Jan. 5, 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 moved up one spot to No. 14 as a team in the latest NWCA/USA Today Coaches Poll.
Senior Cyler Sanderson (Heber City, Utah) holds is spot No. 2 at 157 after notching a technical fall at Lock Haven on Sunday to move to 16-1 on the year. Sophomore Frank Molinaro (Barnegat, N.J.) moved up a spot to No. 5 at 149. Molinaro posted a major in Penn State's win at LHU and is the only undefeated grappler on the team with an 18-0 record. Senior Dan Vallimont (Lake Hopatcong, N.J.) holds at No. 8 at 165 after his major at Lock Haven improved his record to 14-3.
Junior Brad Pataky (Clearfield, Pa.) is ranked No. 12 at 125 and is 14-4 this season. Senior David Erwin (Urbana, Ohio) is ranked No. 14 at 184 and is 16-4 on the year while sophomore Cameron Wade (Twinsburg, Ohio) slipped to No. 18 at HWT and is 9-4.
Penn State is one of seven Big Ten teams ranked in the top 25. Iowa (1), Ohio State (3), Minnesota (6), Indiana (12), Penn State (14), Wisconsin (18) and Illinois (20) are all ranked while Purdue continues to receive votes.
The Nittany Lions are now 6-1-1 on the year and head to the Virginia Duals this Friday and Saturday. The Nittany Lions are the 4-seed in the tournament and will take on Virginia Tech in the opening round on Friday at 9 a.m. Penn State's next home dual is set for Jan. 22 when it hosts 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.