Dec. 2, 2008
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - The Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team, under the guidance of head coach Troy Sunderland, is ranked No. 13 in the latest NWCA/USA Today Coaches Poll, as compiled and released by Intermat. The full release can be viewed at www.intermatwrestle.com. Senior Tim Haas (Camp Hill, Pa.) makes his 2008-09 debut in the rankings at No. 20 at 133 pounds.
Penn State moved up one spot to No. 13 thanks in large part to a successful swing through New York two weekends ago. The Nittany Lions lost a tough dual at No. 4 Cornell on Nov. 21 but then stormed through the Sprawl and Brawl Duals two days later in Binghamton. Penn State downed No. 24 Virginia, No. 15 Edinboro and host Binghamton and is now 3-2 on the year.
Big Ten rival Iowa sits at No. 1 with Iowa State a close No. 2. Ohio State (3), Cornell (4), Missouri (5), Nebraska (6), Illinois (7), Minnesota (8), Oklahoma State (9) and Lehigh (10) round out the top ten. The Big Ten has nine teams ranked in the top 25. In addition to the four in the top ten, Wisconsin (11), Michigan (12), Penn State (13), Northwestern (17) and Indiana (19) are listed. Purdue is receiving votes as well.
Junior All-Americans Bubba Jenkins (Virginia Beach, Va.) and Dan Vallimont (Lake Hopatcong, N.J.) lead Penn State's ranked contingent. Jenkins maintains his hold on No. 2 at 149 while Vallimont is ranked No. 8 at 157. Senior Phil Bomberger (Port Royale, Pa.) is now No. 16 at 184 while freshman Quentin Wright (Wingate, Pa.) is No. 18 at 174. Haas' No. 20 nod at 133 gives Penn State five wrestlers ranked at their respective weights.
Penn State is back in action this weekend, with most starters taking part in the 2008 Nittany Lion Open. Action begins at 8:30 a.m. at Rec Hall and tickets may be purchased at the door the day of the event. Penn State's next home dual is slated for Sunday, Dec. 14, against West Virginia. Action starts at 1 p.m. Fans can purchase season tickets by calling 814-863-1000 or 800-NITTANY. Season tickets are $32 for adults and $24 for youth. Single event tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for youth. Penn State students get in FREE with a Penn State ID. All Penn State dual meets and post-season action can be heard live in the Centre Region on WRSC (1390 AM State College), WHUN (1150 AM Huntingdon) and live at www.GoPSUsports.com as part of the All-Access package.