SOMERS, N.Y. - The Penn State wrestling program has claimed 12 of the last 14 NCAA National Championships, establishing itself as the gold standard in collegiate wrestling. For the past four summers, the Somers varsity wrestling team has made the pilgrimage to this elite training environment, sending a group of both seasoned veterans and eager newcomers to train under the best in the sport.
This annual trip has become a cornerstone of Somers’ success, with each year’s campers showing marked improvement during the following winter season. Coaches and wrestlers alike believe the training, mentorship, and competitive environment at Penn State give them the tools needed to meet any challenge.
“I’ve been attending the Penn State camp for six years now. They’re the best at what they do,” said Ryan Ball, senior and team captain. “It’s been a great bonding experience for our team, helping everyone improve, regardless of their level. We have big goals this season, and summer training equals winter championships.”
For new wrestlers, the camp provides essential exposure to high-level basics and advanced techniques, taught directly by NCAA, World, and Olympic champions. While the setting can seem intimidating—akin to learning to write a novel with Mark Twain as your mentor—the atmosphere is accessible and encouraging.
“I’m entering my second varsity season, and the camp really helped me learn and drill fundamental skills,” said sophomore Joe Simoncini. “The biggest thing Coach Cael Sanderson emphasized was building a championship mindset, on and off the mat. That stuck with me.”
Training during the offseason can be a challenge when it comes to finding the right partners, competition, and motivation. Wrestling the same people repeatedly can limit growth. Penn State’s camp provides wrestlers with the opportunity to face athletes from across the country with diverse styles and skill levels.
“I wrestled my first real competitive matches at Penn State, even before I had a varsity match,” said sophomore Loghan Dwyer. “It helped me face the challenges of being an eighth-grader on varsity. The camp humbled me, made me more technical, and prepared me for any situation on the mat.”
The camp is split into two main components: technique sessions and competitive dual meets. During the technique portion, wrestlers can learn at their own pace, ask questions, and refine their skills with feedback from elite coaches. In the dual meet portion, Somers combined forces with Section One wrestlers and a team from Oakton, Virginia to face off against top programs nationwide.
These matches provide valuable live reps without the pressure of official records, while optional individual tournaments offer even more competition for those looking to test themselves further.
“I thought the experience was awesome,” said senior captain Cal Ehrmann. “Getting to learn from wrestlers I’ve looked up to on TV—and now on the mat—was unreal. My favorite part was learning throws and technique from Masanosuke Ono, the Japanese World Champion who’s training at Penn State. It doesn’t get better than that.”
With a blend of technique, toughness, and team bonding, the Penn State experience continues to elevate the Somers Wrestling program. The lessons learned in the heat of July look to pay off in the heart of winter, as Somers sets its sights on team championships.
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