Cael Sanderson: Penn State wrestling stars to return following health issues

Penn State wrestling is well on its way to winning a third consecutive national championship, starting off the dual season 6-0 with very few hiccups along the way. Last weekend, the Nittany Lions traveled up north for two runaway wins over Michigan and Michigan State, despite missing key wrestlers Carter Starocci, Tyler Kasak, and Greg Kerkvliet to what was only described as “health complications” at the time. This week, head coach Cael Sanderson shed some light on why this trio of Nittany Lions missed time, and when we should expect to see them back on the mat.

Cael Sanderson eyeing key Penn State wrestlers to return this weekend

Last weekend, multiple Penn State wrestling starters were listed as out due to an unknown illness. Both Carter Starocci and Tyler Kasak missed the Michigan and Michigan State duals on Friday and Sunday. Starocci described his situation as a minor “health complication” when speaking with the media following the Michigan dual on Friday.

Then, after rolling to an 8-3 win over the Wolverines’ Lucas Davison Friday, Penn State heavyweight Greg Kerkvliet was scratched from the lineup against the Spartans on Sunday.

Any concerns that these health issues would linger to Sunday’s dual at Maryland were quickly squashed by Cael Sanderson this week. “They just had one of those sicknesses they’ve been going through where it just kind of knocks you out for a few days, and then you’re good to go again,” Sanderson said when asked if Starocci, Kasak, and Kerkvliet would be ready to go this weekend.

So as of now, it seems like all three wrestlers are looking to make a return to the mat this weekend in College Park. Neither Carter Starocci, Tyler Kasak, nor Greg Kerkvliet were featured in the first edition of the Coaches’ Rankings this week, as they hadn’t met the minimum required eight matches to be ranked. That most likely won’t change this week, regardless of whether they wrestle or not, as the votes are usually tabulated before the weekend results.

Nittany Lions look to keep the momentum going against Maryland

No. 12 Tyler Kasak is projected to take on No. 14 Ethan Miller at 149 in what should be another good test for the true freshman. No. 1 Carter Starocci will face unranked Dominic Sollis. No. 1 Greg Kerkvliet will take on a familiar face, former Penn State wrestling heavyweight No. 25 Seth Nevills.

Sunday’s dual will take place at noon Eastern time on the Big Ten Network.

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