Neidlinger a rising force

It is easy to overlook him. When it is his turn to wrestle, the match is usually decided. And when the meet is within the opponents' grasp, often the focus is on the two-time All-American heavyweight preparing on the sidelines.

Lion 190-pounder Rob Neidlinger quietly has been progressing this season and is now a main reason Penn State has been able to secure its close matches. Remindful of a middle-relief pitcher who throws two perfect innings and goes unnoticed because the closer gets the save, Neidlinger may have been looked upon by many to keep a match close so No. 1 heavyweight Kerry McCoy can pull out a victory.

However, Feb. 21 against Lock Haven with the Lions trailing, 16-12, it was Neidlinger who determined his team's fate.

Early in his match Neidlinger was controlled by Bald Eagle Kevin Drew. But as the match continued, Neidlinger's conditioning showed, and he rode Drew for much of the second and third periods.

He amassed 3:41 in riding time to Drew's 2:03, illustrating a turnaround in the match and grabbing a 7-4 decision to bring the Lions within a point.

Yes, McCoy won his match for the victory, and Pritzlaff stopped a Bald Eagle run earlier in the match, but without Niedlinger's win the Lions would not have been in position to win.

"I think Rob, especially in the latter part of the season, has really picked things up," Lion coach John Fritz said. "I'm surprised he didn't show up in the rankings."

Against Ohio State, Neidlinger pulled out another big match, as he broke a 16-16 tie with an 11-7 decision against No. 8 Anthony Gary. After that match, Fritz said Neidlinger could become one of the top wrestlers in his class.

Now Neidlinger has the opportunity to prove his coach right at the Big Ten tournament this weekend in Minneapolis and once again at the NCAA tournament. He has complied a 20-8 record this year, but, like many of his teammates, his goals are not fulfilled with regular-season accomplishments.

"My ultimate goal is to win nationals," Neidlinger said, "but right now I'm concentrating on Big Tens."

He added that he wants to improve on his third-place finish at Big Tens a year ago. But to end the tournament with his name written in the top slot, he must overthrow No. 3 Tim Hartung of Minnesota, who looks to have a lock on the No. 1 seed. Neidlinger knows Hartung well, since Hartung defeated him three times this season.

"I didn't ride him," Neidlinger said. "I think if I'm more aggressive that'll play into my favor."

Riding has become an integral part of Neidlinger's wrestling, something that had been missing but was developed by Neidlinger and assistant coach Hachiro Oishi. The added tactic has led to more tallies in the win column.

"He works extremely hard," 177-pounder Morici said. "He'll do whatever it takes to win."

Success at either of the tournaments would be special for Neidlinger, because he did not win a high school state title like many of his teammates. He was ranked No. 1 his senior season at Big Spring High School and was on his way to the Pennsylvania title but saw that dream shattered with a loss in the semifinals. It was the same round in which he lost the previous season.

"I worked my whole senior year to win a state title," Neidlinger said. "When I didn't, I felt like I failed."

However, his eight losses -- down from 12 last season -- along with his determination to hold on to his starting position indicates he is not willing to fail at the collegiate level.

While being challenged by the nation's elite, Neidlinger also is being challenged by teammate Ryan Root. The two have wrestled for the spot countless times at practice and in some tournaments early in the season.

"His work ethic is great," Root said. "Maybe a little too good because he beat me."

Fritz said the competition is as important for the individuals as it is for the team, adding it allows the wrestlers to develop respect for one another, which is evident in listening to one describe the other.

"Rob gives up a lot of size," Root said. "He beats them with quickness, skill and desire."

A combination that may lead to his first postseason crown, and then possibly a little more recognition.