Penn State wrestling pod: Lions have an assistant coaching void to fill; World Olympic Games qualifier recap
Penn State wrestling is grinding through the second month of the collegiate offseason. Usually, this time of year would be slow with minimal news to discuss. However, this May, the headlines continue to come hot and heavy around Cael Sanderson’s program. You’re in luck, though: The Blue-White Illustrated wrestling show and podcast is back with a fresh episode to get you caught up on the latest information.
Host Thomas Frank Carr and reporter Greg Pickel start the show with a recap of Zain Retherford’s terrific triumph at the World Olympic Games qualifier last weekend. The Penn State product punched his ticket to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France by winning four matches in repechage, or the consolation bracket, at 65 kilograms, to finish third and qualify the U.S. and himself for the summer games in that weight class. He beat Sujeet Sujeet of India in the bronze medal match to do so.
“Retherford was relentless with his forward pressure throughout the match,” USA Wrestling wrote in a recap. “Midway through the first period, Retherford got in deep on a low single, was driving through Sujeet for the finish, but was countered for two. Heading into the second period trailing, 2-0, Retherford’s pace paid off. He capitalized on an errant shot attempt by Sujeet for a go-behind takedown, taking the lead on criteria, 2-2. His defense held firm for the rest of the match, cementing the win and his place in the bronze medal Olympic playoff match.
Retherford is one of four Nittany Lion Wrestling Club members and six U.S. Team members total going to the summer games. The full list includes:
57 kilograms: Spencer Lee
65 kilograms: Zain Retherford (NLWC)
74 kilograms: Kyle Dake (NLWC)
86 kilograms: Aaron Brooks (NLWC)
97 kilograms: Kyle Snyder (NLWC)
125 pounds: Mason Parris
More: Penn State wrestling needs a new assistant coach; who might some candidates be?: Hot board
From there, Carr and Pickel discuss Greg Kerkvliet’s return to the Penn State program for the 2024-2025 season. What does it mean that he, Carter Starocci, and Beau Bartlett are all coming back? After that conversation, the pair dive into the reaction from David Taylor’s introductory news conference at Oklahoma State. And, the two break down what the Nittany Lions might be looking for to replace assistant coach Jimmy Kennedy, who is going to Stillwater with Taylor.
This week’s episode wraps up with an early look at the 2024-2025 Penn State wrestling lineup at 125 pounds. Who could man the spot this year? The duo break it down.
You can watch this week’s show in video player above and also on YouTube. Or, you can listen at your favorite destinations for audio like SPOTIFY and APPLE.
