Penn State wrestling commit Nate Desmond talks picking the Lions, future weight, and more

Penn State wrestling further bolstered the future of its lightweight roster in late December when it added a commitment from Class of 2025 120-pound standout Nate Desmond. The two-time PIAA state champ at Bethlehem Catholic took his talents to prep school Wyoming Seminary as a junior. It means he won’t be a four-time state champ, which was likely. But, it does mean he’s furthering his academic and wrestling pursuits while also working with current and future teammate Joe Sealey, a Class of 2024 Nittany Lion commitment, under the direction of highly-respected head coach Cornell Robinson, who continues to send high-profile wrestlers out of his program.

[Coach Robinson] wants to win, but at the end of the day, he just cares about us growing as people, and I think that’s key,” Desmond told Blue-White Illustrated. “It’s not always about wrestling. That’s what we do. And, that’s what we’re good at. But, it’s more about how we represent the program as a whole and what we do off the map that really separates us.”

Desmond found something familiar, and ‘authentic’ at Penn State

Robinson’s approach is one that mimics the one taken by his future college head coach, Cael Sanderson. It’s one of the many reasons why Penn State won out over Minnesota, N.C. State, Cornell, Wisconsin, Ohio State after all four, in addition to the Lions, hosted the nation’s No. 3 120-pound wrestler, per Flo. He is considered a top-20 recruit in the Class of 2025.

“I see something different,” Desmond said. “I went to four other visits. And, it was very like, not one dimensional, but it was almost so structured that it made it feel like, not real. The visit also felt really built up when I was at other places. And, I felt like when I was at Penn State, it was just authentic. It was a normal day for those guys and I just happened to be there. And so it was kind of cool to be put in their environment and meet the people but not have to worry if there was like a front put up. I kind of felt like I saw what the program was really like and what the kids really were. I think that’s a difference-maker when it comes to making a decision like that.”

The Nittany Lions’ history played a role, too

It’s no secret that Penn State opens pathways to both individual and team success at the college level. It also helps wrestlers push for International success after their collegiate career ends. Both appealed to Desmond.

“I’ve always kind of been a Penn State guy in a way,” Desmond said. “My aunt went to Penn State, and I think she has some ties with the alumni or something like that. But it’s basically just where I saw as home. I went to all these different places. They were great schools. They had great people. But, it kind of just boiled down to, where do I feel like will get me to where I want to be, which is hopefully being Olympic champion or World champ?

“I have to make some pretty big jumps. And to do that, I feel like Penn State is a great place. I would say the reason I chose now to commit was, I kind of wanted to like weigh out all the options, and I took five visits. I wanted to get a chance to meet some new people understand what the other programs are about, but I’m glad I chose Penn State.”

More from new Nittany Lion Nate Desmond

Read more from Desmon’s Q&A with Blue-White Illustrated below.

On his 2023-2024 season to date, which includes multiple podium finishes at premiere high school tournaments

“I think just as a whole, my season has been more focused on growth rather than results as it was in the past,” Desmond said. “I’m enjoying having these new teammates and our coaches are just great. It’s really an environment for me to thrive as a wrestler and a person.”

On the weight class he could wrestle at for Penn State

“I don’t really see myself growing much more,” Desmond said. “My dad is 5-foot-7, and my mom’s 5-foot-2, so I can’t imagine I’ll be mucj bigger. I walk around the 120s. So it’s not like a super big deal if I would be 125 or 133. I think, ultimately, it’s up to Coach Cael, and whoever makes that final decision, I’ll do what’s best help the team.”

On the rest of his junior season at Wyoming Seminary Prep

“We’ll do prep nationals, prep states, and after this season, we have like world team trials and stuff like that,” Desmond said. “So that stuff’s always good to look forward to. But, I think it’s ultimately just about growing as a wrestler. So that’s what I’m going to prioritize and focus on more than anything.”

Final word from Penn State Class of 2025 commit Nate Desmond

Desmond, on a message he’d like to give to those who helped him reach this point and Penn State fans:

“I’d like to thank all the people who helped me, like my coaches and my family. I’m excited to be a Nittany Lion. So we’ll see what the future holds and where I go from here.”