Penn State Wrestling: What the Nittany Lions Said About the NCAA Wrestling Finals….
Penn State’s wrestling team showcased exceptional performances at the recent NCAA Wrestling Championships, with several athletes and coaches sharing their insights:
Carter Starocci made NCAA history by becoming the first-ever five-time national champion, securing his latest title in the 184-pound weight class. Despite this monumental achievement, Starocci expressed frustration with ESPN’s scheduling of his match as the opener. He questioned the decision, stating, “I was the first match up. I’m not sure why ESPN elected for the 184-pound match to be the first one.” He further highlighted the dominance of the competitors involved and suggested that such scheduling decisions contribute to wrestling’s challenges in gaining mainstream attention.
Head Coach Cael Sanderson reflected on the team’s mindset and preparation. Emphasizing a forward-thinking approach, he remarked, “That’s what we do. We always think ahead preparing for the future… We love what we do. We love to train. We love the sport of wrestling.” Sanderson also acknowledged the emotional complexity of coaching, noting that while victories are expected, the focus often remains on supporting athletes who didn’t achieve their goals.
Mitchell Mesenbrink, a standout redshirt freshman, faced a narrow 9-8 defeat in the 165-pound final against Iowa State’s David Carr. Demonstrating resilience, Mesenbrink reflected, “My value doesn’t lie in winning or losing… I worked as hard as I could. Now I can go back and work on the things I need to work on.” His determination underscores the team’s commitment to continuous improvement.
These perspectives highlight the Nittany Lions’ dedication, resilience, and pursuit of excellence in collegiate wrestling.
