Penn State coach Cael Sanderson was jokingโ probablyโ when he said he โblamed Fortniteโ for an increase in trash talk throughout college wrestling.
But he wasnโt joking when he said he doesnโt worry too much about it.
Sanderson understands that every wrestler does their own thing.
For instance, Greg Kerkvliet doesnโt say much and wonโt be one to motivate his opponents through words in a press conference.
Carter Starocci is the exact opposite of that.
But both styles have worked. Kerkvliet is the reigning heavyweight champ and Starocci is one of seven men in history to win four national titles (heโs a good bet to be the first to win five).
History in Kansas City: Penn State Wrestling Legends win 4th National Titles
But generally speaking, Sanderson doesnโt feel smack talk is something Penn State has spent a lot of time fretting over.
WHAT CAEL SAID
Photo by Penn State Wrestling: Cael Sanderson
โWe donโt worry about that kind of stuff. Itโs just part of sports. When youโre a little kid and youโre warming up and the kid across the mat is starting at you, trying to intimidate you. I think thatโs just a part of sports. I think everyone is kind of used to it and everybodyโs just trying to do their own thing. We just try to do our thing when the whistle blows. But itโs not something that we really think too much about or worry too much about. Weโre going to bring our best effort regardless.โ
So what does Sanderson (jokingly) blame Fortnite?
โThatโs just because, when people shoot me, they talk trash and dance,โ he said. โBut I think itโs all part of the game and just another aspect. We can engage in it, or not. It doesnโt really matter. Itโs up to you (the wrestler)โฆ for us, we deal with wrestling and competing. The bigger the match, the better weโre going to be.โ
SMACK TALK FROM THE OTHER SIDE
Photo by Iowa Athletics: Gabe Arnold
After Iowa beat Ohio State Saturday, 184-pounder Gabe Arnold spoke his mind, virtually guaranteeing a win.
โWe have Penn State next week, and we didnโt get the job done last year and that kind of sucks. But weโre going to get it done this year. This time, weโll be in your home dojo, and I promise, your head is mine. *Slaps table โbook it.โ
โYour Head is Mineโ: Iowa Wrestling Star Promises Win Over Penn State
No. 1 Penn State takes on No. 2 Iowa at 7 Friday ย at the Bryce Jordan Center. The match can be seen on the Big Ten Network.
