Taking the first step in the right direction. The Penn State wrestling team looks to start over after putting together back-to-back losing seasons, on Sunday at Varsity Wrestle-Offs in Rec Hall.
"There's a lot of anticipation to begin," sophomore Josh Moore said. "Last year we were very young and were unsuccessful, but this year we will be ready."
For a team that finished tenth at the Big Ten tournament and produced only 16.5 points at last year's NCAA tournament, it would be appear that on the surface there is little reason for that optimism. But a closer inspection of the program reveals possible light at the end of this two- year tunnel. If senior Bob Jones rejoins the team after his football commitment is finished, Penn State will return all six qualifiers from last season's NCAA's.
The Lions also shook up their coaching staff, bringing in former NCAA and world champion Sammie Henson and All-American Todd Beckerman this past offseason. So far, head coach Troy Sunderland has been pleased with the results.
"Henson has been good for the lightweights, especially Tomaev. Sometimes Marat hasn't kept up the intensity throughout the match and it hurt him," Sunderland said. "Henson has an in-your-face style and that has helped Marat."
Penn State returns their deepest line-up in three years, a point that will be exemplified this weekend.At 133 and 141 pounds, the Nittany Lions have a problem that head coach Troy Sunderland doesn't mind dealing with.
Josh Moore and sophomore Marat Tomaev, two of Penn State's most talented wrestlers, will go head-to-head at 133. Sophomore Scott Moore and freshman Jason Woodall, also both very talented, will do the same at 141. That's four of the Nittany Lions best wrestlers battling for two positions.
"It was unfortunate that Josh Moore couldn't certify at 125," Sunderland said. "Someone is going to have to sit out, but to be a top program you have to have that kind of competition so guys don't relax."
While those two weights should be the highlight of the weekend, there are eight more spots in the air, some with intriguing storylines. At 125 pounds, with Moore moving up to 133, true freshman Adam Smith, a Pennsylvania state champion from Newport, will battle senior Justin Kast for the starting position.
At heavyweight, senior Kevin Shippos and Pat Cummins will meet for a spot that may eventually be taken over by Jones.
"Kevin's been working hard. He's lost a lot of weight and looks good. It should be a good match with Cummins," Sunderland said. "We're not sure about Jones. We'll see once he's done with football."
At 197, incumbent Pete Mielnik will return after speculation that he would forgo his final year of eligibility. Mielnik's main competition will come from true freshman Joel Edwards, a former state champion from Upper Darby, Pa.
At 184, there will be no wrestle-off because injuries have plagued both competitors. Mark Becks is recovering from a stress fracture in his fibula. Jon Sauve is finally healthy again, but will not compete due to Becks' injury.
With an experienced team returning, leadership will not be hard to find.
"If something has to be said, Mielinik and Becks will say it," Sunderland said. "We also have some quiet guys who lead by example — James Woodall and Doc Vecchio."
