The Penn State Altoona men's and women's wrestling teams will get their inaugural NCAA Division III seasons underway on November 2-3, and the squads hope to set a strong foundation this year on which to build a successful program.

Penn State Altoona Athletics announced the addition of wrestling to its DIII offerings in July 2023, marking the return of varsity wrestling to Ivyside for the first time since the 1980s. Now, the teams will compete in 2024-25 as the department's newest NCAA sport.

Head coach Tyshawn White is excited to launch the men's and women's wrestling program, and he is also looking forward to his first season as a head coach. White joined Penn State Altoona last April after having been an assistant coach with several collegiate wrestling programs, most recently the successful Division II Chadron State College team.

"Starting a program from scratch is a unique challenge, and I'm thrilled about the opportunity to build a culture and establish a strong foundation for our teams," said White. "It's a chance to create something special and to see our athletes grow, both on and off the mat."

By starting the program from a clean slate, White is looking forward to being able to create an identity for his teams.

"I want our teams to be known for their resilience, teamwork, and a relentless work ethic," he said. "We'll emphasize the importance of supporting one another, maintaining a positive attitude, and pushing through challenges. I hope to foster a culture where every athlete feels valued and empowered."

For the men's wrestling team, the Lions' 2024-25 schedule consists of six regular season dates, plus the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Tournament. White is confident in the potential of his 12-player men's roster.

"I'm optimistic about our potential. We have a mix of talent and determination, and I believe we can surprise some people this season," White stated. "I'm particularly excited about a few standout wrestlers who have shown great promise in practice and have the drive to compete at a high level."

On the women's side, the five-player roster is slated to compete in seven events during the regular season, as well as the AMCC Tournament. White is also looking forward to the capabilities of his women wrestlers.

"Similarly, I have high hopes for the women's team. We have some strong athletes who are dedicated and eager to prove themselves," he said. "I expect a few of them to make significant impacts and vie for top spots in their weight classes."

The Penn State Altoona men's wrestling team starts its season on Saturday, November 2, competing in the Tonee Ellis Memorial Tournament, hosted by Alvernia University. The next day, Sunday, November 3, the women's squad gets its season going at the East Stroudsburg University Open. White hopes that this season will create a positive culture that will help the program and its individuals to grow in the coming years.

"In our inaugural season, my primary goals are to establish a competitive team culture, ensure that each athlete develops their skills, and create a supportive environment," said White. "I want to set realistic performance goals, celebrate our achievements, and lay the groundwork for long-term success in the program. It's an exciting time, and I can't wait to see how both teams evolve this season."