Jan. 19, 2010
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - Six members of the Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team continue to hold rankings in the latest individual rankings released by Intermat and viewable at www.intermatwrestle.com. Head coach Cael Sanderson's squad is ranked No. 13 as a team in the latest NWCA/USA Today Coaches Poll.
Penn State's three All-Americans all retain their top eight rankings. Sophomore Frank Molinaro (Barnegat, N.J.) stays at No. 5 at 149 with a 21-1 record. Senior Cyler Sanderson (Heber City, Utah) stands at No. 5 at 157 and sports a 19-2 overall record while classmate Dan Vallimont (Lake Hopatcong, N.J.) stays at No. 8 at 165 and is 18-3 overall.
Three other Nittany Lions are all ranked in the top 12, led by sophomore Cameron Wade (Twinsburg, Ohio) sports a 12-5 overall record and is No. 11 at heavyweight. Senior David Erwin (Urbana, Ohio) is now No. 12 at 184 and is 19-5 overall while unior Brad Pataky (Clearfield, Pa.) is 17-5 overall and ranked No. 12 at 125.
Penn State is one eight Big Ten teams listed in the latest poll. Iowa (1), Ohio State (3), Minnesota (5), Indiana (11), Penn State (13), Wisconsin (14), Illinois (19) and Purdue (25) comprise nearly one-third of the top 25.
The Nittany Lions are now 8-3-1 on the year and open up Big Ten action on Friday, Jan. 22. Penn State's first home dual in nearly three months is set for Jan. 22 when it hosts No. 19 Illinois at 7 p.m. in Rec Hall. Single event tickets will cost $8 for adults and $6 for youth. Group sales are available once again for groups of 15 people or more. Group prices are $4 in advance and $5 walk-up. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 1.800.NITTANY between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. All Penn State events will once again air live on Forever Broadcasting's WRSC (1390 AM) or 3WZ (95.3 FM) and on www.GoPSUsports.com as well. The 2009-10 Penn State Wrestling season is presented by The Family Clothesline.