Consistency is still an issue for Penn State heavyweight Cameron Wade.
The redshirt sophomore said he has improved in developing the right mindset, but he still needs to do more.
"I've been a little bit more confident for myself," Wade said, "but the consistency isn't there."
Despite his remarks, Wade has seemingly found consistency in the win-loss column. The redshirt sophomore has won his last three matches: a 2-0 win against No. 12 Nathan Fernandez of Oklahoma, an 8-1 victory against Marty Smith of Illinois and a 10-4 decision against then-No. 20 Corey Morrison of Ohio State.
This is an improvement from his first three matches of the season, when he posted a 1-2 record. Wade's first two losses came against ranked opponents. Then-No. 6 Zach Rey of Lehigh and then-No. 10 D.J. Russo of Rutgers both defeated Wade by decision in November.
Wade's win-loss consistency was also thrown off when Lock Haven's Dan Craig defeated him on Jan. 3. The redshirt sophomore was coming off an ankle sprain he suffered in pre-meet warm-ups before his Pittsburgh match. The injury kept him out of two contests, and his loss to Craig ended a four-match winning streak, including a disqualification win and three victories at the Nittany Lion Open.
But since the Craig match, Wade has rattled off five wins in his last six matches and defeated three of four ranked opponents.
"Any win gives you a sense of accomplishment," Wade said.
"Going out there and beating anybody, that is what you work for."
Wade thinks wrestling a good opponent gives him extra incentive to win, but he said the rankings are overvalued because they are based on people's opinions.
One thing not overrated is Wade's ability and importance on the mat. When the heavyweight has won in dual meets this season, the Lions are 7-2. When he has lost, Penn State is 2-2.
But whether it's the 133-, 141- or 285-pound weight class, the team doesn't see a difference.
"Every weight class is huge," teammate Dan Vallimont said.
Wade thinks consistency lies in improvement. The redshirt sophomore said he needs to work on finishing third periods and offensive footwork.
After the Ohio State meet on Sunday, Penn State coach Cael Sanderson said he needed to address Wade's third period. Wade let up two third-period takedowns in his win over Ohio State's Morrison.
If Wade's winning-streak consistency combines with
consistency on the mat, the redshirt sophomore will take
on a more daunting appearance in the eyes' of his opponents.
"If I get my offense going on my feet, it makes a big difference with the rest of the season," Wade said. "That is the main thing I need to work on, then going out there and fighting."
