For a redshirt, Quentin Wright has been a busy guy of late.
In Sunday's Nittany Lion Open, Wright -- who's redshirting after an All-American rookie campaign last season -- finished third in the 184-pound weight class.
While his high finish was common for a grappler of Wright's caliber, the start to his day was a little less familiar.
As the hundreds of wrestlers inside Rec Hall's main gym looked up to the American flag hanging on the wall, it was Wright's voice that began singing the National Anthem over the sound system.
Just as some of the fans may have been surprised to hear one of the Nittany Lion wrestlers singing, Wright was caught off guard when asked to do it only five minutes beforehand.
"The guy called me up and he said, 'Do you want to do it?' " Wright said. "[I said], 'No, I don't have time.' But then I'm like, 'You know what, I'm gonna do it. What the heck, let's just do it.' "
Singing is a part of Wright's life, who said he was involved in music throughout high school and plays several instruments ranging from piano and guitar to bagpipes.
As for his performance, Wright said the middle of the song was "a little shaky." However, he believed it's the start and finish that people remember.
That fact Wright was willing to sing the anthem is what coach Cael Sanderson said makes him unique.
"I don't know how great of a singer he is," Sanderson said jokingly, "but it takes courage to do that. It just shows you what kind of a kid his is. He's an incredible person."
Had Wright been informed he'd be singing earlier, he may have been able to promote himself while filling in for his coach on the Cael Sanderson Radio Show Dec. 2.
While at practice the day before, Wright was approached by the host of the show, Jeff Byers, who asked if the 184-pounder wanted to do the show. Byers believed listeners would be interested to hear what the Wingate native had to say about the team and his redshirt season.
Wright didn't sing for the listeners, but did get a chance to answer some questions. Freshman Jake Kemerer believes Wright's exposure to the public bodes well for the team.
"He's a good representative of Penn State wrestling," Kemerer said. "I think he portrays us pretty good. He always has a great attitude."
The 184-pounder's impact on the team is felt in many ways, including coaching. Kemerer said Wright is a great motivator, which was on display during the tournament Sunday.
Having down time between matches, Wright looked like a coach as he knelt on the edge of the mats yelling support. During one of freshman Ed Ruth's matches, Wright cupped his hands and yelled out instructions and motivation for his fellow 184-pounder.
Though the tournament wasn't a team competition, Wright said they were all in it together. He believes if one person wins, the entire team wins, so he's trying to help in whatever way he can.
Whether it's supporting a teammate during a match or interacting with some fans, Sanderson knows Wright is valuable to the Lions -- even in his redshirt season.
"He's a character," Sanderson said. "He's a lot of fun to have on the team. He's a leader, vocally and by example, and that's invaluable. You need that."
