Seeing Nick Lee Return, Penn State Wrestling’s In-State Rivals Bring Back Team’s Former Captain to Lead

Penn State is often considered the best wrestling program in the country right now. Under Cael Sanderson’s able leadership, the collegiate behemoth has won 13 NCAA team titles since 2009. However, their competitive mentality can sometimes even spill over to their rivals, who also look up to the NLWC as an inspiration to get better. And now, it looks like Pennsylvania’s in-state rivalry is about to get more thrilling as the University of Pennsylvania just dropped some massive news.

The country’s collegiate wrestling scene is undergoing massive changes right now. With David Taylor and Jimmy Kennedy’s move to OSU, Penn State also announced the 2023 US National Championships gold medalist Nick Lee as their new assistant coach. However, it looks like Penn State’s arch-rivals aren’t leaving any stone unturned in their quest for dominance either.

A recent post on X by the official University of Pennsylvania wrestling program announced that former team captain and 2023 NCAA qualifier Doug Zapf will be returning to the campus as the new assistant coach. “𝙃𝙚’𝙨 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠“, reads the caption of the post, as it goes on to elaborate, “We are excited to announce @doug_zapf6 ‘23 is coming back to Penn as an assistant coach! “.

Head coach Roger Reina made the announcement of Zapf’s new role with the Quackers on Wednesday. The 2023 graduate boasts 84 wins over his opponents during his tenure as a wrestler draped in the iconic red and blue uniform. “Doug has proven himself at all levels of competition and with impressive leadership as a multi-year team captain at Penn. His loyalty, work ethic, and dedication are second to none and serve as a shining example to everyone involved with our program,” noted a thrilled Reina when talking about Doug’s accolades.

While Nick Lee previously stated that David Taylor’s decision reached him much later, the two-time NCAA champ probably wouldn’t be so ignorant in keeping track of what Penn State’s biggest rivals are up to. Moreover, considering how competition is shaping up ahead of the new season, Zapf will have to touch the ground running.

Penn State won’t give anyone a free hand, neither will Iowa

Doug’s biggest challenge would undoubtedly be Cael Sanderson & Co. with their impeccable prowess on the mat. The reigning NCAA champs have signed a number of stupendous talent with hopes of successfully defending the national honor in the 2024-25 season. Among the new joiners, the 2021 Cadet Freestyle World Team team member Luke Lilledahl,  #6 in the class of 2024 and 2022 U17 world champ Joe Sealey, and U17 world medalist Zach Ryder are sure to add more depth to Penn State’s attacking capabilities.

On the other hand, the Iowa Hawkeyes are also shaping up to be a formidable force ahead of the new NCAA season. After months of deliberation, AJ Ferrari has finally been announced to take up the black and golden stripes, making things difficult for his opponents. Now, with the final touches being in motion, it waits to be seen if Doug Zapf has what it takes to make sure his alma mater can do better this time around.