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Penn State wrestling honored at State Capitol

Cael Sanderson and members of the Penn State wrestling program were under the Capitol dome Wednesday, receiving recognition from state legislators for their recent title.

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Penn State wrestling, Cael Sanderson
Mar 23, 2024; Kansas City, MO, USA; The Penn State Nittany Lions pose with the trophy after winning the NCAA Wrestling Title at the T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Several members of the Penn State wrestling program were under the State Capitol dome on Wednesday to be honored for another championship season. Cael Sanderson and other notable Nittany Lions made the trip to Harrisburg to be honored by the Pennsylvania State Senate for the team’s record-setting 2024 NCAA Championship.

Penn State wrestling honored at State Capitol

Cael Sanderson and the Nittany Lions have dominated the college wrestling world since 2011. Last season, Penn State wrestling put together a record-breaking NCAA Championships, scoring 172.5 points and blowing out the competition with a winning margin of 100 points. It was the 11th National Championship in the past 13 seasons and 12th in program history.

On Wednesday, Sanderson and several Penn State wrestlers traveled to Harrisburg to celebrate their most recent title. The Penn State wrestling social media account posted a photo that included Shayne Van Ness, Bernie Truax, Mitchell Mesenbrink, Matt Lee, and Braeden Davis from the Pennsylvania Senate Floor.

“Grateful to be welcomed onto the Pennsylvania Senate Floor today in recognition of winning the 2024 NCAA Championship!” the post said. “Thank you for having us!”

“It was great to have you and Coach Sanderson at the Capitol today! Keep up the great work making PA Proud!” State Senator Scott Martin (Berks, Lancaster) posted in response to the five Nittany Lion wrestlers.

“Coach Sanderson is a living legend in the wrestling community,” said State Senator Cris Dush, who represents most of Centre County, in his introduction of the Nittany Lions during Wednesday’s Senate session. “What he’s brought to this team is to be greatly commended.”

Cael Sanderson chasing a third four-peat

Cael Sanderson and Penn State wrestling will be looking to win four consecutive National Championships for the third time since the head coach took over before the 2009-10 season. The Nittany Lions are already massive favorites heading into 2024-25, returning three individual National Champions, two National Runner-Ups, and two more All-Americans.

That also doesn’t include the No. 1 recruiting class for 2024 that will arrive on campus in the fall. The class not only features No. 1 overall recruit Luke Lilledahl, but also four of the top seven recruits in the country.

The dynasty keeps on rolling for Cael Sanderson in Happy Valley. More than likely, a return trip to Harrisburg will be in the works before too long.



Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation! Please follow us on all of our social channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube) and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. 

Former contributor at Nittany Central, Patrick joined Basic Blues Nation in 2023 as the Social Media Director, Penn State Wrestling beat writer, and producer of the Penn State Roar Room spaces. Patrick is also a contributor of Penn State football, basketball, and ice hockey news for the site.

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