Penn State Wrestling Coach Cael Sanderson Discusses NCAA Championships Preparation Head Coach Cael Sanderson, along with 125-pound starter Luke Lilledahl and 149-pound starter Shayne Van Ness, participated in a media availability session ahead of the NCAA Championships set to begin on March 19 in Cleveland, Ohio. The event marks a pivotal moment for the Penn State Nittany Lions, with the team aiming to compete at its highest level. Sanderson emphasized the significance of the tournament, noting that the NCAA Championships represent a rare opportunity for athletes to showcase their skills. He highlighted the importance of seeding, explaining that it reflects the strength of the program and the competitive nature of the bracket. “Seeds are just the way I always look at it,” he said. “It’s about who’s the last guy in the bracket you want to wrestle. Our guys earned that by wrestling hard, being consistent, and competing in a tough conference.” When asked about external expectations, Sanderson downplayed the pressure, focusing instead on individual goals. “We’re just trying to help them be the best they can be in the big moments,” he stated. “The nationals is a big moment, but it’s just what it is. If you want to win, you go win your next match and let the results take care of themselves.” Sanderson also addressed the success of freshmen wrestlers, particularly at 133, 157, and 184 pounds. He praised the readiness of young athletes, citing examples like Marcus Blaze at 133 pounds and PJ Duke at 157 pounds. “They’re just ready to go now,” he said. “They’ve trained hard, and their preparation is paying off. It’s fun to see what they do with those opportunities.” Training methods have evolved over the years, Sanderson noted, with a focus on peaking for the postseason.#pennsylvania #cael_sanderson #big_ten_conference #penn_state_nittany_lions #ncaa_championships
