Wrestling VIDEO/UPDATES: Cael Sanderson/Greg Kerkvliet Media Availability
- Thread starter CSauertiegPSU
- Start date
Asked about the duals and the scuffle, Cael says he wasn't overly pleased about the scuffle results but he's happy about the experience his team got at both events.
"Drew's been in the area for probably over a month." - Cael on the process of adding Hildebrandt. Says he's a really hard worker and a good addition to the roster. Says they want to get him competing as quickly as possible.
Asked if we'll see Hildebrandt this weekend, Cael says they'd like to get him to that point but they're not quite there yet. Sounds like it may be a week or so wait until he hits the lineup.
On Facundo: Alex wasn't very pleased with how he competed. He was able to get to the legs without big setups or creating angles, so he's got to create better angles on his shots and work on finishing quickly because if you don't you allow guys to get their hips in and create scrambles. Says he's not worried about Facundo being able to finish long-term.
On the battle at 157, Cael says he thinks they have three guys with a lot of potential. Feels that Negron needs more experience, while Joe and Terrell "just kind of need to get out of their own way." Adds that they're leaning toward Negron and that he just needs more time to compete.
On avoiding COVID amid the recent surge, Cael says he tells guys to be smart and pay attention to the things they're reading about and hearing about, but ultimately it's up the athletes.
On performances at Collegiate Duals, Cael praises Cornell for having not only depth, but "some superstar kids." Added that against ASU the team sort of answered the call and put in a "complete effort" from the whole team, whether it was guys getting bonus points or avoiding being majored.
On mentality toward competing and attitude, Cael says he wants his guys to be grateful and maintain the same attitude whether they win or lose.
On how the transfer portal has affected wrestling: "The NCAA 100 percent leans toward the student athlete. Is that good or bad? I guess that depends whether you're the coaching staff or the student athlete."
Sort of shirks the question a bit beyond that, but notes that he's "old school" regarding commitments.
Sort of shirks the question a bit beyond that, but notes that he's "old school" regarding commitments.
On how he feels now compared to this time a year ago, Kerkvliet says he feels 100 percent better physically and from a mindset perspective. Adds that he's less focused on wins and losses and more on how he compete.
Kerkvliet says that he did break his nose against ASU, but that it's healing up well and that he's back on the mat.
Kerklviet adds that he didn't have all the information on why Schultz didn't wrestle at the duals and that he's sure they'll meet at some point down the line.
Also notes that he's enjoyed getting to know HIldebrandt in the last month or so and that he's been a good addition to the room.
Also notes that he's enjoyed getting to know HIldebrandt in the last month or so and that he's been a good addition to the room.
Cael doesn't want Hildebrandt in against Spence or Moran this weekend?? Jeez. Maybe Shunk is beating him in the room. 🤷♂️
My guess, and I emphasize it is only a guess, this is a competitve weekend where the kids have been grilled hard and will be again Saturday between matches and are expected to wrestle through fatigue and still achieve. Probably feels Hildebrandt isn't there yet and to have him compete beat down like that might expose him to injury.
Just a guess.
Would love to see Hildy get some easy early wins and start building a resume towards seeding. I bet we see him once this weekend.
There’s also just a good chance his descent plan won’t allow it.
I love Greg’s response on who some of his workout partners are and he casually mentions he rolls around with Jake, Cael, and Snyder. How many guys have 3 Olympic Gold medalists for training partners? Wow!
They way Cael talks about facundo didn't sound he 100% out of the picture.
I sort of got the sense that this year is already determined, but he’s certainly not down on him longterm. For my own ego, I appreciated that Cael echoed what I was seeing re: setups and getting to angles. Too many straight-on shots from space.
10: everyone on the PSU roster from 184-285. Maybe also Carter.
Plus the upperweight NLWC Resident Athletes.
Plus at least some of them train with a 4th Olympic gold medalist, David Taylor.
Attn: Jim Mullen ...
Alex I believe has still only let up 1 takedown in his 10 matches this year, 2nd period against Caleb Fish. I rewatched his match vs Hamiti from the summer. Alex got in on the legs 4 times, walked him out twice, finished one and almost got countered for a go behind the 4th. Hamiti got in on a very beautiful shot and in the words of @js8793 Facundo's ability to do the splits is VERY annoying for opponents. Wonder if he cross trains in yoga lol. Hamiti also got behind for what would have been a takedown in folk but Facundo's quad pod position was very strong.
His athleticism and flexibility is really something else. Ceiling is very high. Someone on 247 said his stance and level changes need a ton of work and that takes some time. The stuff he needs work on is what our staff thrives on teaching. He just isn't going to learn it all in a few months. But he strikes me as a great kid who is very coachable, he is going to be great long term.
His athleticism and flexibility is really something else. Ceiling is very high. Someone on 247 said his stance and level changes need a ton of work and that takes some time. The stuff he needs work on is what our staff thrives on teaching. He just isn't going to learn it all in a few months. But he strikes me as a great kid who is very coachable, he is going to be great long term.
Not all guesses are guesses.
Everyone knows January and early February are bitch fests around here for guys not "looking right".
Yes, what better training could there possibly be for any up and coming heavyweight aspiring to be world class?
There was your golden opportunity to ask if he was pissed — served up on a platter!
I thought that was Cael-speak for he was pissed.
Possible. Another guess is you might be in the know on that. However, I find it weird they wouldn't have planned that differently.
Hildebrandt certified fairly recently, at 133. If he weighed closer to 133, then the descent plan could take 4 weeks.
Maybe he's still fully hydrated from cert day.
I'm of the opinion we lack the vital information to judge the wisdom/timing of Drew hitting the mats for PSU. Holding yourself close to weight (if it is a tough cut) diminishes the body and mind. He isn't needed in these duals so all decisions are being based on what is best for Drew with no thought of team benefit would be my guess. Let him get his sea legs back in the room and bond with team members while adjusting to the weight. He is a very seasoned veteran who doesn't need the constant reps like a first or second year guy....or email Pyles and see if he has a better plan.
I believe that even if he weighed 126 at certification it would show as 133 because he falls in that weight class of 125.1-133.
Do you know how certification is conducted?
Virtually every wrestler is certified 1 weight heavy, many are 2 weights up, and even 3 weights happens occasionally.
I do not and that is why I asked.
So he could have weighed 125.1 and that is why he is certified at 133?
If so, it makes sense and he wouldn't have to wait long to make weight.
