Troy Sunderland resigns amid middling mediocrity
Troy Sunderland decides to resign after a disappointing wresting season after 11 seasons at the helm of Nittany Lion’s wrestling. This doesn’t come as a shock as speculation had already been swirling about his job security following a disastrous 7th place finish in the Big Ten tournament held at the Bryce Jordan Center.
Even with the numerous wrestling powerhouses that call the Big Ten home, 7th for Penn State, the first university outside the Midwest to win a wrestling championship, is simply unacceptable.
Sunderland’s 115-90-2 career in Happy Valley just did not cut it for a program that was more used to being on top of collegiate wrestling than on the bottom. Especially when Sunderland was hired in 1998 to suceed John Fritz, the fourth winningest coach in Penn State wrestling history. In 6 seasons, Fritz compiled a 87-33-2 record as opposed to Sunderland’s 115-90-2 in 11 seasons.
Although Sunderland has maintained the Penn State wrestling program at a high level, finishing 3rd in the NCAA’s as recently as last year, he was always just short of the national title fans are still craving despite an abundance of talent.
We wish Troy Sunderland the best of luck in his future coaching gigs. He will have no problem getting hired elsewhere with his consistant record of success. Let’s just hope we are able to bring someone at least equal to if not better than the man who served the Nittany Lion wrestling program for 11 seasons with such dedication.
Releated Posts:
- Success with Honor: Jeff Tambroni named next LAX head coach
- Farewell to Penn State Women’s LAX coach
Best wishes for his new career he deserve that position and he is the best coach ever.