. Clay said our competitors are fully funding a full roster, but I find this hard to believe.

As had been speculated on this board, Cael stated that he will not get into bidding wars for recruits. He wants wrestlers who want to come to Penn State for the right reasons. They come to compete.

For those wishing to donate, here is the link: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/f/2ct0/n?vid=1nee8k (And, again, this info should not be coming from a fan.)

If anyone else was on the call and wants to add anything I missed, please do. I got on the call late.

 

[SRATH]

I missed the call. I don’t see other schools funding ships for 30 kids……seems like a stretch. Clay might lose his job if fundraising is behind 2024. Any discussion about what is driving the shortfall. I get the NLWC newsletter. Lots of small donations and a few which induce covetous feelings.

When I read the comment we have 50% of what out top 5 competitors have………my brain says that sounds about right if you combine the top 5. I guess that wasn’t the point.

I listened to some of the OSU/UM game on the radio. OSU Prez and AD were on at halftime and their message was clear. OSU wants to raise more $ but not at the expense of their brand. Along with UM, they are the premier brands in the BT. They have increased scholarships year over year across all sports. They want every business in Ohio to have some relationship with the university on some level. When they say state, they mean the whole state. Of course it helps when you are in the capital city.

Interestingly, when they were done, the announcers reviewed scores from other games……..Ohio schools only.

BTW, I paid $2.54 for gas. It is $3.30 or so in NWPA. Every car at the station was PA plates

 

[amattaro]

I have bought season tickets, individual game tickets, made direct donations, or put myself on email lists for ticket information or season ticket waiting lists for probably 20 different schools across various sports. I get emails, stuff in the mail, etc. from all of them. I don’t get anything from Penn State. Maybe it’s just me. But at least from where I sit, Penn State not even doing the bare minimum here.

To wit, two days ago:

 

[LemonPie]

almost like there was an opportunity to make an easy 200k in November. I’ll pass.

 

[Bobandy]

I have spent some time with Clay lately and agree with everything summarized above. We cannot take for granted how special this program is right now. We need enough money to be in the conversation with the recruits and let the specialness of our room do the rest. Just made a big contribution, we need to rally to be in the game.

 

[baltimorened]

On the call, the following was mentioned:

Penn State wrestling has about half the financial support of our top five competition.

Penn State has plans for a new wrestling training facility (not a competition venue) near the outdoor track, or maybe near the law school. Fundraising is underway. (If so, it is a well kept secret. Clay really needs to gear up his efforts.)

Fundraising for 2025 is significantly behind 2024. (See above comment about efforts.)

Money donated to the wrestling excellence fund (I believe that is the name) will go to scholarships. While the roster has been cut by 25%, there is now an opportunity to fully fund 30 scholarships. That appears to be the goal. Clay said our competitors are fully funding a full roster, but I find this hard to believe.

As had been speculated on this board, Cael stated that he will not get into bidding wars for recruits. He wants wrestlers who want to come to Penn State for the right reasons. They come to compete.

For those wishing to donate, here is the link: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/f/2ct0/n?vid=1nee8k (And, again, this info should not be coming from a fan.)

If anyone else was on the call and wants to add anything I missed, please do. I got on the call late.

is this a 501c3 where charitable contributions can be made. Is there an EIN

 

[nerfstate]

is this a 501c3 where charitable contributions can be made. Is there an EIN

Penn State is an instrumentality of the commonwealth so not a proper 501(c)3, but donations to them are fully tax deductible.

They have several sub-entities but the main ein is 24-6000376

 

[Psalm 1 guy]

I missed the call. I don’t see other schools funding ships for 30 kids……seems like a stretch. Clay might lose his job if fundraising is behind 2024. Any discussion about what is driving the shortfall. I get the NLWC newsletter. Lots of small donations and a few which induce covetous feelings.

When I read the comment we have 50% of what out top 5 competitors have………my brain says that sounds about right if you combine the top 5. I guess that wasn’t the point.

I listened to some of the OSU/UM game on the radio. OSU Prez and AD were on at halftime and their message was clear. OSU wants to raise more $ but not at the expense of their brand. Along with UM, they are the premier brands in the BT. They have increased scholarships year over year across all sports. They want every business in Ohio to have some relationship with the university on some level. When they say state, they mean the whole state. Of course it helps when you are in the capital city.

Interestingly, when they were done, the announcers reviewed scores from other games……..Ohio schools only.

BTW, I paid $2.54 for gas. It is $3.30 or so in NWPA. Every car at the station was PA plates

$4.49 here in San Diego : (

 

[Roar More]

I missed the call. I don’t see other schools funding ships for 30 kids……seems like a stretch. Clay might lose his job if fundraising is behind 2024. Any discussion about what is driving the shortfall. I get the NLWC newsletter. Lots of small donations and a few which induce covetous feelings.

When I read the comment we have 50% of what out top 5 competitors have………my brain says that sounds about right if you combine the top 5. I guess that wasn’t the point.

I listened to some of the OSU/UM game on the radio. OSU Prez and AD were on at halftime and their message was clear. OSU wants to raise more $ but not at the expense of their brand. Along with UM, they are the premier brands in the BT. They have increased scholarships year over year across all sports. They want every business in Ohio to have some relationship with the university on some level. When they say state, they mean the whole state. Of course it helps when you are in the capital city.

Interestingly, when they were done, the announcers reviewed scores from other games……..Ohio schools only.

BTW, I paid $2.54 for gas. It is $3.30 or so in NWPA. Every car at the station was PA plates

The NLWC supports the RTC, not the Penn State wrestling. I can't remember Penn State publicly acknowledging any donation without at least two commas. And from what I gathered, Clay was implying that Penn State wrestling donations are half of what each of the other five schools take in individually, not collectively.

 

[WPIALBrwnPSU]

Hell, im still confused why Ohio State didn't sell out. I know BJC seats are expensive but I still think it is worth price.

It will be the best home match of the season.

 

[The Pitchfork Rebel]

$4.49 here in San Diego : (

That number =GTFO of Cali.

 

[Sunshine88!]

On the call, the following was mentioned:

Penn State wrestling has about half the financial support of our top five competition.

Penn State has plans for a new wrestling training facility (not a competition venue) near the outdoor track, or maybe near the law school. Fundraising is underway. (If so, it is a well kept secret. Clay really needs to gear up his efforts.)

Fundraising for 2025 is significantly behind 2024. (See above comment about efforts.)

Money donated to the wrestling excellence fund (I believe that is the name) will go to scholarships. While the roster has been cut by 25%, there is now an opportunity to fully fund 30 scholarships. That appears to be the goal. Clay said our competitors are fully funding a full roster, but I find this hard to believe.

As had been speculated on this board, Cael stated that he will not get into bidding wars for recruits. He wants wrestlers who want to come to Penn State for the right reasons. They come to compete.

For those wishing to donate, here is the link: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/f/2ct0/n?vid=1nee8k (And, again, this info should not be coming from a fan.)

If anyone else was on the call and wants to add anything I missed, please do. I got on the call late.

Wow awesome I didn’t know that. I will definitely be donating today and highly encourage others. Needless to say our wrestling program deserves it.

 

[Sullivan]

almost like there was an opportunity to make an easy 200k in November. I’ll pass.

After factoring in flights, hotels, and other travel expenses, we wouldn't come close to netting $200K.

If 20 people travel between wrestlers and staff, you could drop $75,000 in travel expenses.

 

[pish69]

After factoring in flights, hotels, and other travel expenses, we wouldn't come close to netting $200K.

If 20 people travel between wrestlers and staff, you could drop $75,000 in travel expenses.

They gave each team $20k for travel expenses. Any way you slice it, this would have been easy money and if they hurting for money, they should have went

if guys needed rest, you still could have managed it and still won

 

[Rmg975]

They were coming off of a summer where their only focus was freestyle. How does it make sense to go when the majority of the team was only focusing on folk for maybe 3 weeks.

 

[pish69]

They were coming off of a summer where their only focus was freestyle. How does it make sense to go when the majority of the team was only focusing on folk for maybe 3 weeks.

Thats fine. But in the OP post he’s talking about being behind in fundraising and asking for donations (which I already do).

all the guys on the World Teams could have wrestled one match and we would have picked up easy $200k. Don’t think one extra match would have killed anyone.

Don’t get me wrong..I’m not questioning why Cael went or didn’t go. But when you asking for donations and there was easy $200k..lol. I’m on Lemon Pies side here

 

[WexfordWarrior]

Thats fine. But in the OP post he’s talking about being behind in fundraising and asking for donations (which I already do).

all the guys on the World Teams could have wrestled one match and we would have picked up easy $200k. Don’t think one extra match would have killed anyone.

Don’t get me wrong..I’m not questioning why Cael went or didn’t go. But when you asking for donations and there was easy $200k..lol. I’m on Lemon Pies side here

Maybe they should make a video.

 

[amattaro]

This seemingly never ending arms race of “we really need your money to keep this thing going” all while the schools the teams ostensibly belong to are bending families over year after year for tuition and fees doesn’t sit right with me. It’s a competition amongst old guys to buy teams. For what at the end of the day is an extracurricular activity. Ruin it like football. Now get off my lawn.

 

[nerfstate]

Wasn’t in the call, but what pieces of the overall ecosystem were accounted for in this review? NLWC? NIL collective(s)? Individual athlete deals? PSWC? Nittany Lion Club? Capital campaigns for facilities? The landscape is pretty dynamic these days and I’m sure resources are harder to track. Still find it hard to believe that the overall effort is 6th in the nation. 3rd makes sense.

 

[tullfan68]

I missed the call. I don’t see other schools funding ships for 30 kids……seems like a stretch. Clay might lose his job if fundraising is behind 2024. Any discussion about what is driving the shortfall. I get the NLWC newsletter. Lots of small donations and a few which induce covetous feelings.

When I read the comment we have 50% of what out top 5 competitors have………my brain says that sounds about right if you combine the top 5. I guess that wasn’t the point.

I listened to some of the OSU/UM game on the radio. OSU Prez and AD were on at halftime and their message was clear. OSU wants to raise more $ but not at the expense of their brand. Along with UM, they are the premier brands in the BT. They have increased scholarships year over year across all sports. They want every business in Ohio to have some relationship with the university on some level. When they say state, they mean the whole state. Of course it helps when you are in the capital city.

Interestingly, when they were done, the announcers reviewed scores from other games……..Ohio schools only.

BTW, I paid $2.54 for gas. It is $3.30 or so in NWPA. Every car at the station was PA plates

but I thought it under 2 dollars?"?LOL

 

[HikeNatParks]

All my monthly charitable donations go to causes that aid the sacrifices of our military and first responders, the hungry, and child illnesses, and only if more than 90% of the donation goes to cause, not admin. I’ll expect a B1G university’s trust fund, tuition revenue, alumni donations, wealthy benefactors, and its AFR (Almighty Football Revenue) to fund all other, non-profit-making athletic endeavors. I make no apology for that stance and have no malice for those who disagree.

 

[Goggles Paisano]

Thats fine. But in the OP post he’s talking about being behind in fundraising and asking for donations (which I already do).

all the guys on the World Teams could have wrestled one match and we would have picked up easy $200k. Don’t think one extra match would have killed anyone.

Don’t get me wrong..I’m not questioning why Cael went or didn’t go. But when you asking for donations and there was easy $200k..lol. I’m on Lemon Pies side here

My rules.

1. Don't F$#k with a system that works
2. Don't expose kids to top level duals competition before you have even set the lineup or achieved proper conditioning.
3. Don't prop up your biggest competition financially or otherwise.
4. $200k ain't really that much
5. Don't second guess Cael, each time I do I look dumber than the last.

 

[WexfordWarrior]

My rules.

1. Don't F$#k with a system that works
2. Don't expose kids to top level duals competition before you have even set the lineup or achieved proper conditioning.
3. Don't prop up your biggest competition financially or otherwise.
4. $200k ain't really that much
5. Don't second guess Cael, each time I do I look dumber than the last.

 

[pish69]

My rules.

4. $200k ain't really that much

Then don’t ask for more donation when you could have a easy $200k..

 

[Dogwelder]

Then don’t ask for more donation when you could have a easy $200k..

That does not make sense. The money supports the team. The team should do whatever maximizes its chance of winning the title. If something is a net negative for winning the title, or for the long-term interest of the team, then it does not matter that it is a short-term moneymaker. There is a reason that the saying exists:

Keep the main thing the main thing.

Remember when Rocky’s outside sponsorship obligations distracted him from training? Eye of the Tiger, baby!

 

[pish69]

That does not make sense. The money supports the team. The team should do whatever maximizes its chance of winning the title. If something is a net negative for winning the title, or for the long-term interest of the team, then it does not matter that it’s a short-term moneymaker. There is a reason that the saying exists:

Keep the main thing the main thing.

Remember when Rocky’s outside sponsorship obligations distracted him from training? Eye of the Tiger, baby!

I don’t know man. What the hell are we talking about here?

The season starts Nov 1. This event was on Nov 15th. They asking for more donations since we behind other schools and reduction from last year.

you telling me having the starters wrestling 1 match Nov 15 would impact long term success and health?

I don’t buy it. And honestly could care less but when I see the topic saying “we need more money” when you could have picked up $200k wrestling tOSU instead of Oklahoma the day before..nah

 

[Goggles Paisano]

So I think a problem is:

PSU wrestling
NLWC
NIL

I give and will continue but to whom/what is the priority, from their POV? I know each entity is independent and of course comingling marketing messaging let alone funds is strictly prohibited, but gaining a bit more transparency as to the relative health and priority of each is important. I can't give in an impactful manner to all, but it would be nice to see a cash flow summary somewhere. Wrestling is a niche sport, and now they're is competition in house for limited dollars.

A strong RTC is essential for PSU recruiting as the best kids want that 8+ year seamless plan, and the best bodies in both rooms.

I am sure I was surprised as all to hear that the collegiate program is now suffering.

 

[Dogwelder]

… you telling me having the starters wrestling 1 match Nov 15 would impact long term success and health?

I don’t buy it. …

I did not mention the word health. But, yes, other than gaining money, most impacts mentioned in the Duals thread seem negative to me. I deduce that Cael feels the same way. And Cael is a proven coach. But sometimes other people, possibly slightly less proven, have a plan or something.

 

[pish69]

I did not mention the word health. But, yes, other than gaining money, most impacts mentioned in the Duals thread seem negative to me. I deduce that Cael feels the same way. And Cael is a proven coach. But sometimes other people, possibly slightly less proven, have a plan or something.

My last point on this subject and then I'll bow out because you're a good dude and don't want to argue with fellow PSU fans.

Cael is the king..no doubt..he knows more about wrestling than all of us combined. He's a proven champion..

I just think it's ironic, when they asking for "more" because we falling behind, when all that was needed was one match where all our starters wrestled to win $200k. That's a lot of donations for 1 match. We could have wrestled backups for the first 3 matches and won.

Trust me..I don't doubt Cael and never will.

 

[WexfordWarrior]

So I think a problem is:

PSU wrestling
NLWC
NIL

I give and will continue but to whom/what is the priority, from their POV? I know each entity is independent and of course comingling marketing messaging let alone funds is strictly prohibited, but gaining a bit more transparency as to the relative health and priority of each is important. I can't give in an impactful manner to all, but it would be nice to see a cash flow summary somewhere. Wrestling is a niche sport, and now they're is competition in house for limited dollars.

A strong RTC is essential for PSU recruiting as the best kids want that 8+ year seamless plan, and the best bodies in both rooms.

I am sure I was surprised as all to hear that the collegiate program is now suffering.

Is anyone surprised that Goggles only has 360 posts. That seems like a good week.
He needs :

 

[amattaro]

If I donated this cheddar, the email would have used proper MM instead of M.

 

[ClarkstonMark]

I don’t know man. What the hell are we talking about here?

The season starts Nov 1. This event was on Nov 15th. They asking for more donations since we behind other schools and reduction from last year.

you telling me having the starters wrestling 1 match Nov 15 would impact long term success and health?

I don’t buy it. And honestly could care less but when I see the topic saying “we need more money” when you could have picked up $200k wrestling tOSU instead of Oklahoma the day before..nah

just so you know, you needed to win 4 duals to get $200k. And 2 of those would have been against the likes of OSU,OSU,Iowa,etc. You're not having starters only wrestle one dual, no matter if you think they could have won with backups

 

[Sullivan]

just so you know, you needed to win 4 duals to get $200k. And 2 of those would have been against the likes of OSU,OSU,Iowa,etc. You're not having starters only wrestle one dual, no matter if you think they could have won with backups

Right. And if we take more guys, we incur more travel expenses. We wouldn't clear anything close to $200K.

 

[PSUPetch]

Can some links to Penn State Wrestling donation site(s) or the NLWC gear store be put into a post in the Sticky threads that will make it easier for people to donate/buy?

 

[Sullivan]

Can some links to Penn State Wrestling donation site(s) or the NLWC gear store be put into a post in the Sticky threads that will make it easier for people to donate/buy?

Penn State Wrestling Club:
Join the PSWC – Penn State Wrestling Club

NLWC:
Join/Donate | Nittany Lion Wrestling Club

Penn State NIL:
Donors – HappyValleyUnited

 

[WexfordWarrior]

Penn State Wrestling Club:
Join the PSWC – Penn State Wrestling Club

NLWC:
Join/Donate | Nittany Lion Wrestling Club

Penn State NIL:
Donors – HappyValleyUnited

If you want to donate?

Not really.

 

[Sullivan]

If you want to donate?

Not really.

Yep.

 

[SRATH]

$4.49 here in San Diego : (

I have a foot of snow on the ground.......you suck!

 

[PSUPetch]

Penn State Wrestling Club:
Join the PSWC – Penn State Wrestling Club

NLWC:
Join/Donate | Nittany Lion Wrestling Club

Penn State NIL:
Donors – HappyValleyUnited

Thanks...this would be a great sticky. Need to buy some NLWC merch!

 

[Mc11]

Right. And if we take more guys, we incur more travel expenses. We wouldn't clear anything close to $200K.

I think teams could take 16 wrestlers max. Not that it matters at this point