Release: Vincenzo Joseph (165) & Jared Cortez (141) win titles at Messiah Open

[Tim Owen/BWI staff]

**Release Courtesy of Pat Donghia of Penn State Strategic Communications**

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; February 6, 2016 – Seven Nittany Lions competed in two separate open tournaments Saturday, with two winning individual titles at their respective weights. Redshirt freshman Vincenzo Joseph (Pittsburgh, Pa.) and redshirt freshman Jered Cortez (Carol Stream, Ill.) each won titles, both at the Messiah Open.

Joseph went 4-0 with two falls, a technical fall and a major to win the 165-pound crown at Messiah. Cortez moved up to 141 and went 4-0 with two tech falls to win the championship as well. Scott Stossel (Pittsburgh, Pa.) went 2-1 with a major and was the runner-up at 125 and Triston Law (Windber, Pa.) went 3-2 with a tech to place fourth at 141. Patrick Higgins (Monroeville, N.J.) also competed at 133 at Messiah. Gary Dinmore (Skillman, N.J.) and Domenic Giannangeli (Murrysville, Pa.) each wrestled at the Edinboro Open, picking up a win apiece.

 

[clucas]

**Release Courtesy of Pat Donghia of Penn State Strategic Communications**

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; February 6, 2016 – Seven Nittany Lions competed in two separate open tournaments Saturday, with two winning individual titles at their respective weights. Redshirt freshman Vincenzo Joseph (Pittsburgh, Pa.) and redshirt freshman Jered Cortez (Carol Stream, Ill.) each won titles, both at the Messiah Open.

Joseph went 4-0 with two falls, a technical fall and a major to win the 165-pound crown at Messiah. Cortez moved up to 141 and went 4-0 with two tech falls to win the championship as well. Scott Stossel (Pittsburgh, Pa.) went 2-1 with a major and was the runner-up at 125 and Triston Law (Windber, Pa.) went 3-2 with a tech to place fourth at 141. Patrick Higgins (Monroeville, N.J.) also competed at 133 at Messiah. Gary Dinmore (Skillman, N.J.) and Domenic Giannangeli (Murrysville, Pa.) each wrestled at the Edinboro Open, picking up a win apiece.

Pure guess here...is it safe to assume that Cenzo cannot beat out the current trio of 165 pounders? I'm more wondering from the standpoint of what 165 might look like next year? I know he is not an option this year, just wondering how's he's handling the room at 165 currently.

 

[nitlion6]

Pure guess here...is it safe to assume that Cenzo cannot beat out the current trio of 165 pounders? I'm more wondering from the standpoint of what 165 might look like next year? I know he is not an option this year, just wondering how's he's handling the room at 165 currently.

That is not an assumption I would make. Wherever (assume 165) Mr Joseph wrestles next year he will fit nicely and be very comparable to those around him in the lineup, non stop and tougher than nails.

 

[clucas]

Well, there's no question that Rasheed moves up...but, where is he going to fit? I think Cutch stays at 184 so there's nowhere for Rasheed to go. Going all the way to 197 seems a bit much, but I have to believe he likely walks around somewhere in the 180-190 range. Maybe the plan is to bulk him up and have him challenge Cassar for the spot.

 

[tjb249]

Pure guess here...is it safe to assume that Cenzo cannot beat out the current trio of 165 pounders? I'm more wondering from the standpoint of what 165 might look like next year? I know he is not an option this year, just wondering how's he's handling the room at 165 currently.

My best guess is that Cenzo wrestles off at 165lbs against Morelli and Hammond for the spot. I see Mason Manville RS at 157lbs next year.

 

[crazytoadie]

Well, there's no question that Rasheed moves up...but, where is he going to fit? I think Cutch stays at 184 so there's nowhere for Rasheed to go. Going all the way to 197 seems a bit much, but I have to believe he likely walks around somewhere in the 180-190 range. Maybe the plan is to bulk him up and have him challenge Cassar for the spot.

If Cassar returns, then Rasheed would probably attempt to pull 165 again. Simply not a spot for him to go other than as Bo's or McCutcheon's backup. If Caesar does not return at 197, then I'd think optimally McCutch moves to 197, Rasheed goes 184, and Bo stays at 174. Bo has a better shot at a title at 174 than at 184 (Dean) or 197 (Cox). McCutcheon wouldn't be the favorite at 184 if Dean stays put, so he may be able to place similarly in either weight. If Dean moves, the McCutcheon is in the ranks of title contender, so I could see both Bo and McCutch stay put. Bottom line is that Rasheed does control his own destiny yet.

 

[Golic55]

Cenzo is a bull.
165 will be his.

 

[CSauertiegPSU]

Is there reason to believe Cassar won't be back at 197? I think you see Cenzo at 165 next year, Bo at 174 (probably 184 his final 2 years) and McCutcheon back at 184. The best option for Rasheed will probably be bulk to 184 or 197 and challenge there. He has the frame that could definitely handle 197 but can he maintain his quickness and scramble-yness

 

[CSauertiegPSU]

Also. Might we see Jered at 141 and Jimmy back at 133 next year?

 

[Tom McAndrew]

Lots of stuff to respond to from this thread:

1. Vais/Christian Pyles spoke with Cenzo before the PSU - tOSU dual. Cenzo told him that he'll be at 165 next season. Whether he can unseat Rasheed, Morelli, or Hammond remains to be seen
2. The Anthony Cassar situation was clarified for me. The expectation is that he'll be a student at PSU next year.
3. I spoke with Rasheed on Friday, but did not ask whether he was planning to move up next year. I would not simply assume that "there's no question that Rasheed moves up." Rasheed is a lot taller than he was as a senior in high school, but he really is lanky. Anything is possible, but I would be very surprised if Rasheed could bulk up to 197.

 

[clucas]

I think he (and therefore his wrestling) has been affected by the cut without question. Given what has clearly been Cael's philosophy of not having kids make drastic cuts, that is why I am thinking he doesn't remain at 165 moving forward. My only reason for mentioning 197 is that he likely doesn't beat out Bo or Mouse so where else do you go if you want a shot at cracking the lineup?

 

[psuchiro]

you all are assuming that Bo does not bump up. If Bo hits the weights hard he can easily go up to 184

 

[STARSIXTYONE]

I think the top kid from Minn. coming to The Good Guys, is about that weight. Is he good enough to break into the lineup, maybe.

 

[CSauertiegPSU]

you all are assuming that Bo does not bump up. If Bo hits the weights hard he can easily go up to 184

I think the top kid from Minn. coming to The Good Guys, is about that weight. Is he good enough to break into the lineup, maybe.

Mark Hall will likely be taking 2 and definitely be 1 year(s) off before competing for PSU. As for Bo, don't think it makes sense for him to bump next year unless he really wants too. Think he bumps the following year when Dean leaves (not that he can't beat should he choose to bump)

 

[PSU Mike]

Lots of stuff to respond to from this thread:
2. The Anthony Cassar situation was clarified for me. The expectation is that he'll be a student at PSU next year.

Interesting choice of words.

 

[jschrantz]

I think the top kid from Minn. coming to The Good Guys, is about that weight. Is he good enough to break into the lineup, maybe.

Oh he is plenty good enough right now, see his summer results vs our own Mr. Nolf

 

[jschrantz]

Interesting choice of words.

What's this mean? I'll guess and say Cael wants him to prove something in the classroom before joining the team 2nd semester? Sorry if I missed something earlier regarding young Anthony Cassar

 

[jrd23psu]

I don't think Joseph will have any trouble winning the 165 spot next year. He reminded me of Jason Nolf his senior year of high school with how dominant he was. He might not have the immediate success that Jason has had as a RSFR, but Joseph is a blue chip recruit and I think we'll see him wrestle like one next year.

 

[dms87]

I'd love to be a fly on the wall in that wrestling room next November trying to sort this all out, wow. The mental toughness it must take at age 18-23 to handle this scene is beyond special. I admire these kids tremendously and although I would love to believe that in my athletic prime I could measure up, the reality is I would come up small.

 

[KidNittany]

Mark Hall will likely be taking 2 and definitely be 1 year(s) off before competing for PSU. As for Bo, don't think it makes sense for him to bump next year unless he really wants too. Think he bumps the following year when Dean leaves (not that he can't beat should he choose to bump)

Yeah, I think everyone likes playing the what-if game hence all the bump scenarios.

Someone is going to sit. This is big-time wrestling folks. Just make sure you appreciate the guys who are in the room that aren't necessarily getting the starts. A good example would be:

Let's talk about Zack Beitz. Has been a gamer this year, had a great scuffle. Has beaten Luke Smith (current #9), Russell Parsons, May Bethea and Aaron Walker (NR but very tough wrestlers). Has also beaten Cole Walter, Jack Clark and almost majored Brandon Kingsley. All this after moving up a weight. Dude is having a solid year, he is an example of why the program is the way it is right now.

 

[Brian LB-U]

Is there reason to believe Cassar won't be back at 197? I think you see Cenzo at 165 next year, Bo at 174 (probably 184 his final 2 years) and McCutcheon back at 184. The best option for Rasheed will probably be bulk to 184 or 197 and challenge there. He has the frame that could definitely handle 197 but can he maintain his quickness and scramble-yness

Personally, I'll believe Cassar is back when I see it. Cael said he was trying to re-enroll this semester and for whatever the reason it didn't work out. Is it an academic situation? I have no idea. Whatever the case, he just burned through a year of eligibility, part of which would have been lost regardless due to the the shoulder surgery.

 

[El-Jefe]

Yeah, I think everyone likes playing the what-if game hence all the bump scenarios.

Someone is going to sit. This is big-time wrestling folks. Just make sure you appreciate the guys who are in the room that aren't necessarily getting the starts. A good example would be:

Let's talk about Zack Beitz. Has been a gamer this year, had a great scuffle. Has beaten Luke Smith (current #9), Russell Parsons, May Bethea and Aaron Walker (NR but very tough wrestlers). Has also beaten Cole Walter, Jack Clark and almost majored Brandon Kingsley. All this after moving up a weight. Dude is having a solid year, he is an example of why the program is the way it is right now.

And before the move up, pinned Josh Kindig.

Very few programs where you can pin a national finalist and then not be in the starting lineup the next year.

 

[Ja1339]

Anyone have any insight into whether Cortez would prefer 133 or 141 for next year?

Also, most lineup projections I've seen show Nolf staying put at 157, is that reasonable?

Sounds like the consensus is Hall redshirts next year, then moves into 174, with Bo bumping up to 184 in 17-18

I am having a hard time seeing where Manville cracks into starting lineup.

 

[clucas]

It all depends on Nolf and if he eventually moves up to 165. If he doesn't, nowhere for Manville to go unless he can make 149. He would have to sit one year behind Zain if he went 149. I think Zain wrestles 149 the rest of his career most likely.

 

[royboy]

Yeah, I think everyone likes playing the what-if game hence all the bump scenarios.

Someone is going to sit. This is big-time wrestling folks. Just make sure you appreciate the guys who are in the room that aren't necessarily getting the starts. A good example would be:

Let's talk about Zack Beitz. Has been a gamer this year, had a great scuffle. Has beaten Luke Smith (current #9), Russell Parsons, May Bethea and Aaron Walker (NR but very tough wrestlers). Has also beaten Cole Walter, Jack Clark and almost majored Brandon Kingsley. All this after moving up a weight. Dude is having a solid year, he is an example of why the program is the way it is right now.

Great point, and who thought Jordan Conaway would have this degree of success -- 3-year starter and headed toward his 2nd A-A.

 

[clucas]

It all depends on Nolf and if he eventually moves up to 165. If he doesn't, nowhere for Manville to go unless he can make 149. He would have to sit one year behind Zain if he went 149. I think Zain wrestles 149 the rest of his career most likely.

My fly on the wall experience would be watching Nolf and Zain wrestle live in practice. Flo could broadcast a PSU intra-squad as a main event:

Gulibon vs. Cortez
Zain vs. Nolf
Cenzo vs. Rasheed
Manville vs. Beitz
Bo vs. Hall
Cutch vs. Cassar

Project forward a year and add in Suriano vs. Lee

 

[raslen007]

Boy talked about being spoiled. The line up next year should be more formidable than this year. I recall Dirk Cowburn (His Dad was a freshman on the team when I was a senior) could have started for just about any other program and decided to stay.

 

[troyshultz1]

Cortez has gone on record stating he will wrestle 133 next year and then bump to 141 so it would look like LEE SURIANO CORTEZ

 

[troyshultz1]

If that works out who knows I think cento is really hurting himself....fine for next year but what if nolf can't stay down after this year or next and needs to go 165....165 and up will not be cracked by cento as much as I like him....he really needed to try 157 for the longterm and the same will go for Manville at 149.....

 

[troyshultz1]

If that works out who knows I think cento is really hurting himself....fine for next year but what if nolf can't stay down after this year or next and needs to go 165....165 and up will not be cracked by cento as much as I like him....he really needed to try 157 for the longterm and the same will go for Manville at 149.....

 

[jschrantz]

If that works out who knows I think cento is really hurting himself....fine for next year but what if nolf can't stay down after this year or next and needs to go 165....165 and up will not be cracked by cento as much as I like him....he really needed to try 157 for the longterm and the same will go for Manville at 149.....

Its not like Cenzo couldnt drop back down one weight IF Nolf were to bump up next year. That's a big IF as well.

 

[crazytoadie]

If Nolf goes up then the spot is more clear for Manville as a RS freshman at 157. Rasheed, Hammond, Joseph already appear past 157 so Manville has an opening there.

Right now the logjam is at 165 because with Nolf and Nickel bookending that weight class it simply doesn't leave the middleweights with many options. However, if Nolf goes up then Rasheed, Morelli, Hammond, and Joseph likely are squeezed out unless Bo moves up, which doesn't make a lot of sense because then you squeeze McCutcheon who is better at his weight than Rasheed, Morelli, or Hammond would be at 174 and that is also assuming that Hall redshirts. There is no pressing reason to move Nolf, Nickal, or McCutcheon next year unless they have trouble making weight.

Joseph is the one who is limiting his chances via his weight. If Nolf goes up and Joseph cannot go down in weight, then there will be Nolf, Hall, Nickal at 165, 174, 184, which I cannot see him cracking until Nolf/Nickel or Cassar graduate (to allow another bump by Hall and Nickal).

 

[James P. Whitters III]

Is Joseph being sold a little short? 2 years from now he might be a guy that could give anybody in the country all they want at his chosen weight. Rasheed could also prove to be a big time hammer at 174 with some added muscle. PSU has had pretty good results with guys moving up in weight. Injuries,weight changes,different rates of development, and general burnout leave it very uncertain who will actually man each weight class. The only thing I can see is PSU will be very formidable from 149-184 for quite some time. It is also not a big deal for a kid to not start all 4 years for a contending team. I doubt these guys would have come here if they were intimidated by a challenge. I highly doubt Rasheed is at 165 next year because Cael has quite the track record of moving guys up who he believes struggle with the cut.

 

[CSauertiegPSU]

I'll put it this way, with Manville and Hall RSing (and maybe GSing), PSU will have 9 guys vying for 5 spots from 57-97 assuming no transfers. That said, I wouldn't be surprised to see someone like Beitz or Hammond transfer, think either could start a number of places, Beitz especially.

 

[dunkej01]

Like the identity of the sith lord our line up for....next season.....will be revealed in due time......but the color of the shirts may not be red for those whom you speak of

 

[nitlion6]

Is Joseph being sold a little short? 2 years from now he might be a guy that could give anybody in the country all they want at his chosen weight. Rasheed could also prove to be a big time hammer at 174 with some added muscle. PSU has had pretty good results with guys moving up in weight. Injuries,weight changes,different rates of development, and general burnout leave it very uncertain who will actually man each weight class. The only thing I can see is PSU will be very formidable from 149-184 for quite some time. It is also not a big deal for a kid to not start all 4 years for a contending team. I doubt these guys would have come here if they were intimidated by a challenge. I highly doubt Rasheed is at 165 next year because Cael has quite the track record of moving guys up who he believes struggle with the cut.

Jim, Joseph being able to beat anybody is not 2 years in the distance. It is much nearer.

 

[El-Jefe]

Like the identity of the sith lord our line up for....next season.....will be revealed in due time......but the color of the shirts may not be red for those whom you speak of

Won't be tan either. (Sorry, couldn't resist!)

 

[crazytoadie]

Jim, Joseph being able to beat anybody is not 2 years in the distance. It is much nearer.

The difficulty is that Nolf, Nickals, Retherford, and Hall can also beat anybody. Retherford has 149 locked down, Nolf will have either 157 or 165 locked down next year, Nickal will have 174 next year then possibly 184 or 197, and Hall will slide in at 174 in two years. So the open spot is at whatever weight Nolf doesn't choose. So Cenzo should prepare to be a 157er. if Nolf goes up, then Cenzo likely takes that spot although Beitz and Manville will contest. If Nolf stays down then Cenzo forgets cutting weight and takes on Rasheed, Morelli, and Hammonds for 165.

 

[CSauertiegPSU]

The difficulty is that Nolf, Nickals, Retherford, and Hall can also beat anybody. Retherford has 149 locked down, Nolf will have either 157 or 165 locked down next year, Nickal will have 174 next year then possibly 184 or 197, and Hall will slide in at 174 in two years. So the open spot is at whatever weight Nolf doesn't choose. So Cenzo should prepare to be a 157er. if Nolf goes up, then Cenzo likely takes that spot although Beitz and Manville will contest. If Nolf stays down then Cenzo forgets cutting weight and takes on Rasheed, Morelli, and Hammonds for 165.

The ship has sailed on Cenzo going 157, that's no longer an option from everything that's been going around

 

[clucas]

Cenzo has already missed weight twice this year at 157 and is currently wrestling opens at 165. What makes anyone think he can/will go back to 157 next year?