Penn State wrestling: Cael Sanderson talks 125-pound situation, upcoming trip to Rutgers; latest rankings update
Penn State coach Cael Sanderson held his latest weekly news conference on Tuesday as the team prepares for a final double dual weekend.
Penn State wrestling: Cael Sanderson talks 125-pound situation, upcoming trip to Rutgers; latest rankings update
- Thread starter GregPickel
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To his credit-Cael will not say anything negative about hard working kids like Steen. But I wonder what it is like for Steen as clearly he knows he is on top team on the country and has not had much personal success. That could be tough emotionally for many-curious how he handles it-probably with grace and acceptance that he does all he can do to try to succeed.
I was not able to make this week's media availability due to the concurrent football media availability but Steen offered this glimpse into his mindset right now per PennLive:
“Now it’s not worrying about the wins and the losses, it’s trying to grow as a wrestler and trying to jump levels. Just building confidence day by day and working with the best dudes I possibly can. Overall, just growing as a person and trying to be the best version of myself every day.
“All these guys in here keep me going. It’s a process. It’s more of just keeping going and having fun with the process and having faith.”
I know a lot of wrestlers across the country would love to be where Steen is, to be part of the best team in the country. How many wrestlers have we had in the room over the years that could have started somewhere else but opted to stay.
Like the effort however we MUST get someone to upgrade 125. It’s getting old. Hopefully Howard’s rehab is way ahead of schedule and he’s 100 percent for next season.
Why MUST we upgrade at 125 if we keep winning national championships?
We want to crush the field. Not just win. Don’t know how often you talked with Cael or if at all. His goal is to have more then 5 NC. 10 is the major goal.
Wife and I followed Penn State all over the country hoping to get 1 national champ or a couple of All Americans.We want to crush the field. Not just win. Don’t know how often you talked with Cael or if at all. His goal is to have more then 5 NC. 10 is the major goal.
We remember when Oklahoma State was king and we were at nationals when Yoshira Fujita, seeded #1 had his arm broken in the first round, they never recovered.
Iowa then had a run before they ran into Cael.
I appreciate where we are right now and remember.
We currently have eight guys ranked in the top ten. That is amazing. It reflects hard work. It is not our birthright. Appreciate what we have.
Agree. It’s seriously almost Sad watching Steen wrestle for real. Thought for sure Cael would bring in someone good from the portal. Oh well time to get ready for the Big Ten tournament now in Michigan.
Again, don't count Howard out. There once was a heavyweight with a bump shoulder and he turned out alright.
Be interesting to know how Robbie's rehab is coming along. Anyone hear any updates ? Hope he definitely 100 percent for next season.
Robbie will never be 100% again. We all hope to see him back, reach his potential, and have fun. He's worked hard, has tons of talent and deserves it. That said I have yet to see a wrestler with multiple shoulder surgeries simply come back better than ever. One surgery maybe. Even Cassar was lucky enough to have a window and he took advantage of it, then boom, it's like a ticking time bomb! Robbie for one full season, I have my fingers crossed, as do we all. Robbie, healthy for 3-4 more years, that is a very tall order.
I would like some insurance, and when I say that definitely national qualifier level insurance, ideally even better or course. I don't think I have seen any portal guys the past few years at 125.
With two national champions out the door next year, we could use at little more depth and balance at both 125 and 133.
We have Nasedo, Wentzel and Davis coming in, and Gibson the next year. I think all four will hugely benefit from a redshirt year, thus the portal this offseason could really help down low.
Honestly i don't think there will be any prospects jumping ship, but I will stay on my same bandwagon since before the season. The only guy I see that makes sense for both sides is Noto. He's young, he's local and everytime I look, he's jumping up the rankings. Much higher than I envisioned him 4 months ago. That kid would be like drawing an ace with the river. Cael could make him a national champion candidate in a couple of years, heck maybe less.
I am not a huge fan of anyone coming into the program late. Whomever needs a full spring/summer lead up to the season to start to benefit from how Cael develops talent.
Let's start the Nil campaign now!
PS - for 133 is Mendez too much to hope for? What's going on in Columbus? He will be a multi timer. Now I am just being plain greedy.
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Steen lost 1-0 to Terps #15 ranked Braxton Brown. Maybe Gary's turning the corner? Maybe its just me but he generally doesn't seem as strong as his opponents and needs more strength/horsepower.
Goggles Paisano-thanks for insights. Sure would like to hear review/preview of the in coming prospects this spring after high seasons are over . With RBY and Dean leaving after this season, we need new talent at 125 and 133-can not expect to start behind and win it all every year.
I think Betancourt will be in the mix next year. I just looked and he is still enrolled and not in portal.