Graduate transfer Corey Keener ‘definitely’ happy with joining Penn State wrestling

Corey Keener knew he was going to wrestle this season.

The former Central Michigan athlete just didn’t plan on competing for Penn State.

“I planned on getting a sixth year due to my injuries,” the graduate transfer said during Media Day. “I had originally planned on staying at Central Michigan for that sixth year. The way things unfolded, and being somewhat unhappy with how things happened there and not accomplishing all of my goals, I felt I needed to move on from that situation.”

Keener is expected to be the full-time starter at 133 pounds. It worked out perfectly for the Nittany Lions’ lineup since Jered Cortez, who was the starter last season, moved up to 141 pounds.

Keener, a Pennsylvania native, amassed a 55-37 career mark and was a two-time runner-up in the Mid-American Conference for the Chippewas at 133 pounds. Keener is also a three-time NCAA qualifier — but that’s not his goal.

“When I look back on it, I wouldn’t change what I did out of high school,” Keener said of his decision to go to Central Michigan. “Looking at it now, I wouldn’t change leaving there to come here to try and better myself. My end goal is to be a national champion, so I fell short there. I think it has helped me realize what ultimately I wanted from my career as a wrestler.”

Keener feels as if he is on the right path toward that goal since he made the change to Penn State. He pointed out that a change in his diet has allowed him to make the cut to 133 pounds easier.

Penn State coach Cael Sanderson has also liked what he’s seen so far.

“Keener is looking good,” Sanderson said earlier this week. “He has had a lot of success at Central Michigan. He is just a good solid kid. He is real tough in the room.”

The move to Happy Valley has also allowed Keener to be closer to home and “reconnect with some friends.”

Keener went to Blue Mountain High School and was a two-time PIAA champion. He was also a four-time District 11 and Northeast Regional Class 2A champion. He collected 190 wins during his high school career.

Since Keener is closer to home, he’ll likely have some fans on-hand during Penn State’s season-opener on 7 p.m. Thursday against Army West Point. However, it won’t be the first time wrestling in front of such a large crowd. Instead, it will be the first time wrestling in front of such a large crowd rooting solely for him.

“I’m sure I’ll be a little bit anxious and excited,” he acknowledged.

This story was originally published November 8, 2017 at 9:02 PM with the headline "Graduate transfer Corey Keener ‘definitely’ happy with joining Penn State wrestling."