"It was just adrenaline," said Jones. "I didn't mean to do it."
Jones' show of enthusiasm was contagious as the crowd rallied behind his aggression, and the events following the unsportsmanlike conduct call were swift and rousing.
Displaying more strength and desire then his opponent, Jones continued to go at Fulsaas and registered a fall 1:49 into the match. His pin followed a major decision for Pete Mielnik, and helped draw Penn State to within seven points of Iowa, at 17-10. Penn State's supporters reacted in electric fashion to Mielnik and Jones' exploits, and Sunderland sang the praises of his two upper weight wrestlers.
"They came out and wrestled hard," Sunderland said.
Ultimately the dual meet ended in defeat for Penn State, but Jones' victory improved the comfort level he is looking for with his teammates.
Wearing a gaping smile, Jones spoke of the bonding that continues to take place among himself, his teammates and coaches. He credits them for promptly introducing him to the system at Penn State.
"I wasn't really sure what Penn State wrestling was all about," Jones said.
He continued to say that Mielnik played a large role in introducing him to the tradition that Penn State wrestling possesses.
Mielnik also cleared up any questions Jones may have held concerning his role on the team.
"Bob is definitely a big part of this team," Mielnik said. "His work ethic is making people push harder."
The work ethic he brings to practice and matches is strengthening Jones' chances of competing for a Big Ten title.
"It's always in the back of my head to win," said Jones. "I just have to look through the inexperience."
Having only joined the team in early January, Jones feels that he is still an unknown entity of the national wrestling scene.
"I think people still don't know," said Jones.
Teams will now be forced to recognize the legitimacy of Jones' talent. At this point in the season, Jones is second on the team in dual meet points with 27, trailing Nate Parker by only a point.
Jones, in humble fashion, said there is much improvement to be made in his talent as Penn State looks towards four dual meets away from Rec Hall to end the season.
With spring football practices looming, Jones also addressed questions concerning the level of training wrestling has created for his game. He said that the explosive nature of wrestling, and maintaining a low center of gravity would better prepare him to attack offensive linemen. He maintains, however, that he is not wrestling for the sake of intensifying his football condition.
"Hopefully this will help," said Jones. "I don't think I'll be as tired, and in that aspect I'll be OK."
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