What’s the latest on Penn State wrestlers Tyler Kasak and Greg Kerkvliet after missing last weekend?
Penn State wrestling coach Cael Sanderson has offered the latest updates on starters Tyler Kasak and Greg Kerkvliet after both missed last weekend’s Big Ten double dual weekend. The former, a 157-pound sophomore, was out after being forced to injury default and enter the concussion protocol on Feb. 9 against Maryland. The latter, who is the defending NCAA champ at 285 pounds, was out with an illness, according to the Penn State Sports Network. What’s the word on both ahead of Friday’s regular season finale with American?
First, on Kerkvliet, Sanderson confirmed that he was sick, which is why he did not make the trip.
“Greg was sick last weekend, and so he didn’t make the trip,” Sanderson said. “And today [Tue., Feb. 18], we got some sickness going on. So I think it’s just like the general population, same thing going on with our team.”
As for Kasak, he continues to recover well, according to his head coach. Whether or not he will be back on the mat on Friday night, though, is unclear.
“He’s doing really well,” Sanderson said. “Doing really well. He’s, a tough kid. Kind of a physical specimen. I think he’s bouncing back. Yeah, I mean, we’re trying to hold him back.”
Two freshmen filled in for the two absent starters last weekend. Joe Sealey made his dual debut at 157 and Cole Mirasola did the same at heavyweight. Both went 0-2 but competed well.
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More updates from Penn State coach Cael Sanderson
Penn State won not only its 70th consecutive dual meet last weekend but also its 11th Big Ten regular season title and fifth in a row. It’s never the team’s primary focus. But, it’s been a common occurrence en route to a big postseason.
“We love dual meets, and want to compete well as a team,” Sanderson said. “That’s kind of really what it’s all about. And I think, yes, if we put the team first, individual success will come as well. So, we really value doing well in those big dual meets. Obviously, especially in the conference. Those are a big deal to us. So, we’re happy. We’re excited.”
Watch Penn State coach Cael Sanderson’s full news conference on the BWI YouTube channel here. You can also watch it below:
Looking ahead to Friday, which is Senior Night at Rec Hall, it’s also worth reiterating Sanderson’s point about some team members being sick this week. That may cause some more lineup changes for the final dual meet of the regular season.
