Jarret Freeman sat on the mini-bleachers at Lorenzo Wrestling Complex with his teammates before practice and gazed ahead.
While Freeman, listed as both a 133 and 141-pounder, sat leaning forward with his arms on knees, chatter arose among the other wrestlers.
Although the Penn State wrestlers know about the other talk buzzing around -- the publicity that surrounds Cael Sanderson's new team -- every day the wrestlers attempt to keep their focus on the mat instead of the growing interest in the team.
"We really try to focus on the fact that we all have a common goal," Freeman said. "We want to win the national title at the end of the season."
Freeman, although not a starter, believes he is vital to that goal, and the quest that continues Sunday as the Nittany Lions travel to Binghamton, N.Y., for the Sprawl and Brawl Duals.
But, he warns people not to count him out of a starting role. The redshirt freshman knows he holds the motivation needed on Sanderson's team.
Freeman said others in his weight class will also benefit from his work ethic because he will push them when wrestling together and believes this falls into the correct mindset and focus that Sanderson brought to the Lions.
This mindset, for Freeman, equals one thing -- success.
"Penn State is going to grow, and the country has something to look forward to because we have a lot to show," Freeman said. "The nation should be getting ready for us."
So far this season, the No. 19 Lions hold a 1-1 record, several weight classes are up for grabs, and the only meet against a ranked opponent, No. 14 Lehigh, resulted in a 23-14 road loss. The unproven Lions can solidify their place in the rankings and kick-start their push toward a national title on Sunday. Penn State will take on Rutgers, Harvard and No. 15 Edinboro.
With a sweep of the three, Penn State's road to national-champion status will be one step closer. For the Lions' goal to be reached, Freeman said each day needs to be taken as it comes.
Dan Vallimont, a 149-pounder, said his goal is to block out the surrounding talk while on the mat and stretch his opponent for seven minutes. He thought the expectations don't equal pressure because eventually a national championship for the Lions is bound to come.
"Whether it be this year or a few years down the road, Penn State is going to be the best team in the country," Vallimont said, "and they're going to hold a dominate spot for years to come."
The future depends on freshmen such as David Taylor and Ed Ruth, who were both touted recruits during high school. But because Sanderson will redshirt the freshman class, both Taylor and Ruth will sit out this year. Taylor looks forward to the redshirt season, and after his Intrasquad match, said he looks to move up a weight class or two. Improving strength is his main goal.
"Next year," Taylor said. "I want to be a national champ."
Vallimont said the theme of national-title winning echoes around the team. And the road to it starts Sunday.
