Dec. 28, 2013
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State Nittany Lion wrestlers Andrew Alton (Mill Hall, Pa.) and Dylan Alton (Mill Hall, Pa.) made their season debuts today at the Wilkes Open, competing at the open event after off-season surgeries delayed their season starts. The twin brothers, ranked No. 7 at 149 and No. 5 at 157 respectively, combined to go 5-0 before taking medical forfeits as planned.
Wrestling in their first live action in almost nine months and after off-season shoulder surgery, the duo fared very well. Andrew went 3-0 at 149, including a technical fall and a fall before medically forfeiting out of the tournament as previously planned. Dylan posted a 2-0 mark at 157 including a pin before taking medical forfeits as planned as well. The wins do count towards each man's season records and so the tandem heads into the New Year with 3-0 and 2-0 marks respectively.
The Lions will head to Chattanooga, Tenn., for New Year's Day once again as Sanderson's crew will look for its fourth straight Southern Scuffle crown. The 2014 Southern Scuffle, hosted by UT-Chattanooga, takes place on Jan. 1-2, 2014. At this time, the participation of the Alton brothers in the Scuffle is doubtful. Penn State's next home dual is set for Sunday, Jan. 12, when the Lions welcome Purdue to Rec Hall for a 2 p.m. showdown.
With the full season of Rec Hall duals sold out prior to the start of the campaign, a very limited number of standing room only tickets are available to a few of the remaining Rec Hall duals. People may purchase tickets by calling 1-800-NITTANY or by visiting the Penn State Athletics ticket office located in the BJC. Fans are encouraged to follow Penn State wrestling via twitter at www.twitter.com/pennstateWREST and on Penn State Wrestling's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pennstatewrestling. The 2013-14 Penn State Wrestling season is presented by The Family Clothesline.