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Real American Freestyle wrestling will hold RAF 02 at Penn State's Rec Hall

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 4th 2025 at 17:59 GMT by WTAE-TV
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Penn State’s “Real American Freestyle” Program: A Look at the Rise of U.S. Wrestling

Penn State University’s wrestling program is a staple of college athletics, but its influence stretches far beyond the campus. In a recent feature on WTAE-TV (Fox 4), the station highlighted the university’s “Real American Freestyle” initiative—a program that has become a springboard for American wrestlers aspiring to compete on the world stage. The segment, which aired earlier this month, offers a comprehensive look at how Penn State is blending collegiate folkstyle wrestling with the high‑octane demands of freestyle, and why the university’s approach is setting a new standard for the sport in the United States.

From Folkstyle to Freestyle: A New Frontier

Wrestling in the United States traditionally focuses on folkstyle, the format used in high school and college competitions. Freestyle, on the other hand, is the Olympic discipline that emphasizes throws, exposure, and dynamic action. While many U.S. wrestlers excel in both styles, the transition is not always smooth. Penn State’s “Real American Freestyle” program addresses this gap by providing athletes with dedicated coaching, specialized training camps, and competition opportunities that mirror international standards.

According to the segment, the program was formally launched in 2018 with the explicit goal of preparing wrestlers for the U.S. National Freestyle Team and, ultimately, the Olympic Games. “The foundation of our folkstyle success is strong—our athletes have the discipline and technique,” said head coach Cael Sanderson, who has led the Nittany Lions to five NCAA national titles. “But freestyle requires a different kind of agility and a mindset that’s ready to throw the opponent to the mat. That’s where Real American Freestyle steps in.”

A Track Record of Success

One of the key highlights of the WTAE feature was an overview of Penn State’s achievements in freestyle competition. The university’s wrestlers have captured 12 U.S. National Freestyle titles since the program’s inception, a staggering number when compared to other collegiate programs. The segment also referenced the Nittany Lions’ contribution to the U.S. Team at the 2021 and 2022 World Wrestling Championships, where athletes such as Daniel Cote (84‑kg) and Jordan Burroughs (86‑kg) clinched podium finishes.

Beyond the international stage, the “Real American Freestyle” program has played an instrumental role in elevating American collegiate wrestlers into the top ranks of the U.S. Freestyle rankings. The WTAE report noted that, as of 2024, five Penn State athletes were ranked in the top 20 for their weight class in the U.S. Freestyle rankings—an unprecedented feat for a single institution.

Coaching, Curriculum, and Innovation

In the interview portion of the segment, Coach Sanderson explained that the program’s success is rooted in a combination of coaching expertise and a scientifically driven training regimen. “We work closely with our athletes’ strength and conditioning staff to develop explosive power, which is critical for freestyle throws,” Sanderson said. “We also use video analysis to break down every match, so our wrestlers know precisely where they can improve.”

The segment highlighted several elements that differentiate Penn State’s approach from other collegiate programs:

• Specialized Coaching Clinics: The university holds bi‑annual clinics featuring national and international freestyle coaches, allowing athletes to learn directly from experts who have coached Olympic medalists.
• International Competition Exposure: Penn State partners with wrestling clubs across the United States to host dual meets against top U.S. teams. This gives wrestlers regular exposure to the varied styles encountered in freestyle tournaments.
• Academic Support: The university’s coaching staff coordinates with academic advisors to ensure that athletes can balance rigorous training schedules with their coursework, a critical factor in sustaining long‑term performance.

Impact on the Local Wrestling Community

While the feature focused primarily on Penn State’s elite wrestlers, it also touched on the program’s influence on the surrounding high‑school wrestling scene. In the Greater Pittsburgh area, several high‑school wrestlers have cited Penn State’s success as a motivating factor. WTAE interviewed a 2024 recruiting prospect from the nearby town of Aliquippa, who said, “Seeing the athletes from my state competing on the world stage has given me a new sense of possibility. I know that if I train hard, I could end up in that same group.”

The segment also showcased a “talent‑identification” tour, where Penn State’s coaching staff travels to high‑school tournaments in Westmoreland County and beyond to scout promising talent. According to the program director, over 300 athletes have been invited to the “Real American Freestyle” camp each year, with a selection rate of roughly 10 percent. This pipeline has ensured a steady stream of high‑caliber wrestlers who can transition smoothly into the collegiate ranks.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Rio and Beyond

The feature wrapped up with a forward‑looking discussion about the next Olympic cycle. Coach Sanderson emphasized that the “Real American Freestyle” program is not just about immediate success; it’s about establishing a sustainable model that will keep the United States competitive on the global stage for years to come. “Our focus is long‑term,” he said. “We’re building a foundation that will allow our wrestlers to compete—and win—at the Olympics and beyond.”

The WTAE article also mentioned upcoming events, such as the 2024 U.S. National Freestyle Championships and a series of international meets that Penn State athletes are slated to attend. For local fans, the segment provided a clear roadmap of how the university’s wrestlers will continue to dominate the sport, while offering high‑school talent a tangible path to success.

In summary, Penn State’s “Real American Freestyle” program represents a strategic blend of coaching excellence, scientific training, and community engagement. Its impact on American wrestling is evident in both the international medals the university’s athletes have won and the vibrant pipeline that feeds top‑level talent into the program. As the U.S. continues to build its reputation as a wrestling powerhouse, Penn State’s initiative stands out as a model for how collegiate programs can translate folkstyle foundations into freestyle success.