The Big Ten Conference, which is known for its competitive wrestling programs, is often seen as one of the premier conferences in college wrestling. It features powerhouse teams such as Penn State, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio State, and others, making it a highly competitive environment. However, Sanderson has voiced concerns about how the current schedule places undue pressure on student-athletes and coaches, particularly in terms of the volume of matches, travel demands, and the balance between academics and athletics.
One of the key points of frustration for Sanderson is the compressed nature of the wrestling season. The Big Ten schedule has become increasingly packed, with teams facing a combination of dual meets, conference championships, and NCAA qualifiers. The grueling schedule leaves little room for recovery, making it difficult for athletes to maintain peak performance over the course of the season. Sanderson believes that this tight scheduling is detrimental not only to the physical health of the athletes but also to their mental well-being.
“It’s frustrating to see how much pressure is put on our athletes and coaches, especially during the middle of the season. The schedule is just relentless,” Sanderson stated in a recent interview. “We want our guys to be able to compete at the highest level, but we also need to make sure that they have the time to rest, recover, and focus on their studies. The current schedule just doesn’t allow for that balance.”
In addition to concerns about the physical toll on athletes, Sanderson has raised issues with the scheduling conflicts that arise during important academic periods. Many student-athletes are forced to miss classes and exams due to travel demands, which can affect their academic performance. Sanderson emphasized that student-athletes should be able to excel both on the mat and in the classroom, but the current schedule often makes this difficult to achieve.
While Sanderson’s remarks have been met with some support from other coaches and athletes, there is no easy solution to the scheduling issues in the Big Ten. With the increasing number of teams and the desire to maintain a competitive schedule, adjustments will likely need to be made to ensure a better balance between athletic and academic demands.
Sanderson concluded by saying that he hopes the Big Ten will take his concerns seriously and work toward finding a more manageable and student-athlete-friendly schedule in the future. For now, Penn State and other teams in the conference continue to navigate the rigorous demands of a challenging season, with the hope that change may come soon.
