Location University Park, PA Head coach Cael Sanderson Conference Big Ten Conference | Nickname Nittany Lions Arena/Stadium Rec Hall Colors Blue, White | |
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University Pennsylvania State University Profiles | ||
The Penn State Nittany Lions wrestling team is a NCAA Division I Wrestling team competing as members of the Big Ten Conference.
Contents
- History
- Team championships
- Individual championships
- Olympics and post graduate careers
- Roster
- Facilities
- References
Coached by Olympian Cael Sanderson, the Nittany Lions have maintained status as a top wrestling program. Penn State held a four-time NCAA team championship winning streak from 2011-2014, and after winning again in 2016, the Nittany Lions have won seven national championships. The 2015-2016 Penn State team includes such talented wrestlers as Nico Megaludis, Zain Retherford, Jason Nolf, Bo Nickal and Morgan McIntosh. Ed Ruth and David Tayor concluded their collegiate careers in March 2014. Ruth finished third as a freshman and then was a three time National Champion. Taylor was a two-time National Champion and finished as runner-up twice.
History
Penn State wrestling program was established in 1909 and was declared national dual meet champion in 1921. In 1925 Penn State won all seven team duals in which they competed, finishing the dual meet season undefeated. Charlie Spiedel coached the team from 1927–1964, taking a four-year break during World War II to serve his country. He is credited with laying the groundwork for the Nittany Lion wrestling standard of excellence, and he guided the team to the 1953 national title.
Team championships
Penn State has won eight national championships as a team (1921, 1953, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017).
Individual championships
Winners
The following table counts the achievements of Nittany Lion wrestlers by name as opposed to year.
Olympics and post-graduate careers
Penn State wrestlers have gone on to have success beyond their NCAA achievements. Wrestlers have had career success in the Olympics and in professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
Roster
2014-15 Roster
Facilities
Penn State has high quality wrestling facilities. A wrestling room is equipped with equipment and gear. Nittany Lion wrestlers may take advantage of spacious strength training facilities, a practice room, athletic medical facilities and academic support centers housed in the venerable fieldhouse to maximize their talents. The Lorenzo Wrestling Complex - widely considered among the best in the nation - gives Penn State athletes a world-class facility for training. Recently renovated and expanded, the facility encompasses over 24,000 square feet, including the practice room, weight room, locker room and support space. The recent renovation more than doubled the size of the former wrestling room. When hosting home dual meets, mats are set in the gym. Penn State has committed over $145 million to Nittany Lions athletic facilities.