April 23, 2011
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Ten members of the head coach Cael Sanderson's national champion wrestling team took part in the 2011 ASICS University Nationals in Akron, Ohio, wrestling for the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club. A total of seven of Penn State's entrants placed with four, nearly half of Penn State's contingent, winning national titles.
Sophomore Andrew Long (Creston, Iowa), freshman Andrew Alton (Mill Hall, Pa.), sophomore James English (York, Pa.) and sophomore Quentin Wright (Wingate, Pa.) all took titles at their respective weights.
Two-time All-American Long went 5-0 at 63 kilograms, dominating the field and winning the title with a 2-1, t-2 victory over Minnesota State's Nick Dardanes in the finals. True freshman Sam Sherlock (West Mifflin, Pa.) had an outstanding tournament, going 5-2 at 63 kilograms as well.
Alton was 5-0 at 66 kilograms, taking down the field and winning the title with a 1-0, 3-0 victory over Bucknell All-American Kevin LeValley in the finals. Sophomore Bryan Pearsall (Lititz, Pa.) advanced to the quarters at 66 kilos and went 2-2 at the tournament.
English was 6-0 in a crowded field at 70 kilograms and took home the title with a 1-1, 9-4 win over Bloomsburg's Bryce Bussler in the finals. Freshman Dylan Alton (Mill Hall, Pa.) notched a superb 7-2 record and took fourth place at 70 kg as well.
Red-shirt freshman James Vollrath (Richboro, Pa.0 posted a 7-2 record at 74 kilograms to take seventh place while true freshman Dirk Cowburn (Coudersport, Pa.) was 4-3 to place eighth.
Two-time All-American and 2011 National Champion Wright went 5-0 at 84 kilograms to win the title. The Nittany Lion overwhelmed Cornell All-American Mack Lewnes 6-0, 5-1 in the championship finals. Sophomore Justin Ortega (Oxford, Pa.) went 2-2 at 84 kilograms as well.
The Nittany Lions are coming off a stunning 2010-11 season that saw them post a 17-1-1 dual meet record, claim their first ever Big Ten Championship and win the 2011 NCAA Championship for the first time since 1953. Fans wishing to purchase 2011 Penn State Wrestling NCAA Championship gear can do so now by visiting the online store at www.GoPSUsports.com/store . Season tickets for the 2011-12 season are disappearing fast as well. Fans may make deposits on new season tickets by following the information available online at is www.GoPSUsports.com/tickets/m-wrestl-tickets.html . Fans are encouraged to follow Penn State wrestling via twitter at www.twitter.com/pennstatepat and on Penn State Wrestling's facebook page at www.facebook.com/pennstatewrestling. The 2010-11 Penn State Wrestling season has been presented by The Family Clothesline.