Bryan Pearsall on Cael Sanderson Penn State Head Coach
- Thread starter NittanyLion84
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That interview has more nuggets than Larry Lee’s 5-inch binder.
That was a very informative interview! What stood out to me the most to show the change in philosophy and commitment Cael and the coaches brought was that in the first year 17 of the original wrestlers who were there when Cael came on were gone, and it sounds like most of those were forced out. I have a feeling the coaches initially were quite strict with the wrestlers in order to "separate the wheat from the chaff". It sounds like some of the off-the-mat behavior was detrimental to the program and that was one of the first areas Cael hit hard, along with ramping up the wrestling to more of a year round commitment.
The concept of "play wrestling" is consistent in almost every interview that covers what goes on in the Penn State room. I believe it is a huge component in Penn State's success, especially in scramble positions. I am reminded of a few of David Taylor's matches with Yazdani. When scrambles ensued in those matches Yazdani was at an utter loss in how to respond to David's scrambling.
The concept of "play wrestling" is consistent in almost every interview that covers what goes on in the Penn State room. I believe it is a huge component in Penn State's success, especially in scramble positions. I am reminded of a few of David Taylor's matches with Yazdani. When scrambles ensued in those matches Yazdani was at an utter loss in how to respond to David's scrambling.
That interview gave more than anything I've heard. Turns out it's just hard working guys on the mat and not on the track.
Also Pearsall seems like a great guy. He thought he was going to get the boot when Cael came on campus and his response was perfect.
Work as hard as he can.
Work as hard as he can.
I appreciated his thoughts on culture and program building. He said that he thinks it would take about 10 years. And, that makes sense to get the infrastructure in place. Cael did it in two. I do think that it does confirm that Penn State was that sleeping giant that Cael sensed it was.
Nothing against Mr Pearsall, but honestly, proposing ten years seems to me a lot like a tactic aimed at job security. In my work experience, most managers/leaders who arrive at a new place and say this, ended up moving on well before the espoused five to ten years passed.
That Cael arrived, successfully turned the PSU wrestling room culture around in 2 years, and has remained well past ten are true blessings for PSU wrestling fans.
Probably none of the managers in your work experience hire exclusively 18-year-olds, but only those approved by another group with no regard for the managers' success, and with guaranteed 100% turnover every 4-5 years.
I'd be interested in seeing the turnaround durations for non-revenue sports (which are clearly not prioritized at most schools) across college athletics. Gut says hover around .500 can be done in fewer years, but consistent winner takes longer.
Cael's turnaround has been spectacular to be sure. Another great turn-around: Ohio State under Tan Tom. Hellickson's last 2 years: 13-24, 50th and 45th at nationals. Years 2 and 3 under Ryan: 35-6, 2nd both years at nationals.
It's weird they've never had a state champ, they've had a lot of good kids come through there.
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