More than 500 fans poured into Rec Hall Monday (April 20) as national wrestling legend Cael Sanderson was introduced as Penn State's new head wrestling coach. Sanderson met a strong contingent of media as well at the introductory event that included a formal press conference.
The 29-year old Sanderson comes to Penn State after three successful years as the head coach at his alma mater. Sanderson's teams did not finish any lower than fifth at the NCAA Championships and never had a wrestler not qualify for nationals, getting 30 of 30 grapplers through to the championship tournament.
As a wrestler, Sanderson established himself as the most dominant collegiate competitor in NCAA history. In four years, Sanderson never lost. From 1999-2002, Sanderson posted a 159-0 career record (going 39-0, 40-0, 40-0 and 40-0); won four individual National Championships; won four Most Outstanding Wrestler awards at the NCAA Championships (the only wrestler in NCAA history to do so); became the first freshman in NCAA history to win the O.W. honor and won three Dan Hodge Trophies as the nation's best collegiate wrestler (also a collegiate first). He followed up his collegiate career with an Olympic Gold Medal in 2004.
The well attended press conference, which was streamed live on www.GoPSUsports.com, concluded with a social on the Rec Hall floor as the Penn State faithful stayed to meet the new Nittany Lion boss. Sanderson stayed throughout the reception to meet the fans, sign autographs and pose for photographs.
Penn State Wrestling season tickets for the 2009-10 season can be reserved now. To make a $20 deposit on the best Rec Hall locations, fans should call 1-800-NITTANY between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. Current wrestling season ticket holders do not need to make a new deposit and will simply go through the coming renewal process. Penn State wrestling season tickets are all reserved locations in Rec Hall. The exact seat assignments for new commitments will not be available until the renewal cycle is complete, but new season ticket commitments made now will be assigned locations based on Nittany Lion Club point totals and the time/date the deposit was received by Penn State Athletics. Season ticket pricing for the 2009-10 season will be finalized and announced by July 1, 2009.