Betz to consider return to Lions this season

Jason Betz' world could be turned upside down this week.

The Penn State wrestler, who had decided to redshirt earlier this season, may revisit that decision later this week.

Penn State coach Troy Sunderland said the coaching staff would like Betz, a senior, to drop his redshirt and finish the season at 141 pounds for the No. 11 Nittany Lions.

"I guess right now (Betz) isn't real sure he wants to come out of his redshirt year," the first-year coach said. "We're still talking about it. We'll make a decision about it one way or the other this week."

The move was considered after Biff Walizer, who had wrestled 29 matches as the starter at 141, decided to move up to the 149-pound class. Walizer and Sunderland said weight-loss was a factor in his decision to move up.

If Betz relinquishes his redshirt, only six dual meets, the Big Ten Tournament and the NCAA Tournament remains on the Penn State slate.

"He's definitely in an awkward position," Walizer said. "He doesn't want to come out this late in his redshirt year. I wouldn't want to be in his position."

Betz posted a 22-10 mark last season while wrestling at 126 pounds and carried a 68-42 career record heading into the season. Betz has twice come within one win of All-American status in his three-year Penn State career.

-- by Ryan Hockensmith