For the second consecutive season, Penn State wrestling will not participate in the National Duals Invitational.
The event, scheduled for Dec. 12-13 at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, features a $1.23 million prize pool and includes programs such as Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Iowa State, NC State, Minnesota, Rutgers and Pittsburgh among others. Ohio State captured the inaugural National Duals title last season.
As the defending NCAA team champion, Penn State had the opportunity to participate but again chose not to enter the field.
Head coach Cael Sanderson made it clear the Nittany Lions are simply not interested in the event’s current format or timing.
“Just not really interested,” Sanderson said. “We’re always going to do what’s in the best interests of our kids and our team.”
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Sanderson also reiterated his support for the current NCAA Championship format despite ongoing discussion around emphasizing dual meets in college wrestling.
While Penn State’s finals schedule did not conflict with the event this season, other factors likely contributed to the decision, including international competition schedules and the program’s preference for a lighter first-semester dual schedule.
Ultimately, Penn State’s stance on the National Duals appears unchanged entering another offseason.
