Penn State Wrestling: 5 Things we’ve learned so far this season
By Chris Snyder
Things we’ve learned No. 5 – Penn State has yet to hit its stride yet
“So the Nittany Lions just finished demolishing the No. 3 ranked team in the country, and you think they haven’t hit their stride yet? Are you crazy?”
Both are excellent questions. Thank you for asking them.
And to answer the first question, no, I do not think they have fully shifted into “full steam ahead” mode. Which for other teams in the nation, might be something to be worried about.
But let’s step back and take a look at a couple of things to fully assess what I’m saying.
First off, a large portion of the team is still getting past a massive flu outbreak which battered them as well as many collegiate sports programs across the nation. Even for top level athletes, it still takes some time to get back to 100%. And I would venture to guess the Nittany Lions weren’t a full 100% going into the National Collegiate Duals.
Secondly, Greg Kerkvliet is still feeling his way around a wrestling mat after having a full and healthy offseason. Even though he’s been about as dominant as anyone on the team, he appears to be holding back in matches and hasn’t shifted into overdrive yet. But when he does?
Watch. Out.
Another item to point out occurred in the finals in the National Collegiate Duals. After RBY won a 6-2 decision over No. 14 Michael McGee, he was on the sideline doing mountain climbers during Nick Lee’s match.
The dude just battled against a top 15 grappler for seven minutes and now he’s doing cardio?
I just have a feeling the Nittany Lions are holding back slightly.
The last part does hinge on something shaking loose from my second point in this article. And if it does and Penn State somehow finds a viable wrestler to go at 157 or 165, then Iowa and Michigan better be ready when the spotlights turn on.
Because it might just mean the two-year National Championship drought will be over after this year.