Penn State and Cornell

[NothingMeaningful]

From an interview with Gabe Dean:


How did the match with David Taylor come about?

GD: I got a text from [Penn State head coach] Cael Sanderson one night asking if I was interested. I negotiated a price and said yes. In turn, he’s gonna send some Penn State wrestlers to the card we’re working on for the Spartan Combat RTC. It became a win-win for both parties.

It’s not a big secret that Cornell and Penn State have not had a close relationship in the past decade or so. Do you sense that changing?

GD: I think so. Cael and I have had some pretty funny exchanges. I always wanted to start a relationship with him and I think this opened the door for Cornell and Penn State again. We’re hoping to continue to work together to build the sport. Penn State isn’t that far away from Ithaca and we can really do some great things together.

Kyle Dake has obviously wrestled Taylor many times. Is he helping you prepare?

GD: Kyle’s been helping me a lot. It’s been great having Kyle in the room and working with him. I know I have my hands full with David Taylor. I have to be able to match his pace and stay with him for six minutes. I’m definitely looking forward to the challenge. You don’t get too many opportunities in life to do things like this – to face the best guy in the world. I’m happy and excited to do it.

 

[ClarkstonMark]

Interesting thing for me was Dean was paid.

I wonder if these events are providing positive cashflow.

 

[rmg78]

Interesting thing for me was Dean was paid.

I wonder if these events are providing positive cashflow.

I would have been shocked if he was not paid.

 

[NoVa Lion]

Interesting thing for me was Dean was paid.

I wonder if these events are providing positive cashflow.

Positive class flow for who or what? Certainly the athletes make some money. Guessing the NLWC is around break even but providing some additional income to the resident athletes helps the NLWC.

 

[NothingMeaningful]

Interesting thing for me was Dean was paid.

I wonder if these events are providing positive cashflow.

More intersting than this?

"I always wanted to start a relationship with him and I think this opened the door for Cornell and Penn State again. We’re hoping to continue to work together to build the sport. "

 

[dunkej01]

Let's just go and get it out of the way....

"Why dont psu and Cornell get along "

- schedule coming out guy

 

[rmg78]

Cenzo mentioned on the Baschamania podcast that the Spartan RTC is planning an event for January. Maybe, if Spartan RTC wins Flows event they and NLWC can just wrestle that for the championship.

 

[pawrestlersintn]

Maybe we can schedule a football game against them, too. Maybe we'd have a shot.

Too soon?

 

[PSUer1989]

Maybe we can schedule a football game against them, too. Maybe we'd have a shot.

Too soon?

The football team is 2020 in blue and white. I really hope wrestling happens this year!

 

[ringworm2013]

Let's just go and get it out of the way....

"Why dont psu and Cornell get along "

- schedule coming out guy

I was wondering the same thing. The only thing I can think of would be the Yianni & Zain match. That had nothing to do with PSU/Cornell. It was a rules interpretation.
A decade or so???? Did Koll want the job in 2009? Koll is a State College High grad.

 

[AndEEss]

I think I remember reading something about Koll pushing for the vote on NWCA duals when Cael/Casey were out of town with DT.

 

[nerfstate]

I think there is a better one--that shows Cael's thoughts more, but here's an article on that particular history:

NCAA to hear National Duals proposal after NWCA endorsement vote - WIN Magazine

By Mike Finn By a slight margin, the majority of Division I wrestling coaches voted this past weekend to endorse the idea to make the winner of the National Duals the official team champion of the NCAA. On this Tuesday, Sept. 11, the NCAA Wrestling Committee — based on this recommendation of the...

www.win-magazine.com

edit Here's what I was thinking of--his blog had been still reachable as of a year or so ago, but now you have to go to the internet archive to find it:

No to National Duals | Cael Sanderson

web.archive.org

 

[El-Jefe]

Did Koll want the job in 2009? Koll is a State College High grad.

Koll interviewed and all but had the job -- PSU was preparing the formal offer when Cael threw his hat in the ring.

 

[El-Jefe]

I think I remember reading something about Koll pushing for the vote on NWCA duals when Cael/Casey were out of town with DT.

That was absolutely a source of distrust.

Cael and Brands were the leading voices against National Duals. Koll, as NWCA head, held the vote while the PSU and Iowa coaches were at the London Olympics.

 

[Cali_Nittany]

That was absolutely a source of distrust.

Cael and Brands were the leading voices against National Duals. Koll, as NWCA head, held the vote while the PSU and Iowa coaches were at the London Olympics.

 

[El-Jefe]

The word you're probably looking for is: crapweasel.

 

[Cali_Nittany]

The word you're probably looking for is: crapweasel.

 

[82bordeaux]

Just sayin...

 

[STAND with PRIDE]

Just sayin...

Someone need to get back to work, just sayin.

 

[Ja1339]

Koll interviewed and all but had the job -- PSU was preparing the formal offer when Cael threw his hat in the ring.

Hang up the phone, Cael Sanderson on Line 2 😱😁

 

[AgSurfer]

FWIW, a few extra bits here.

1. I know someone who is up there in the Cornell administration, and I am pretty sure there is some animosity towards PSU. He has never said anything explicitly, it's just the general tone of a few things that I have heard. I think a lot of it comes from the 2011 NCAA tournament. Cornell had a legitimate chance to win that year, but the PSU wrestlers peaked exactly when they had to while the Cornell guys didn't.

2. I've had the pleasure to meet Gabe Dean in person and he's the real deal. Some guys posted here a while back that they thought ESPN was giving him too much air time, but he's just like he came across in the interviews, polite and humble. I wish him the best for whatever path he chooses.

 

[billrag]

I agree. I don't care one way or another about Cornell (although my brother got his PhD there) and I'm not a huge fan of Koll even though he has PSU ties (and I wrestled him in jr. high school), but I also think Gabe Dean seems like a perfectly decent sort of guy.

FWIW, a few extra bits here.

1. I know someone who is up there in the Cornell administration, and I am pretty sure there is some animosity towards PSU. He has never said anything explicitly, it's just the general tone of a few things that I have heard. I think a lot of it comes from the 2011 NCAA tournament. Cornell had a legitimate chance to win that year, but the PSU wrestlers peaked exactly when they had to while the Cornell guys didn't.

2. I've had the pleasure to meet Gabe Dean in person and he's the real deal. Some guys posted here a while back that they thought ESPN was giving him too much air time, but he's just like he came across in the interviews, polite and humble. I wish him the best for whatever path he chooses.

 

[82bordeaux]

The only experience I have with any Cornell wrestlers is with Gene Nighman. He currently runs the Cornell ticket office. He is a prince among princes. A nicer person you can't find. His younger brother Todd was a friend and rival since we were 65 pounds and I spent many sleepovers in that home. Todd was also a 126 pound AAA State Champion. That was a stacked weight in tiny Section 8 (when sections existed) in District 10. Me, Todd Nighman, and Michael Carr all were at 126 that year. As a side note, Michael won sections, districts, and regionals, but Todd prevailed at States. But I digress. Gene Nighman was a hell of a wrestler for Cornell, and is an even greater guy.

 

[El-Jefe]

 

[AgSurfer]

The only experience I have with any Cornell wrestlers is with Gene Nighman. He currently runs the Cornell ticket office. He is a prince among princes. A nicer person you can't find. His younger brother Todd was a friend and rival since we were 65 pounds and I spent many sleepovers in that home. Todd was also a 126 pound AAA State Champion. That was a stacked weight in tiny Section 8 (when sections existed) in District 10. Me, Todd Nighman, and Michael Carr all were at 126 that year. As a side note, Michael won sections, districts, and regionals, but Todd prevailed at States. But I digress. Gene Nighman was a hell of a wrestler for Cornell, and is an even greater guy.

I should have added that your experience is the same as mine. The Cornell team are all decent guys including Coach Koll and everyone else associated with the program. They are also human which means you can't expect them to take losing a national team title lightly. They had their hopes pretty high going into the semis in 2011, and my recollection is that they were in the lead at that point. I remember talking to my friend at the break, and he was pretty optimistic about their chances. Then things started to fall apart. I usually avoid the subject whenever I talk to him. I don't want to come across like I'm trying to twist the knife, so to speak. However, he and I and a few other old timers did have a pretty good email discussion about Dake vs Taylor a few years ago.

 

[nerfstate]

No mention yet here for what I believe to be the secret sauce to Cornell's success of late: I think Mike Grey is probably second only to Casey as an assistant that nearly any D1 school would love to have as HC. I know Dake and Yianni have spoken only the highest praise on his coaching. I assume he is the heir apparent if Koll were to retire. Never had the chance to meet him--but I'm sure he's a good guy. But it's guys like Andy Bernard that leave me with a distaste in my mouth for the school. That said, as a fan, I would LOVE us to dual them, maybe every year--though I understand with scheduling restraints, and the history between the coaches, that may be a tall ask.

 

[RoarLions1]

No mention yet here for what I believe to be the secret sauce to Cornell's success of late: I think Mike Grey is probably second only to Casey as an assistant that nearly any D1 school would love to have as HC. I know Dake and Yianni have spoken only the highest praise on his coaching. I assume he is the heir apparent if Koll were to retire. Never had the chance to meet him--but I'm sure he's a good guy. But it's guys like Andy Bernard that leave me with a distaste in my mouth for the school. That said, as a fan, I would LOVE us to dual them, maybe every year--though I understand with scheduling restraints, and the history between the coaches, that may be a tall ask.

Educated guess -- great fit between a coach and a school (not unlike many successes we've seen in all college sports), along with being in the hotbed (PA, NY, NJ, OH) of high school wrestling. Koll is a solid recruiter. Once the momentum, and success, started, it was a matter of keeping it going. Now they can recruit outside the area.

Only two schools, with the current B1G model will be on the schedule every year, tOSU and Lehigh. You're right, scheduling is challenging ... 16 competition dates, with 9 taken by B1G duals, and two in-season tournaments each year. That leaves only 4 dates for non-conference duals, considering that Lehigh is a given.

 

[nerfstate]

Educated guess -- great fit between a coach and a school (not unlike many successes we've seen in all college sports), along with being in the hotbed (PA, NY, NJ, OH) of high school wrestling. Koll is a solid recruiter. Once the momentum, and success, started, it was a matter of keeping it going. Now they can recruit outside the area.

Only two schools, with the current B1G model will be on the schedule every year, tOSU and Lehigh. You're right, scheduling is challenging ... 16 competition dates, with 9 taken by B1G duals, and two in-season tournaments each year. That leaves only 4 dates for non-conference duals, considering that Lehigh is a given.

I understand it may be sacrilege to many, but I personally wouldn't feel terrible if the long run of Lehigh duals took a break now and then to make it happen.

 

[manatree]

Only two schools, with the current B1G model will be on the schedule every year, tOSU and Lehigh. You're right, scheduling is challenging ... 16 competition dates, with 9 taken by B1G duals, and two in-season tournaments each year. That leaves only 4 dates for non-conference duals, considering that Lehigh is a given.

Tri & Quad meets are the answer.

 

[Locolion]

FWIW, a few extra bits here.

1. I know someone who is up there in the Cornell administration, and I am pretty sure there is some animosity towards PSU. He has never said anything explicitly, it's just the general tone of a few things that I have heard. I think a lot of it comes from the 2011 NCAA tournament. Cornell had a legitimate chance to win that year, but the PSU wrestlers peaked exactly when they had to while the Cornell guys didn't.

2. I've had the pleasure to meet Gabe Dean in person and he's the real deal. Some guys posted here a while back that they thought ESPN was giving him too much air time, but he's just like he came across in the interviews, polite and humble. I wish him the best for whatever path he chooses.

Gabe Dean’s story about his very first wrestling tourney as a kid is hilarious. He get decked by a girl. If I can find it i’ll post it

 

[Cowbell Man]

FWIW, a few extra bits here.

1. I know someone who is up there in the Cornell administration, and I am pretty sure there is some animosity towards PSU. He has never said anything explicitly, it's just the general tone of a few things that I have heard. I think a lot of it comes from the 2011 NCAA tournament. Cornell had a legitimate chance to win that year, but the PSU wrestlers peaked exactly when they had to while the Cornell guys didn't.

2. I've had the pleasure to meet Gabe Dean in person and he's the real deal. Some guys posted here a while back that they thought ESPN was giving him too much air time, but he's just like he came across in the interviews, polite and humble. I wish him the best for whatever path he chooses.

Jefe gave you two of the reasons, posted above and Koll at least believes he had an offer...was waiting for it on paper. The Cornell loss in 2011 NCAA itself was not a factor though a lot of people there and outside of Cornell felt the Andrew Long grab was sacrificing ideals to gain a championship. In addition, the spectacular contrast in personalities can also be a factor. Cornell also still is under the impression that PSU owes them a date from the last series.

I’ll say this, what Koll built at Cornell is not only an incredible feat cultivating a TON of support, but he is a great coach. He has the 2nd most national champions since Cael arrived at PSU. We can feel great about what we have achieved at PSU with Cael.....but Cael absolutely knew what would happen if Koll landed at PSU. The power was going to shift East under a PSU/Koll regime and the ISU goal of a NC was going to get harder. Would we have had two full hands of titles under Koll? Maybe not, but several for sure with his recruiting ability, understanding parent, wrestler and alumni needs and a clear ability to coach.

It’s no secret I’d like to see it and yes....happy to punt a PA school for a couple of years series.

 

[El-Jefe]

The Cornell loss in 2011 NCAA itself was not a factor though a lot of people there and outside of Cornell felt the Andrew Long grab was sacrificing ideals to gain a championship.

Cornell has never sacrificed ideals.

Signed,
Billy George

 

[IndianaNittanyLion]

I'll add my two cents. The only time I talked with Koll was at the Southern Scuffle a few years ago. He was sitting in the stands as his wrestlers were warming up. I was wearing my PSU sweatshirt and he struck up a conversation with me. I didn't know who he was until we started talking about matches while his dad coached PSU. He could not have been nicer and he had nothing but positive comments toward PSU. Relationships are not built by regurgitating the past, but by building a better future.

 

[dunkej01]

I'll add my two cents. The only time I talked with Koll was at the Southern Scuffle a few years ago. He was sitting in the stands as his wrestlers were warming up. I was wearing my PSU sweatshirt and he struck up a conversation with me. I didn't know who he was until we started talking about matches while his dad coached PSU. He could not have been nicer and he had nothing but positive comments toward PSU. Relationships are not built by regurgitating the past, but by building a better future.

Agreed I've met a few reguritaors in my time and it was something I always moved on from

 

[NothingMeaningful]

Cornell has never sacrificed ideals.

Signed,
Billy George

Do we have to bring up Joe Paterno, et alia?

 

[Cowbell Man]

Cornell has never sacrificed ideals.

Signed,
Billy George

Hehe. Yep. But It wasn’t just the Big Red saying it..... and it was more of the “everyone does it” thought process.

 

[nitlion6]

Do we have to bring up Joe Paterno, et alia?

A fairly unintelligent response. But hey, everybody has their bar.

 

[El-Jefe]

Do we have to bring up Joe Paterno, et alia?

Deleting your account would have the same effect and save the mods from having to do it for you.

 

[jrod65]

Gabe Dean’s story about his very first wrestling tourney as a kid is hilarious. He get decked by a girl. If I can find it i’ll post it

I got you covered.

 

[dunkej01]

Do we have to bring up Joe Paterno, et alia?

Sincerely,
Nothing Meaningful