Penn State coach Cael Sanderson was joking— probably— when he said he “blamed Fortnite” for an increase in trash talk throughout college wrestling.
But he wasn’t joking when he said he doesn’t worry too much about it.
Sanderson understands that every wrestler does their own thing.
For instance, Greg Kerkvliet doesn’t say much and won’t 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 (he’s 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 doesn’t 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
“We don’t worry about that kind of stuff. It’s just part of sports. When you’re a little kid and you’re warming up and the kid across the mat is starting at you, trying to intimidate you. I think that’s just a part of sports. I think everyone is kind of used to it and everybody’s just trying to do their own thing. We just try to do our thing when the whistle blows. But it’s not something that we really think too much about or worry too much about. We’re going to bring our best effort regardless.”
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.So what does Sanderson (jokingly) blame Fortnite?
“That’s just because, when people shoot me, they talk trash and dance,” he said. “But I think it’s all part of the game and just another aspect. We can engage in it, or not. It doesn’t really matter. It’s up to you (the wrestler)… for us, we deal with wrestling and competing. The bigger the match, the better we’re going to be.”
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.
“We have Penn State next week, and we didn’t get the job done last year and that kind of sucks. But we’re going to get it done this year. This time, we’ll be in your home dojo, and I promise, your head is mine. *Slaps table “book it.”
‘Your Head is Mine’: Iowa Wrestling Star Promises Win Over Penn State
No. 1 Penn State takes on No. 2 Iowa at 7 Friday at the Bryce Jordan Center. The match can be seen on the Big Ten Network.
