How is Penn State wrestler Shane Van Ness' injury recovery going? Cael Sanderson offers an update
Penn State wrestling lost an All-American member of its starting lineup early in the 2023-2024 season when 149-pound starter Shayne Van Ness was announced as out for the year back in December due to a lower leg issue. Head coach Cael Sanderson previously said the wrestler and program waited until after the holidays for surgery to take place. Based on Van Ness’ appearance at matches earlier this month with his left leg in an immobilizer, it appears that the medical procedure has already taken place. He’s still a ways away from returning to the mat, of course. But, on Tuesday, Sanderson offered an update on ‘SVN’ before the Lions’ final dual meet of the season this Sunday against Edinboro (1 p.m. ET, BTN+).
“He’s doing really well,” Sanderson said. “He’s ahead of where he probably should be. You hate losing a guy like Shane. Obviously, the energy [he brings], and just you’re seeing where he was trending and how well he was competing. But it’s going to be nice for him to feel good, too. Because, he always kind of had that bum knee that was kind of an issue for him off and on. He’s ahead of schedule, and I’m looking forward to getting him healthy and back in here every day.”
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Van Ness beat three of the top five seeds at last year’s national tournament to finish third. He was the second-ranked wrestler in the country at 149 pounds before suffering the injury. Freshman Tyler Kasak replaced him in the lineup. So far, the new Penn State wrestler is 12-3 and ranked No. 9 in the country by InterMat. Both Kasak and fellow classmate Braeden Davis, who is the starter at 125 pounds, have hit some bumps in the road lately after winning often during the early part of the 2024 dual meet schedule. Both continue to compete hard, however, while winning more than they lose. Each will have a say in the All-American race in their respective weight classes at NCAAs in Kansas City next month.
“Every time you compete, especially against a top-notch opponent, you’re going to learn something,” Sanderson said when asked about the duo on Tuesday. “And there’s so much to learn. You got technique, you have preparation, you have mindset. So, yeah, I think they’re both learning. And getting that experience is sometimes expensive, as they say, and it hurts a little bit. But it’s also invaluable. So, you know, there are two guys that have the ability to be right in the mix when all is said and done.”
Watch all of Sanderson’s Tuesday media availability in the media player above.
