When asked about the effort required to build the powerhouse that is Penn State wrestling, Sanderson acknowledged the immense commitment it takes but expressed satisfaction with the journey. He stated that the process is a daily grind that requires unwavering effort and dedication, but over the years, it has been incredibly rewarding. Reflecting on their success, Sanderson emphasized the importance of enjoying the experience and maintaining a positive attitude, especially when surrounded by a dedicated team. He believes that hard work, persistence, and the right support system lead to success, and there’s much to be grateful for.
Penn State is aiming for its fourth consecutive title and 12th in the last 14 tournaments. All 10 wrestlers from the team have qualified through the Big Ten tournament, with four of them earning No. 1 seeds: Luke Lilledahl at 125, Tyler Kasak at 157, Mitchell Mesenbrink at 165, and Carter Starocci at 184. Additional notable seeds include Braeden Davis (8th at 133), Beau Bartlett (2nd at 141), Shayne Van Ness (3rd at 149), Levi Haines (2nd at 174), Josh Barr (4th at 197), and Greg Kerkvliet (3rd at 285). If all 10 wrestlers finish in the top eight, they would become the first team to accomplish this feat since Minnesota in 2001 and just the second since the tournament began in 1928.
While the final results remain uncertain, Sanderson is optimistic about his team’s performance. He pointed out that the energy and mindset of the wrestlers have never been better. The consistency of the athletes and their ability to perform in key moments has been a hallmark of the program, and Sanderson is confident that they are prepared for the upcoming challenges.
Penn State’s record in major moments over the years speaks for itself. Since 2011, the team has had 56 finalists and 38 NCAA champions. In semifinal matches, the Nittany Lions have an impressive 56-8 record, with a 35-4 record in those high-stakes Friday night rounds since 2017.
For Sanderson, the NCAA tournament holds a unique place in the sport. He described it as an exceptional event, highlighting the combination of individual competition and team dynamics. The energy and excitement surrounding the tournament, along with his love for folkstyle wrestling, make it the best tournament in the world in his eyes.
With the upcoming tournament, Sanderson, along with his coaching staff, has a lot to manage in the coming days, from travel to nutrition to training. Though it might seem overwhelming, Sanderson emphasized that the coaching staff is well-equipped to handle each individual athlete’s needs. He explained that the team is focused on helping the athletes take ownership of their careers and providing the necessary support for success. Each year brings its own challenges, but the foundation they’ve built helps guide them through.
The staff maintains detailed records of every practice session, which they use to reflect on progress and adjust as needed. This level of organization and attention to detail ensures that the team remains on track, but ultimately, it comes down to the individual athletes making the choice to perform at their best. Much of this mindset starts during the recruiting process, where they seek athletes who are passionate about the sport and understand the bigger picture. Success isn’t solely about winning, but about staying true to one’s values and identity, which is crucial to the program’s philosophy.
When asked about Josh Barr, a redshirt freshman at 197 pounds, who had to default due to a leg injury during the Big Ten tournament, Sanderson remained confident. Despite Barr’s injury, Sanderson noted that Barr had been putting in hard work and that the team’s trainer, Dan Monthley, had been working tirelessly with him. Sanderson expressed optimism that Barr would be ready to compete come Thursday.
Finally, for seniors like Bartlett, Starocci, and Kerkvliet, the upcoming tournament is significant not just as their final collegiate competition, but as the culmination of their broader careers and contributions to the team.