Filthy Stats from Penn State Wrestling over the Past 10 Years

[amalone]

The bottom stat... wow. It isn't an NCAA Finals without at least half of Penn State's team making the finals. It's known as the Cael Effect. Reaching your goals and having F-- along the way to achieving those lofty goals. Being humble and appreciating the talent that got you there in the 1st place. Being grateful you have the talent to make it look oh, so, easy while Alec Pantaleo states that he did everything right in his personal life the past year, in his words, live a perfect life off the mat, eating ideally, working out tirelessly and still not making an NCAA Final.

 

[Conewago]

I have always had the highest respect for Dan Gable, the great forerunner to the growing legend of Cael.


When PSU hired Coach Sanderson, I knew we would improve, but to think that we’re now on about the same level as Dan Gable was in his first 10 years …. It’s just amazing.


Dan Gable’s first 10 years (1977-1986) compared with Sanderson’s first 10 years (2010-2019)


NCAA team titles: Gable’s Hawks 9, Cael’s Lions 8

NCAA individual titles: Cael’s Lions 23, Gable’s Hawks 22

NCAA finalists: Gable’s Hawks 43, Cael’s Lions 37

Big Ten champs: Gable’s Hawks 66, Cael’s Lions 27


The biggest difference is in the Big Ten stats. The rest of the Big Ten was downright WEAK when Gable started, although it began to improve dramatically as the 80s wore on. The Big Ten tournament is – no joke – at least 6 or 7 times more difficult now than it was in 1980.


The NCAA tournament’s strength is hard to compare to the past, although it’s sad to note there are many fewer programs. I’d guess it’s a bit harder now, but who knows?

Now, I will note that Gable's tenure at Iowa had three distinct periods:
1977-1986: On top of the world
1987-1990: 4 straight seasons without a team title
1991-1997: Back on top

Gable said of 1987-1990 that he believed both he and the wrestlers picked up an attitude of entitlement, and that led to their "failure" for 4 years

Here's to hoping Coach Sanderson can keep the machine humming the next 4 ..... and more after that

 

[amalone]

I have always had the highest respect for Dan Gable, the great forerunner to the growing legend of Cael.


When PSU hired Coach Sanderson, I knew we would improve, but to think that we’re now on about the same level as Dan Gable was in his first 10 years …. It’s just amazing.


Dan Gable’s first 10 years (1977-1986) compared with Sanderson’s first 10 years (2010-2019)


NCAA team titles: Gable’s Hawks 9, Cael’s Lions 8

NCAA individual titles: Cael’s Lions 23, Gable’s Hawks 22

NCAA finalists: Gable’s Hawks 43, Cael’s Lions 37

Big Ten champs: Gable’s Hawks 66, Cael’s Lions 27


The biggest difference is in the Big Ten stats. The rest of the Big Ten was downright WEAK when Gable started, although it began to improve dramatically as the 80s wore on. The Big Ten tournament is – no joke – at least 6 or 7 times more difficult now than it was in 1980.


The NCAA tournament’s strength is hard to compare to the past, although it’s sad to note there are many fewer programs. I’d guess it’s a bit harder now, but who knows?

Now, I will note that Gable's tenure at Iowa had three distinct periods:
1977-1986: On top of the world
1987-1990: 4 straight seasons without a team title
1991-1997: Back on top

Gable said of 1987-1990 that he believed both he and the wrestlers picked up an attitude of entitlement, and that led to their "failure" for 4 years

Here's to hoping Coach Sanderson can keep the machine humming the next 4 ..... and more after that

Conewago... I have an "attitude of entitlement" to Penn State winning National titles. I do. I hope that doesn't lead to any non title winning years.

Also... Thanks for the analysis. I know Cael will easily surpass Gable's 15 National Titles and then Iowa can erect a Statue outside of Carver Hawkeye, with Gable raising Cael's Arm in Victory and giving him a baton in the other. Sure beats the stalling pose in the current Gable statue.

 

[Conewago]

Conewago... I have an "attitude of entitlement" to Penn State winning National titles. I do. I hope that doesn't lead to any non title winning years.

Also... Thanks for the analysis. I know Cael will easily surpass Gable's 15 National Titles and then Iowa can erect a Statue outside of Carver Hawkeye, with Gable raising Cael's Arm in Victory and giving him a baton in the other. Sure beats the stalling pose in the current Gable statue.

I've never been a big fan of such statues....

I know for a fact that Paterno never liked "his" statue......what can you do

With that said, I think us fans can get away with being entitled, as long as it doesn't enter the minds of the athletes

 

[lionlover]

Conewago... I have an "attitude of entitlement" to Penn State winning National titles. I do. I hope that doesn't lead to any non title winning years.

Also... Thanks for the analysis. I know Cael will easily surpass Gable's 15 National Titles and then Iowa can erect a Statue outside of Carver Hawkeye, with Gable raising Cael's Arm in Victory and giving him a baton in the other. Sure beats the stalling pose in the current Gable statue.

Give credit to Iowa State for producing the greatest coaches in the history of US wrestling