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Penn State

Cael Sanderson reflects on latest Penn State wrestling national title, 10 All-Americans

IMG_6598by:Nick Kosko•03/23/25•

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Cael Sanderson and Penn State made even more history in Philadelphia, if that were even possible. They became the second Division I wrestling team to ever have 10 All-Americans in a single tournament after the 2001 Minnesota Gophers.

The 2025 national champs also had two individual champions, newly crowned five-time champion Carter Starocci (184) and Mitchell Mesenbrink (165). Could the night get any better? Maybe if all 10 of those guys won titles of course.

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But Sanderson was stoic following the tournament. As he and his wrestlers say, nothing changes and it’s all about building to what’s next and something bigger.

“Yeah, it’s been a great year,” Sanderson said. “Just a lot of fun people to work with. Obviously the team, our staff, just from top to bottom. I mean, we’re just constantly kind of thinking ahead and just everything’s preparation for the next thing. So we don’t really kind of stop and reflect a whole lot. Obviously we’re learning as we go and we’ll continue to do that. That’s the name of the game.”

Penn State lost four-time champion Aaron Brooks to graduation and Sanderson’s team was arguably better this year. With some new faces like Luke Lilledahl (125) and Josh Barr (197), Sanderson and crew hit a new gear.

“But, yeah, this was a really fun year with some new faces, like a Luke Lilledahl and a freshman, Barr. And then you’ve got a guy like Carter, who wins his fifth national title,” Sanderson said. “All the way up and down the lineup everyone gave a great effort. And it was a lot of fun.

“Obviously our coaching staff, Coach Cody and Coach Casey, and Nick Lee was a great addition this year. With Cody and Casey, I just try to stay out of their way and let them do their thing. They’re the best coaches in the world. It’s been a lot of fun to work with them.”

Penn State dominated in the team score again with 177 points. Second place Nebraska had 117 while third and fourth place Oklahoma State and Iowa had 102.5 and 81, respectively.