The future of Penn State wrestling was on display Sunday during the Nittany Lion Open.
But it wasn't coach Cael Sanderson's pack of redshirts.
Twin brothers Andrew and Dylan Dalton, both future Lions, had their first chance to get a feel for their future wrestling home in Rec Hall.
Wrestling at 149-pounds, Dylan went 1-2, while Andrew took eighth place at 141 after going 3-2.
The high school seniors faced a tall task while competing against wrestlers from Division I schools from around the country. Sanderson said he thought they battled well considering the competitiveness of the tournament.
"I thought they competed real well for high school kids in a college tournament," Sanderson said. "They were competing in there neck and neck with some of the best kids in their weight."
Their father, Neil Alton, said his sons had to decide who would wrestle at which weight when they were younger. He said Andrew used to cut weight when they were young but found it difficult to have enough energy. From there, Andrew wrestled at whatever weight he wanted to avoid getting burnt out.
Recently, it's been Dylan who's been wrestling at a higher weight. The 149-pounder believed he did well despite his 1-2 record, and said he'll use the tournament as a learning experience.
Neil Alton was happy with both his sons' performances, but thought Dylan's weight caused him some troubles Sunday.
"Dylan being up at 149 is struggling a little more with the strength of guys a little bit older than him," Neil Alton said. "He could make 141 if he wanted to, but Andrew is going 141."
Andrew had more success during the tournament, but it didn't finish the way he would've liked.
After losing to Missouri's Todd Schavrien, the eventual champion at 141, Andrew won his next match and appeared to have a chance to finish fifth in the tournament.
However, in his match with Missouri's Cody Farinella, Andrew was forced to bow out with a shoulder injury.
Although the day may not have gone as planned for the brothers, Dylan said they enjoyed the chance to wrestle in the open. He said they felt like they had to perform better with a lot of people watching, but it was a good feeling knowing they'll be wrestling in Rec Hall in the future.
The chance to compete in a collegiate tournament with as strong a field as there was Sunday is something Neil Alton knows is beneficial for his sons.
"It's a great experience for them," Neil Alton said. "Pennsylvania's a great place for a kid to come up for wrestling. You can find so much competition for the kids, and if you don't get out of control with the winning and losing, then it's real helpful."
