University Park, Pa. — The preseason wrestling rankings continue to roll in and Penn State has received another lofty mention from the national media. TheOpenMat.com has tabbed head coach Cael Sanderson's crew No. 6 in its preseason team rankings. Five Penn State grapplers have also received preseason individual nods. The full release is available at www.theopenmat.com.
The Nittany Lions are one of four Big Ten teams in TOM's top ten and one of nine conference teams in the top 25. Minnesota (3), Iowa (5), Penn State (6), Wisconsin (7), Ohio State (11), Purdue (13), Northwestern (18), Illinois (19) and Michigan (20) represent the league on the list.
Two-time All-American Frank Molinaro (Barnegat, N.J.) is ranked No. 3 at 149 after taking fifth last year. Molinaro heads into his junior campaign with a 56-26 career record. All-American Quentin Wright (Wingate, N.J.) is ranked No. 5 at his new weight of 184 after taking sixth at 174 in 2009. Wright went 33-13 as a true freshman two years ago.
Two-time national qualifier Brad Pataky (Clearfield, Pa.) is ranked No. 8 at 125. He will carry a 74-29 career record into his senior campaign. Fellow qualifier Cameron Wade (Twinsburg, Ohio) is ranked No. 8 at heavyweight. Wade, now a junior, has a 37-25 career mark. Red-shirt freshman David Taylor (St. Paris, Ohio) is ranked No. 8 at 157 and is heading into his first season of varsity action.
Penn State will begin its season on Friday, Nov. 12, at Bloomsburg in a 7 p.m. dual. The Nittany Lions open up home action two days later on Sunday, Nov. 14, when rival Lehigh comes to Rec Hall for a 2 p.m. dual. Season tickets for the 2010-11 Penn State wrestling season are on sale now. This year's package features seven home duals (the Nittany Lion Open is not part of the package) and costs only $42 for adults and $28 for youth (18 and under). Fans can place new orders for season tickets by calling Joel Diamond at 814-867-2557. A $5 per order handling fee will be added to new season ticket holders. Single dual tickets will go on sale later this fall. The 2010-11 Penn State wrestling season is presented by the Family Clothesline.