‘Like a dream.’ State College wrestler James Whitbred commits to Penn State
As a kid, State College wrestler James Whitbred drew a picture he titled “visualizing a life goal.”
In the middle of the page was a paw print, with a couple of webs off of it. The first web said “go to Penn State.” The other web had a smaller paw print and “wrestling” underneath. Another web came off that with a bubble that said “wrestle for Penn State.”
Whitbred’s picture became a reality on Wednesday night when he committed to continue his wrestling career at Penn State.
“Whenever I saw the picture my mom showed me, it made me smile, because it was funny. I was writing and dreaming about this since I was a little kid,” Whitbred said. “I was so excited when (Penn State) called me. I was so happy. It was like a dream. I grew up here. I’ve gone to all the matches and stuff.”
The junior chose the Nittany Lions over Indiana and North Carolina State.
He made a visit out to the Hoosiers first, where he hung out with former teammate Nick Pavlechko.
Whitbred took a “visit” with Penn State just recently, though it was more of a behind-the-scenes tour since he lives in the Nittany Lions’ backyard.
He had a visit lined up with the Wolfpack for next month, but canceled the trip to North Carolina. His mind was set on the blue and white.
“I thought that they could give me the best opportunity to grow and reach my peak,” Whitbred said of choosing Penn State. “(They’ll) make me better than what I am now, so I can compete at higher levels.”
Whitbred, who is 41-18 in his high school career, really came on the scene as a freshman for the Little Lions. He went on a run to win a district and regional title before coming up short of placing at the PIAA championships.
Last year, he was forced to miss some of the season due to an injury, but he was able to come back for the postseason. He defended his district crown, finished as a runner-up in the region, but earned a sixth-place finish at Hershey.
Whitbred said he was “pretty upset” and “grumpy” during the year. But being on the podium at the PIAA championships was the point when he thought he could wrestle Division I.
He doesn’t have a major in mind yet, but he can’t wait to get into the Nittany Lions’ wrestling room.
And Whitbred should have an easy transition into the room. He’ll see former State College teammates, brothers Hayden and Asher Cunningham, there.
“I’m looking forward to it. I think it’ll be fun. I don’t really see them that much anymore, but I will whenever I get there,” Whitbred said of being with Penn State and the Cunninghams. “They’re all good people. I’m looking forward to being with them every day. “They’re all fun to hang around, and bring a good atmosphere.”
