Nittany Lion wrestlers move to No. 11 in USA Today/NWCA Coaches Poll

Photo: GoPSUsports.com

University Park, Pa. — Six members of the Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team continue to hold rankings in the latest individual rankings released by Intermat and viewable at www.intermatwrestle.com. Head coach Cael Sanderson's squad is ranked No. 11 as a team in the latest NWCA/USA Today Coaches Poll.

Penn State's three All-Americans all retain their top eight rankings. Sophomore Frank Molinaro (Barnegat, N.J.) moved up a spot to No. 4 at 149 after his win over then second-ranked Kyle Ruschell of Wisconsin on Sunday. Molinaro sports a 23-3 record. Senior Cyler Sanderson (Heber City, Utah) stands at No. 7 at 157 and sports a 22-3 overall record while classmate Dan Vallimont (Lake Hopatcong, N.J.) moved up a spot to No. 7 at 165 and is 19-6 overall.

Three other Nittany Lions are all ranked in the top 12, led by sophomore Cameron Wade (Twinsburg, Ohio), who sports a 15-6 overall record and is No. 11 at heavyweight. Senior David Erwin (Urbana, Ohio) went 2-0 last weekend with wins over two ranked foes and has moved up to No. 11 at 184. He is 22-6 overall. Junior Brad Pataky (Clearfield, Pa.) is 20-6 overall and ranked No. 13 at 125.

Penn State, which moved up two spots in this week's poll, is one of eight Big Ten teams listed among the top 25. Iowa (1), Ohio State (3), Minnesota (5), Penn State (11), Wisconsin (13), Indiana (14), Illinois (21) and Purdue (24) are all ranked.

The Nittany Lions are now 10-5-1 on the year, 2-2 in Big Ten action. Penn State continues Big Ten action this weekend, welcoming Northwestern to Rec Hall for a dual on Friday night at 7 p.m.

Michigan then visits the Lions on Sunday for a 1 p.m. contest. Single event tickets will cost $8 for adults and $6 for youth. Group sales are available once again for groups of 15 people or more. Group prices are $4 in advance and $5 walk-up. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 1.800.NITTANY between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays.