College Wrestling
Broncs Take on #1 Penn State Sunday
STATE COLLEGE, PA-For the first time in its NCAA Division I history, a Rider University varsity team will take on the top ranked team in the nation.
The Rider wrestling team (10-6) travels to Happy Valley this Sunday to take on the top ranked Penn State Nittany Lions (11-1) in a dual meet beginning at 2pm.
"That's going to be a tough trip," said Rider head coach Gary Taylor, who has twice seen his team fall to PSU, 41-0 in 2007 and 38-3 in 2003. "We're excited, though. For Penn State to give us this opportunity and to gain some exposure for our program, I thank (head coach) Cale Sanderson and (associate head coach) Cody Sanderson for doing that."
The Nittany Lions have nine ranked wrestlers in their probable starting line-up, led by the #1 184 Ed Ruth (23-0), the #2 197 Quentin Wright (22-0), the #2 125 Nico Megaludis (19-2) and the #2 165 David Taylor (21-1).
The Broncs have the #20 165 in junior Ramon Santiago (Sayreville, N.J./Sayreville).
Other Broncs enjoying fine seasons this year include sophomore Jimmy Morris (Northport, NY/St. Anthony's) at 133, freshman Curt Delia (Mullica Hill, NJ/Delsea) at 149, senior Zac Cibula (Luxemburg, Wis./Luxemburg Casco) at 157, junior James Brundage (Ossining, N.Y./Ossining) at 174 and freshman Ryan Wolfe (New Castle, Del./Caravel) at 197.
Santiago is 26-6 overall, 14-2 in duals. Morris is 24-10 overall, 12-4 in duals. Delia is 18-9 overall, 10-6 in duals. Cibula is 21-7 overall, 9-2 in duals. Brundage is 17-9 overall, 11-5 in duals. Wolfe is 21-9 overall, 6-1 in duals.
"This will help our wrestlers," said Taylor, who now has 390 career wins, second most among all active Division I coaches. "Competing at this level in this environment can only help. It is a very special environment and will be sold out (in Rec Hall) and it will be lively."
Following the Penn State dual the Broncs return home for the last time this season, hosting Boston University in a Colonial Athletic Association dual meet Saturday, February 23, at 1pm. Prior to the BU dual graduating senior Zac Cibula will be honored.
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