Wrestling Penn State Wrestling Notebook: Addressing the Offseason Rumor Mill

[LemonPie]

This might be the biggest shocker I've seen in a while. A lot of people thought he was a huge 165 and would do better at 174. Turns out he isn't cutting much at all.

Also shows the team like always is trolling people with weights since many credible people reported Facundo is 100% going 174. He was Olympic redshirting this year and had all summer to lift weights (he definitely has the frame to pack muscle) if that was his intentions.

There's still a chance Facundo weighed more than 165 at time of certification. Not exactly certain of the process, but historically teams have - at times - inputted the certification data to reflect the wrestler's lowest eligible weight. Like if you look at Iowa State's roster, you'll see guys certified at their weight or lower (e.g. Tate Naaktgeboren at 174). This would make more sense for Facundo (keeping 165 option open), but the confusing part is that this means Davis, Bartlett, and Van Ness were inputted differently . I can't imagine Facundo weighing less than 165 for certifications, but thought it was worth mentioning... mostly hoping someone has gotten a good look at him or has some inside info.

 

[Ja1339]

I’ve been a huge Sealey for a long time but I feel like he could really use a redshirt. He’s incredible from neutral but his mat game needs some work

Perhaps Sealy is thinking he’ll go all out to make the lineup at 157 before Duke arrives. Making the lineup won’t get any easier for him next year(25-26).

 

[McScoreley]

Sky is the limit for Sealey, I never got vibes he struggled on bottom. I think the key for him is learning how to scramble off his own shots as @js8793 pointed out a while ago.

 

[GogglesPaizano]

After some time to relax and assess, I am highly confident the reference to Alex's weight cert is in error. I can can be convinced he is all in at either 165 or 174, but see any reference to 157 as highly suspect. He would be a drawn down bean pole, with a more painful cut than Levi had last year.

As for Sealy, I love watching that kid wrestle, but I have a list of guys, Joe, Alex and Perry included where the log jam is real, and the NIL/Portal combined with what appears to be open tampering might just come back to bite us. It's a very good thing that Cael can manage all of this better than anyone out there. 2-3 years starting at PSU might become more common, and generally speaking more rewarding athletically, spiritually and from a character building point of view than 4 years elsewhere.

 

[dicemen99]

There's still a chance Facundo weighed more than 165 at time of certification. Not exactly certain of the process, but historically teams have - at times - inputted the certification data to reflect the wrestler's lowest eligible weight. Like if you look at Iowa State's roster, you'll see guys certified at their weight or lower (e.g. Tate Naaktgeboren at 174). This would make more sense for Facundo (keeping 165 option open), but the confusing part is that this means Davis, Bartlett, and Van Ness were inputted differently . I can't imagine Facundo weighing less than 165 for certifications, but thought it was worth mentioning... mostly hoping someone has gotten a good look at him or has some inside info.

I have not seen this anomaly before with PSU and I've been checking Track certifications for years. Usually, I'm doing it for HS to keep up with the kids who are going to wrestle in our tournament, but I always check in on PSU and maybe other college teams if there is something I'm interested in. Occasionally you see a team that is just wonky entering their certs, but not PSU.

I tend to lean to @McScoreley 's opinion about the team - they like to troll people about weights. We've seen this before and I just relayed Levi's reaction to the ask about his weight and status at the golf outing. Good for them, it really doesn't matter until they step on the mat, right?

The only other thing I can think of is that there are only four guys entered and maybe somebody was just testing the system. But I doubt it.

If Facundo was making the big cut, it would make sense for him to cert early. If he's going 157, he probably had to do some serious work to get there. I was going to say AND pass hydration, but that, well,... This gives him a lot of time to get his body back to where he wants it. It's the smart thing to do if you are planning a big cut during a season.

 

[dicemen99]

After some time to relax and assess, I am highly confident the reference to Alex's weight cert is in error.

There has never been a more @GogglesPaizano post on this board.

 

[Raw Daddy]

Dawson Bundy is an incredible name. Like the leader of a bunch of cattle rustlers/hornswogglers in a Clint Eastwood movie

Sheriff - You know the Bundy Bunch holes up in Ransom Canyon don’t ye?

Dawson Bundy a mass murderer from the Outer Banks

 

[GogglesPaizano]

There has never been a more @GogglesPaizano post on this board.

Give me time, more on the way.

 

[zzs006]

Sky is the limit for Sealey, I never got vibes he struggled on bottom. I think the key for him is learning how to scramble off his own shots as @js8793 pointed out a while ago.

Sealey got rode hard by Ferrari in WNO. In a ton of his matches he chooses neutral instead of going underneath. I don’t blame him because he’s a killer from neutral but a slight deficiency in high school turns into a much bigger one in college. I think Sealey is good enough that he can absolutely become proficient on the mat but for me a redshirt makes the most sense for him. I’d love to see him go to some opens and maybe meet up with Kasak (like Kasak did with Bartlett) and see where he stands and then go from there.

 

[dicemen99]

To piggyback off of @LemonPie 's comments about Facundo, here are the wrestlers who have completed certification so far:

• Braedan Davis - weighed in less than 141 - this probably tracks for 133.
• Beau Bartlett - weighed in less than 157 - looks like Beau is packing on some muscle, still can track for 141 if he weighed in at 150 or so, he'll likely be a big 141 this year
• Shayne Van Ness - weighed in less than 157 - tracks for 149
• Alex Facundo - weighed in less than 165 - does NOT really track for 174. Maybe he's taking his shot at what he thinks is his best weight, maybe he is making a big cut to try to fit in the lineup.

Lilledahl in the student directory
Levi registered at 79kg for WTT
Carter AS challenge at 190
Kerk is still big

So right now I have:

125 - Luke Lilledahl
133 - Braedan Davis
141 - Beau Bartlett
149 - Shayne Van Ness
157 - or Alex Facundo
165 - or Alex Facundo
174 - Levi Haines
184 - Carter Starocci
197 - Josh Barr
285 - Kerk

Updated

 

[dicemen99]

One other thing I noticed on Track is that Robbie Howard is no longer listed. I assume he has officially retired from wrestling, although maybe this was discussed previously and I missed it?

 

[IndianaNittanyLion]

I feel badly for Robbie Howard. We had great hopes for him, but our hopes pale in comparison with his own hopes. If it is true that he has retired from wrestling, I wish him the very best. As important as wrestling is to us, there's much more joy and satisfaction beyond the mat. Find where it is that God is calling you and pursue it with vigor.

 

[McScoreley]

One other thing I noticed on Track is that Robbie Howard is no longer listed. I assume he has officially retired from wrestling, although maybe this was discussed previously and I missed it?

I don't think it was ever officially announced but it always seemed to be trending that way. 2 full missed seasons and last year when he came back, he looked nothing like he used to, imagine it was partially mental but definitely could be partially physical also. Absolutely heartbreaking.

Just looking at his socials though, he very much is still a big part of the team and in a good place overall, which I think makes coming to peace with it all a lot easier when you have a support system like that.

 

[WEAREPSU_LI]

I don't think it was ever officially announced but it always seemed to be trending that way. 2 full missed seasons and last year when he came back, he looked nothing like he used to, imagine it was partially mental but definitely could be partially physical also. Absolutely heartbreaking.

Just looking at his socials though, he very much is still a big part of the team and in a good place overall, which I think makes coming to peace with it all a lot easier when you have a support system like that.

Yeah, super bummed for him, but he seems to be okay. The kid was a firecracker and I wish we got to see more of him.

 

[5q]

Lilledahl in the student directory
Levi registered at 79kg for WTT
Carter AS challenge at 190
Kerk is still big


Updated

I think your missing names at 157 and 165
I see or Alex F and that’s it

 

[GogglesPaizano]

One other thing I noticed on Track is that Robbie Howard is no longer listed. I assume he has officially retired from wrestling, although maybe this was discussed previously and I missed it?

We'll crap, I was so jazzed when we landed that kid. He was an amazing highschooler, that legacy is set in stone. It's a real shame. Shoulders are the bane of wrestling, the worst of injuries for this sport. I had so many Dr. Howard, Dr. Fine, Dr Howard, Gifs and videos just itching to be released throughout his career too. All wasted.

 

[matter7172]

I don't think it was ever officially announced but it always seemed to be trending that way. 2 full missed seasons and last year when he came back, he looked nothing like he used to, imagine it was partially mental but definitely could be partially physical also. Absolutely heartbreaking.

Just looking at his socials though, he very much is still a big part of the team and in a good place overall, which I think makes coming to peace with it all a lot easier when you have a support system like that.

When he walked off the mat at the Black Knight Open, I said to my wife that I doubted we'd see him wrestle again. He just had that look. After all the hard work to try to come back, it seemed like he was running on empty. Such a shame that we didn't get to see him wrestle more. Injuries are so tough.

 

[dicemen99]

I think your missing names at 157 and 165
I see or Alex F and that’s it

Waiting to see what's going on with Kasak and Mitch.

I would say Mitch at 165 though, but I'll wait for his cert.

 

[Psalm 1 guy]

This makes me sad. He was so dynamic in HS and seemed to have such a passion for wrestling. It just shows how fragile our dreams can be. To work so hard in one area of your life, be on the cusp of reaping the fruit of that hard work and then to see it torn away from you can be devastating, especially for someone so young. I hope the comment of him being in a good place is accurate. I think his response to his career being cut short will be molded in a positive way by Cael's principles of finding a healthy balance between personal growth in character and other areas of your life versus making wrestling your utmost priority.

I am sure the relationships he has built, and hopefully will continue to build, among the staff and wrestlers will help him as he navigates this thing we call life. I wish him only the best, no matter what paths he takes in the future. Enjoy this HS match of Robbie:

 

[zzs006]

This makes me sad. He was so dynamic in HS and seemed to have such a passion for wrestling. It just shows how fragile our dreams can be. To work so hard in one area of your life, be on the cusp of reaping the fruit of that hard work and then to see it torn away from you can be devastating, especially was someone so young. I hope the comment of him being in a good place is accurate. I think his response to his career being cut short will be molded in a positive way by Cael's principles of finding a healthy balance between personal growth in character and other areas of your life versus making wrestling your utmost priority.

I am sure the relationships he has built, and hopefully will continue to build, among the staff and wrestlers will help him as he navigates this thing we call life. I wish him only the best, no matter what paths he takes in the future. Enjoy this HS match of Robbie:

View embedded media

That was a crazy match! Those were insane scrambles. Boys were rolling all over the place and damn were they quick

 

[johnstownsteel]

This makes me sad. He was so dynamic in HS and seemed to have such a passion for wrestling. It just shows how fragile our dreams can be. To work so hard in one area of your life, be on the cusp of reaping the fruit of that hard work and then to see it torn away from you can be devastating, especially was someone so young. I hope the comment of him being in a good place is accurate. I think his response to his career being cut short will be molded in a positive way by Cael's principles of finding a healthy balance between personal growth in character and other areas of your life versus making wrestling your utmost priority.

I am sure the relationships he has built, and hopefully will continue to build, among the staff and wrestlers will help him as he navigates this thing we call life. I wish him only the best, no matter what paths he takes in the future. Enjoy this HS match of Robbie:

View embedded media

What a great match !

 

[Idahopennstatefan]

This makes me sad. He was so dynamic in HS and seemed to have such a passion for wrestling. It just shows how fragile our dreams can be. To work so hard in one area of your life, be on the cusp of reaping the fruit of that hard work and then to see it torn away from you can be devastating, especially was someone so young. I hope the comment of him being in a good place is accurate. I think his response to his career being cut short will be molded in a positive way by Cael's principles of finding a healthy balance between personal growth in character and other areas of your life versus making wrestling your utmost priority.

I am sure the relationships he has built, and hopefully will continue to build, among the staff and wrestlers will help him as he navigates this thing we call life. I wish him only the best, no matter what paths he takes in the future. Enjoy this HS match of Robbie:

View embedded media

Like two cats in a gunny sack. They were getting after it. Loved the speed and counters. Unreal at the HS level.

 

[Jplions4]

Lilledahl in the student directory
Levi registered at 79kg for WTT
Carter AS challenge at 190
Kerk is still big


Updated

Where's Kasak?

 

[FatWoodchuck]

We'll crap, I was so jazzed when we landed that kid. He was an amazing highschooler, that legacy is set in stone. It's a real shame. Shoulders are the bane of wrestling, the worst of injuries for this sport. I had so many Dr. Howard, Dr. Fine, Dr Howard, Gifs and videos just itching to be released throughout his career too. All wasted.

View embedded media

Th Joe Besser wasn't bad curly was irreplaceable!

 

[82bordeaux]

Lilledahl in the student directory
Levi registered at 79kg for WTT
Carter AS challenge at 190
Kerk is still big


Updated

Where's Kasak?

Kasak - getting big

 

[SlipperyPete12]

Kasak - getting big

 

[Ja1339]

We'll crap, I was so jazzed when we landed that kid. He was an amazing highschooler, that legacy is set in stone. It's a real shame. Shoulders are the bane of wrestling, the worst of injuries for this sport. I had so many Dr. Howard, Dr. Fine, Dr Howard, Gifs and videos just itching to be released throughout his career too. All wasted.

View embedded media

The Dr Howard Dr Fine bit is one of the funniest comedy skits of all time! I recall being in the hospital for the birth of our two kids, and launching into that routine whenever they came over the PA. I tell my wife it never gets old 😂. She’d probably disagree - amazing what she puts up with.

 

[El-Jefe]

Where's Kasak?

Most of the team has not yet certified weight yet.

 

[GogglesPaizano]

The Dr Howard Dr Fine bit is one of the funniest comedy skits of all time! I recall being in the hospital for the birth of our two kids, and launching into that routine whenever they came over the PA. I tell my wife it never gets old 😂. She’d probably disagree - amazing what she puts up with.

 

[WrestleEveryDay]

I've been telling a few people privately, but I'll put it out there now. Josh Barr will be wrestling either AJF or Stephen Buchanon in the NCAA Finals. The opponent depends upon the seeds.

No love for Elam...although he is 0-fer against Buchanon?

 

[WrestleEveryDay]

With ncaa in Philly and Carter coming back for #5, you can’t punt some weights
Need the best lineup out there
If Levi wins 174, sorry to Alex , but this year you need the best

I don't think anyone is beating O'Toole at 174.

 

[dicemen99]

I don't think anyone is beating O'Toole at 174.

Most didn't have anyone beating O'Toole last year. He finished 3rd.

 

[WrestleEveryDay]

Levi is poised to wreck that class as well. They are not going to make lineup decisions based on equitable distribution of Natty's.

He's not beating O'Toole. If it weren't for Carter winning a 5th, Keegan would be the Hodge winner.

 

[El-Jefe]

He's not beating O'Toole. If it weren't for Carter winning a 5th, Keegan would be the Hodge winner.

What does O'Toole do that Levi hasn't seen every day in the room the past 2 years?

 

[Foreverinbluejeans57]

Anyone have a read on the Dake front? He seems to really enjoy State College and I could see Dake having a hard time being in DT’s shadow but obviously money talks

 

[tullfan68]

I think both have already red shirted?

THEY COULD SILL GET AN INJURY SHIRT!

 

[wrestlingfan22]

Most didn't have anyone beating O'Toole last year. He finished 3rd.

Anyone writing Levi off against KOT is overrating KOT IMO, he lost the series to Carr over the last two seasons and while Levi is not as dynamic as Carr he is just as sound in all positions and projects to have more horsepower than Carr or KOT. If they hit in Freestyle this weekend I would favor Carr and/or KOT over Levi but I think a Folk Matchup between any combination of Levi, MM, Carr and KOT would have to be a tossup.

 

[McScoreley]

Anyone have a read on the Dake front? He seems to really enjoy State College and I could see Dake having a hard time being in DT’s shadow but obviously money talks

It's been one month after the Olympics (when most speculated he would go) and based on his social media interactions and posts, I lean he is staying right now.

 

[WrestleEveryDay]

Most didn't have anyone beating O'Toole last year. He finished 3rd.

It was pretty evenly split on who was picking Carr or O'Toole.

 

[WrestleEveryDay]

Anyone writing Levi off against KOT is overrating KOT IMO, he lost the series to Carr over the last two seasons and while Levi is not as dynamic as Carr he is just as sound in all positions and projects to have more horsepower than Carr or KOT. If they hit in Freestyle this weekend I would favor Carr and/or KOT over Levi but I think a Folk Matchup between any combination of Levi, MM, Carr and KOT would have to be a tossup.

Could be. I see MM as more dangerous than Haines, but both really good at wrestling. Really good.