Penn State, ranked No. 9 in the latest USA Today/NWCA Coaches Poll, recently drew 2,974 for its Jan. 27 dual vs. Michigan State and then had a standing-room only crowd of 5,419 for its home final vs. Minnesota on Jan. 29. Overall, 16,544 fans attended six home events: The Pennsylvania Dual Championships (1,802), Wisconsin (1,752), Michigan (2,364), Cornell (2,233), Michigan State (2,974) and Minnesota (5,419) for an average of 2,757 per event. The average is an increase over last season of nearly 20 percent and jumps to 2,948 per event if the limited seating Pennsylvania Duals event is removed.
"We really want to thank the fans for continuing to turn out to support the team," Sunderland said. "As we continue to get better and better, we hope the fans appreciated the effort the guys put forth in order to perform well in the big matches like we've had in Rec Hall this year."
Penn State's season average is the highest for Nittany Lion wrestling since the team averaged 3,572 per event in 1998-99. This year's outstanding mark will certainly keep Penn State among the top wrestling draws in the nation. Last season, Penn State averaged 2,209 fans per contest (more than 500 less per event than this year) and the Nittany Lions were fourth in the country behind Iowa (5,073), Oklahoma State (4,542) and Lehigh (2,488).
"I think with a home crowd and a great atmosphere like we have in Rec Hall, it helps motivate the guys and helps them reach the next level," Sunderland said. "Our fans have shown over the history of this program that they know and love the sport. They've played an important part in the success and tradition of Penn State wrestling."
A crowd of 5,419 fans filled Rec Hall for the Sunday dual vs. Minnesota, the largest single match figure since 6,402 saw Penn State battle Iowa in Rec Hall in 1999. "Going out in that kind of atmosphere, with 5,500 people against the top team in the country, is what we talk to recruits about," Sunderland said. "Wrestling is important here and our fans appreciate not just a good team, but a team that goes out and puts forth maximum effort."
No. Penn State, 9-3 overall, will visit No. 7 Iowa on Friday night for an 8 p.m. dual and then trek to Iowa State for a 1 p.m. dual on Sunday. Both matches can be heard live locally on WBLF 970 AM and will be streamed live at GoPSUsports.com.
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