Penn State wrestling notebook: As his team prepares for BJC dual, Sanderson still looking to improve
As Penn State continues its success, defeating No. 2 Iowa 19-13 and improving to 14-0 on the year, head coach Cael Sanderson is still looking for ways to continue to better the team.
One of his first orders of business is to continue to build up the team’s 157-pound weight class. Junior Tony Negron owns a 1-5 record on the year with his lone victory coming against Maryland’s Lucas Cordio. Sophomore Terrell Barraclough has fared better, but still owns a 6-7 record.
“I think Terrell is close and we’ve seen with Tony that he’s also close,” Sanderson said. “It’s just kind of getting over the hill or whatever you want to get over. I would say we’re not really set there yet. We’re still waiting to see somebody ... kind of claim that spot a little bit. I think Terrell did a nice job against a tough kid, and you know, Tony, he’s done a nice job against tough kids, but we think they’re unbelievable — capable of winning at the highest level. It’s just a matter of doing it at this point.”
Another wrestler that could be considered in the mix is sophomore Joe Lee. Lee had opportunities to wrestle against Cornell, Chattanooga, Stanford, Michigan State and North Carolina State with four of five of his matches coming in the New Year’s Southern Scuffle. Carrying a 2-3 record in 2021-2022 and 33-16 record overall during the course of his career, his coaching staff has high expectations in Lee.
While Sanderson has faith that Lee will become a more seasoned wrestler in the future, he’s not quite ready to move him into the regular 157-pound rotation.
“Joe, he was banged up earlier in the season and then went to the scuffle and it didn’t really go as he hoped or just hasn’t been there,” Sanderson said. “It has really been challenging at that position. I think Joe, obviously, we’ve all seen him. He’s capable of great things — a very talented wrestler. But at this time, it’s just not there.”
The improvement doesn’t just end with Barraclough, Negron and Lee. There’s a possibility that former Penn State wrestler Luke Gardner could return to the program for one final year of eligibility. Gardner graduated last year as a senior, but was granted another season for COVID-19, per NCAA protocols. He held a 4-1 record, wrestling between the 149-pound and 157-pound weight classes. Gardner had a pin and a tech fall.
Dean prepping for first Bryce Jordan Center dual
Max Dean (197 pounds) has never had the opportunity to wrestle in a Bryce Jordan Center dual. The Cornell junior transfer began his collegiate career with the Big Red in 2017-2018, before holding a 25-6 overall record and being named a second-team All-American in 2018-2019. He had a redshirt year the following season and missed the entirety of the 2020-2021 season because of the Ivy League’s cancellation of the year due to COVID-19.
On Friday, Penn State will take on rival Ohio State at the BJC, making for an added level of excitement for Dean, fans and the coaching staff alike. With his first chance to take the mat in front of a home Penn State crowd that can seat up to 15,261 fans, Dean is chomping at the bit.
“I’m really excited,” Dean said. “It’s another neat opportunity. It’s a lot of fun. I love Penn State, Penn State fans and I know they’re going to show up for us and we’re gonna try to show up for them. So yeah, it’s a great opportunity, (I’m) really looking forward to it.”
This story was originally published January 31, 2022 at 5:07 PM.
