I think Cael is a great coach doing great things, the real test will come when this class has graduated. Will he continue to win titles and maintain a top flight program? I would guess yes, I do think that as he loses the ISU/PSU double recruiting class that PSU will again appear mortal.

Yes I'm fairly certain that when Ruth, and Taylor graduate that there will be some drop off. I doubt that PSU will find another Ruth and Taylor to fill in their spots. Will they continue to be title contenders? I think so. Did Iowa find someone to fill Metcalf's shoes when he left? What about Cornell with Lewness and Nickerson? It's no slight on PSU to think that they won't be as dominant without two of the best (if not the two best) wrestlers in college right now.

Is Lehigh battling for the top spot now? I missed that one. Maybe they took ISU's place.

Originally Posted by zzyzx

Why wasn't Cael able to win at Iowa State but puts together back to back Titles at Penn State?

ISU has a greater tradition of top level wrestling than Penn State.

I am glad he is having success in PA but still can't figure out why he did not do so at ISU?

He didn't have a Molinari, a Ruth and a Wright to start with on day one.

I think at this point the double recruiting class phenomanan is a proven fact.

I remember when Brands went to Iowa he got soooo much flack for robbing the cupboard at Vtech.
The first year his recruits sat out and Iowa had an ok if not great showing at nationals. The following year Iowa wins its first of three consecutive titles

Cael goes to PSU, DT redshirts for the first year, then both him and Long step into the lineup the following year. What happens? PSU goes on to win two titles

I'm not saying this is "unfair" or "wrong" nor am I saying that these coaches couldn't win titles without the benefit of extra recruits. But looking at the evidence, I dont think there is any denying that it was a huge factor in the title runs that both Iowa and PSU have had lately.

Originally Posted by Snackem

I think Cael is a great coach doing great things, the real test will come when this class has graduated. Will he continue to win titles and maintain a top flight program? I would guess yes, I do think that as he loses the ISU/PSU double recruiting class that PSU will again appear mortal.

This year there was only DT from Iowa St. Next year we'll have DT and Brown. That's not really a double recruiting class (they weren't even in the same recruiting class). But DT does count for more than just his point totals. He really is a plus for the whole team attitude so his contribution is very big. He's not alone in his team role, but he is certainly a major factor. The talent will be there after our current sophomores graduate. Will they continue to have the same positive attitude/outlook? That remains to be seen. Other leaders will need to step up.

NOTE: Again I post before reading everyone else's before me. It all depends on how you mean "double recruting class" in terms of explaining PSU's rise. There are 5 guys that were connected with ISU that did come to PSU: Cyler Sanderson, Taylor, Macchioroli (sp?), Long and Brown. Of those, only Taylor & Macchiroli were transfer recruits that were headed to ISU--the other had already been there and transferred. Cyler only wrestled one year (when we finished 9th) and only replaced Bubba Jenkins which didn't really help the team. Macchioroli transferred to ASU and never wrestled for PSU's varsity. Long wrestled won year and DID make a critical contribution to the 1st NCAA title. I don't need to elaborate on the contribution DT has made! Brown's contribution remains to be seen, but it is expected to be significant. So far, we've gotten an inconsequential year out of Sanderson, 2 great years out of DT and 1 great year out of Long (and only 1 year). They sure helped, but they don't explain PSU's rise. I think the coaching style/philosphy of Cael & the coaching staff most explains it (along with the obvious recruiting capabilities).