Since his appointment as head coach of Penn State University’s men’s wrestling program, Cael Sanderson has epitomized legend. Under his leadership, the team has secured over 11 NCAA victories, establishing a dynasty. Recently, Pennsylvania embraced a significant transformation by sanctioning girls’ wrestling in 2023, sparking immense potential for female athletes. 

With this newfound opportunity, Penn State swiftly capitalized, guided by Sanderson’s expertise. He not only nurtured the inaugural Lionesses but also mentored Tyshawn White, the newly appointed coach for the Altoona campus. Together, they’ve cultivated success, marking a remarkable journey from speculation to dominance in just one year.

In a recent post on Twitter, @MrPattMineo The Friendly Founder of The Wrestling Room shared the happy news of Penn State winning the national duals. They captioned it, “#PA Girls win Junior, 16U & 14U National Duals” In the picture, the 14 and under, and 16 and under teams are seen showing off the trophy plaques, wearing medals, and holding USA wrestling slogans.

Some wrestling fans have expressed disappointment over Penn State University not solidifying its position at the center of the sports world, considering the rapid growth of wrestling in the USA. However, the recent sanctioning of women’s wrestling in Pennsylvania last year is sure to satisfy these fans.

Cael Sanderson led Penn State to a 13-6-1 dual meet record, much improved over the prior year’s 8-12-2 mark. But for a long time the lack of a women’s program led to some frustration before it was launched in 2023. This year, at the 16U event, they claimed the women’s freestyle title against Missouri Blue 38-31. This category is newly introduced in Westfield. PA has 2 individual champions; Emma Bacon in the 112 lbs and Sierra Chiesa in the 117 lbs. They will represent the USA in the USA 17U Championship. As well as 7 All-American titles. They were the defending champions in the 14U Greco-Roman style. 

Penn State’s history with women’s wrestling 

In 2023, the Altoona campus of Pennsylvania State University announced the addition of women’s and men’s wrestling programs for the NCAA Division III varsity sports. They were set to start competing in intercollegiate leagues starting in the 2024-25 academic year. Before this, all the wrestling history and legacy associated with Penn State was made by men. As back as the 1900s, college wrestling began at Penn State. Intraclass dual matches came in 1902 and a wrestling club was formed in 1908. But it took more than a century for them to incorporate a women’s program. 

In the national duals, during the men’s freestyle event Pennsylvania topped the Pool B category, leaving behind Oklahoma blue 45-23. Whereas Nebraska came in third place beating Ohio 41-22. There were a record 749 participants present at the National Duals. So both the men’s and women’s programs from Penn State are aiming for absolute domination in the sport. Now that the women’s team can claim to be trying to be just as good as their male counterpart, Penn State University can be really proud of its decision to open the new program.