Penn State wrestling roster updates; a favorite to start at 125, and more: Notebook
STATE COLLEGE — Penn State opens its 2022-2023 wrestling season on Friday night when Lock Haven invades Rec Hall to kickoff the year. The Nittany Lions are again favorites to win the national title and return four champions from last season.
Head coach Cael Sanderson met with reporters on Monday for team media day as the program starts its latest national title defense quest.
“Overall, it’s been a successful year, but we’re looking ahead,” Sanderson said.
Here’s what we learned at the event
Latest Penn State roster updates
Penn State appeared set to bring Ohio State transfer Alex Betancourt on board after he committed to the Lions via social media earlier this year. However, the Pa., native is no longer with the program, Sanderson said Monday. Betancourt was expected to factor into the equation at 125 pounds. Now, not only is he not available there, but neither is Robbie Howard. After missing all of last season due to a shoulder injury, Sanderson said that Howard likely will not wrestle this winter. That means there is a new favorite to win the 125-pound job.
Who is the favorite to start at 125 pounds?
It’s Gary Steen. The redshirt junior from Hermitage, Pa., has taken big strides since arriving on campus, Sanderson said. That, combined with the moving pieces on the roster, have him in line to start this fall at a weight class Penn State must be better at this season.
“I’ve improved pretty much everywhere, learning from top to bottom from all the guys in there. I work the best every day I got,” Steen said. “Just always coming in here every day, and just having a purpose and getting better at any position in every position.
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“My goal is to be an All-American and national champion.
Penn State still working on a plan for Levi Haines
Penn State welcomes star-studded middle weight Levi Haines into its room this season. Some think he could be the answer right away at 157 pounds. However, Sanderson shouted out returner Terrell Barraclough as someone who has had a strong offseason. It sounds like he will be the starter at that weight class, at least initially. Remember that freshmen can now wrestle into up to five matches before losing a year of eligibility. So, the Lions have some time before they must make a decision with Haines. But, expect to see him at some open tournaments soon.
Odds and ends
–Shayne Van Ness is ready to take over at 149 pounds. He’s healthy and happy after an injury-riddled first year at Penn State. Alex Fauncdo, then, is ready to take the mat at 165 pounds after wrestling in open tournaments only last year. Both are expected to make a quick impact on the scoring sheet for Sanderson’s side.
–Beau Bartlett sounds more comfortable and very confident now that he’s at 141 pounds instead of 149. He, too, is likely to take a step forward this season after an up-and-down one a year ago at a weight that is bigger than he truly wants to be.
–The wrestlers are definitely excited for two Penn State matches at the Bryce Jordan Center this fall.
