Back on track
Wrestlers look to revive title hopes vs. Iowa

By CHRIS ANTONACCI
Collegian Staff Writer

Long after much of the Penn State wrestling team had vacated its Rec Hall practice headquarters, at least two individuals remained in the wrestling room.

They sparred -- teacher and student, studying for one of their biggest tests.

They know what lies in store for them this Sunday. The stakes are high, the consequences can be grave.

For teacher, Nittany Lion coach Troy Sunderland, this may be a turning point in his first year as coach. His No. 5 squad goes up against No. 3 Iowa, which the Lions are 4-14-1 against all time, at 1 p.m. Sunday in Rec Hall.

In a season with wrestler removals, suspensions, injuries and academic inquiries, a victory against the Hawkeyes might help the 28-year-old coach forget his woes. At least for a few moments.

But before he gets his opportunity to lead the Lions against one of the dominant programs in the country, Sunderland must not forget about Ohio State, which Penn State faces at 7 p.m. Saturday in Rec Hall.

Within those 24 hours, many pivotal moments will take place if Sunderland and his squad want to resurrect their national championship hopes after going a disappointing 1-2 during the 1999 NWCA/Cliff Keen National Team Duals last weekend.

"We are focusing on ourselves and what we have to do to get back on track as individuals and as a team," Sunderland said.

One person who is doing so is his student, Nate Parker.

Sunday means a lot to Parker, too.

He knows about Iowa's legacy. He knows about the black and gold. He reveres it, but he cares little about the Hawkeyes' past -- a past that includes national championship accolades last season.

"I know about their reputation, but I don't think about that," said Parker, who began wrestling in 10th grade. "I believe that I have what it takes to beat anyone in the country.

"I respect their program, but I am not at all intimidated by it."

Instead, Parker is gearing up for the future. That is why he stays after practice almost every day.

He is striving to be better for himself and his team.

"Everyday, I am learning something new," the 133 pounder said. "I am taking what I know and redefining it. It's mostly in my head. I can be the best."

Parker is a freshman. And as a freshman, he lacks some of the experience his colleagues enjoy.

Therefore, he is expected to make some mistakes -- mistakes that have been fairly costly. Because of those mistakes, Parker's performance has been as inconsistent as a D-student's attendance in a class held in Forum Building.

"Nate's come along real well, but he's got to be ready right after weigh-ins," All-American senior co-captain Clint Musser said.

"He's tough, he's strong, but consistency is the thing he needs."

Parker began the season off on the right foot, placing first at the Mat-Town Tournament. En route to the title, Parker upset then-No. 6 Terry Showalter of Lock Haven 3-1 in the final to claim his first title in the first collegiate action of his career.

One week later it was a different story. In the Lions' first dual meet of the season, Parker, now 8-5, suffered a crushing 6-2 defeat at the hands of Nebraska's then-No. 18 Todd Beckerman, where he was ridden for more than five minutes. The next day, at the Penn State Open, Parker was decisioned by Findlay's Quantres Bates 7-4 in the first round.

Last weekend at the National Team Duals Parker turned it around again, posting another huge victory by defeating then-No. 10 Oklahoma Sooner Dane Valdez 11-4.

"I've had a pretty up-and-down season," the 19-year-old Chesapeake, Va., native conceded. "But I wouldn't change anything that has happened to me. If I focus, in the end, I am going to come out on top.

"I was nervous at first. Right now, I am not nervous at all. I am not doubting myself at all."

Neither is Sunderland.

"It's kind of what you get when you have a freshman in there -- he's going to make some freshman mistakes," Sunderland said. "He'll learn from that with experience."