2014 NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS
4 years, 4 titles for Nittany Lions
By Craig Sesker OKLAHOMA CITY – Senior David Taylor stood with his team-
mates near the center of the mat and led the chant. “We are!” Taylor called out. “Penn State!” the Nittany Lion faithful shouted in response. The Penn State Nittany Lions are the kings of the college wrestling world once again. Taylor put the finishing touches on Penn State’s fourth straight
team title by winning his second individual crown as the NCAA Championships concluded before 16,217 fans at Chesapeake Energy Arena. “You win four national championships,” Taylor told the crowd
during a matside interview, “that’s pretty special.” Taylor capped an excellent three-day tournament with a 6-0
win over two-time finalist Tyler Caldwell of Oklahoma State at 165 pounds to earn his second NCAA title. Taylor was a four- time NCAA finalist. The top-ranked Nittany Lions took the lead when superstar 184-pound senior Ed Ruth capped a phenomenal career with his school-record third NCAA title. Penn State became the first team to win four straight team
titles since Oklahoma State won its fourth straight title in this same venue in 2006. The Nittany Lions finished with 109.5 points. “Our kids did a fantastic job today,” Penn State coach Cael Sanderson said. “We knew we had our hands full with Minnesota. They were killing it. All of our All-Americans won their last match and that's a big deal. It makes it easier as a coach when all your guys win their last match. We still have guys who didn't reach their goals, but it feels good for those guys to go out with a win.” Second-ranked Minnesota had two chances to take the team
lead in the finals, which started at 174, but both Gopher finalists dropped their finals bouts. Minnesota had a superb weekend, placing second with 104
points after finishing third at the Big Ten tournament. “It's extremely tough, it hurts, it's painful. That's what the
whole thing is,” Minnesota coach J Robinson said. “You get your expectations that high and then they go that low, you're right there and it just gets pulled out from underneath you.” Third-ranked Oklahoma State finished third with 96.5 points.
The Cowboys had a pair of gold medalists in two-time champion Chris Perry (174) and champion Alex Dieringer (157). “We finished third, and you obviously hope you do better than
that, but overall this team came together,” OSU coach John Smith said. “We lost five dual meets this year, and we’re not used to that, but we came back strong in this tournament.”
6 USA Wrestler
Senior Ed Ruth won the 184-pound title to become Penn State’s first three-time NCAA champion. Larry Slater photo.
Taylor finished his amazing career with a 134-3 career record.
He was named Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament. "When I think about my Penn State career, I think tonight will
be something I remember for a long time,” Taylor said. “I don't know about watching the NCAA basketball tournament. Most kids dream about hitting the game-winning shot or scoring the Continued on page 7
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