Sanderson: Nick Lee has ‘huge heart,’ brings everything to the table for Penn State

Few in the Penn State wrestling program have experienced more success on the mat than Nick Lee. Now, the Nittany Lion great is seeing the other side of the mat, heading into his first postseason as a member of the Penn State coaching staff.

From the outside, it may be difficult to imagine how any change could have a notable positive impact on a staff that has dominated the wrestling world for the better part of two decades. However, inside the Lorenzo Wrestling Complex, Lee’s influence can be felt throughout the Penn State wrestling program.

“Coach Lee – he’s been a great addition,” Cael Sanderson said on Monday. “I mean, he’s got a huge heart. Like he really cares about the kids. He’s here for the kids, and they know that, and they can see that, right? You can’t fake that. And he’s made our staff better just in that he just challenges what we’re doing.

“I couldn’t be happier with the effort that he’s put in and the mentality and him just helping the program kind of take a step forward. So, we’re blessed to have him, and everything’s worked out really well.”

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Joining the staff last May, Lee made a quick transition to the coaching world after finishing his Penn State wrestling career in 2022. Still bringing the same fire into the room that helped him become the school’s first five-time All-American, Lee’s passion will be critical as the Nittany Lions look to capture a third consecutive conference title and a fourth straight National Championship this month.

“Coach Lee has had a lot to do with everything. I mean, he’s just a good positive guy,” Sanderson continued. “He’s a team guy. He’s a family guy. He loves the program. He’s a competitor. He’s obviously a student of the game, so he’s one of the best wrestlers in the world, right?

“So he brings everything to the table; there isn’t something that he’s lacking as a coach. He’s a great role model for these guys. He’s a big moment guy as a competitor in the past. I mean, everything that he’s done and everything that he’s doing, it’s been excellent.”

Penn State wrestling travels to Evanston, Illinois, for the Big Ten Championships on Saturday and Sunday. The Nittany Lions will then make the short trip to Philadelphia for the NCAA Championships at the Wells Fargo Center beginning on March 20.

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