Penn State Roster

[1032004]

19 hours ago, Rassling said:

You’ve seen PSU guys in the PSU forum being critical of this particular issue with these two guys? I’d like confirmation on that. Who else can confirm this? I’m not a member with access.

LemonPie

All-Conference

• Tuesday at 12:27 PM

• #24

GregPickel said:

Two wrestlers this year that are going to take religious. mission years, Sanderson says: Henckl and Cole Mirasola. Won't be on the roster this year.

lol. Man I hate this.

 

 

HOA242n!

Senior

• Yesterday at 7:28 AM

• #965

Anon210980 said:

really people whining about this,schools have been doing this for decades in all sports!!!

Maybe it has happened, but Google couldn't give me a single example of an NCAA athlete that has gotten their eligibility frozen due to a religious mission not related to the LDS church. I know enough about LDS missions to understand it isn't generally a benefit to athletic development, but this specific situation really does appear to be new territory and the timing is oddly perfect to benefit PSU wrestling. It's totally within the rules, but if I wasn't a PSU wrestling fan, I'd look at it differently. Will be interesting to see if it (non-LDS missions for NCAA athletes) becomes more prevalent with all these new eligibility rules.

 

 

 

 

These are of course the minority and even their “criticism” is very mild.   But I like how the second guy even admits he’d have a stronger opinion if he wasn’t a PSU fan, lol.

[Simpleman424]

20 hours ago, 1032004 said:

Mendez isn’t eligible is he?

Ehhh

[Rassling]

47 minutes ago, 1032004 said:

 

LemonPie

All-Conference

• Tuesday at 12:27 PM

• #24

GregPickel said:

Two wrestlers this year that are going to take religious. mission years, Sanderson says: Henckl and Cole Mirasola. Won't be on the roster this year.

lol. Man I hate this.

 

 

 

HOA242n!

Senior

• Yesterday at 7:28 AM

• #965

Anon210980 said:

really people whining about this,schools have been doing this for decades in all sports!!!

Maybe it has happened, but Google couldn't give me a single example of an NCAA athlete that has gotten their eligibility frozen due to a religious mission not related to the LDS church. I know enough about LDS missions to understand it isn't generally a benefit to athletic development, but this specific situation really does appear to be new territory and the timing is oddly perfect to benefit PSU wrestling. It's totally within the rules, but if I wasn't a PSU wrestling fan, I'd look at it differently. Will be interesting to see if it (non-LDS missions for NCAA athletes) becomes more prevalent with all these new eligibility rules.

 

 

 

 

These are of course the minority and even their “criticism” is very mild.   But I like how the second guy even admits he’d have a stronger opinion if he wasn’t a PSU fan, lol.

Thanks 1032, however I’m still leaning towards “nothing to see here.” 

[1032004]

3 minutes ago, Rassling said:

Thanks 1032, however I’m still leaning towards “nothing to see here.” 

I wonder if Cael will restrict access to Flo after CP’s comments, which of course weren’t bad - just something to the effect of “of course the reason they’re doing this is to preserve eligibility.”

Reading between the lines you could definitely tell even the always professional @Jon_Kozak was not a huge fan of them doing this in the name of God.

[Rassling]

2 minutes ago, 1032004 said:

I wonder if Cael will restrict access to Flo after CP’s comments, which of course weren’t bad - just something to the effect of “of course the reason they’re doing this is to preserve eligibility.”

Reading between the lines you could definitely tell even the always professional @Jon_Kozak was not a huge fan of them doing this in the name of God.

definitely all kinds of opinions on this situation. 

[1032004]

1 minute ago, Rassling said:

definitely all kinds of opinions on this situation. 

Yup.  CP’s of course was not an opinion - it’s pretty much an objective fact to anyone with eyes that eligibility was the primary motivation behind this decision.

[jchapman]

There shouldn't be an exception for religious missions.  If you are that dedicated to the religion and mission, then take the consequences.  Otherwise, there should be an exception for everyone, regardless if the year off is related to proselytizing.  What if someone wanted to take a year off and volunteer in an under-served community, for no motive other than they are a good, caring person?  Why shouldn't they get an exception?

[Gus]

2 hours ago, 1032004 said:

I wonder if Cael will restrict access to Flo after CP’s comments, which of course weren’t bad - just something to the effect of “of course the reason they’re doing this is to preserve eligibility.”

Reading between the lines you could definitely tell even the always professional @Jon_Kozak was not a huge fan of them doing this in the name of God.

I agree with Kozak 100%

[1032004]

3 hours ago, jchapman said:

There shouldn't be an exception for religious missions.  If you are that dedicated to the religion and mission, then take the consequences.  Otherwise, there should be an exception for everyone, regardless if the year off is related to proselytizing.  What if someone wanted to take a year off and volunteer in an under-served community, for no motive other than they are a good, caring person?  Why shouldn't they get an exception?

Agree that having no exemptions is the only way to close these loopholes.  Although to your question, technically there is also an exemption for “Time spent with recognized foreign aid services of the U.S. government... Among such services that qualify for an exception are Peace Corps”

page 45, section 12.6.6

https://gozips.com/documents/download/2026/8/17/NCAA_2026-27_Manual.pdf

(unlike some other posters here I actually provide links to my sources)

On a similar note, 2 paragraphs below it also says they can not be enrolled as full-time students during the mission.  Both Henckel and Cole are still listed in the student directory.   Which means unless they are part time students or unenroll a month before the semester ends (which would be even more reason to question the motives here), the “mission” will not start until after the first semester.   It also does not appear to list a minimum timeframe that the mission must be.  For all we know maybe it will only be for a week or two (and IIRC this possibility was brought up by JD Rader).

[One8alpha]

I can't think of any successful entity—in athletics, business, or life—that doesn't exploit  the gray areas, especially when the rules or the surrounding environment shift.

[Interviewed_at_Weehawken]

1 minute ago, One8alpha said:

I can't think of any successful entity—in athletics, business, or life—that doesn't exploit  the gray areas, especially when the rules or the surrounding environment shift.

True, but "religion" is what makes this one a little gross.

Maybe they should enlist instead?

[Interviewed_at_Weehawken]

13 minutes ago, One8alpha said:

I can't think of any successful entity—in athletics, business, or life—that doesn't exploit  the gray areas, especially when the rules or the surrounding environment shift.

LOL I was just thinking about a women's coach exploiting a loophole by instructing her female athletes to get pregnant.

[GV4444]

4 hours ago, jchapman said:

There shouldn't be an exception for religious missions.  If you are that dedicated to the religion and mission, then take the consequences.  Otherwise, there should be an exception for everyone, regardless if the year off is related to proselytizing.  What if someone wanted to take a year off and volunteer in an under-served community, for no motive other than they are a good, caring person?  Why shouldn't they get an exception?

I agree there shouldn't be an exception for religious missions, but for a different reason.  The comment "but Google couldn't give me a single example of an NCAA athlete that has gotten their eligibility frozen due to a religious mission not related to the LDS church" was supposed to support the criticism of what PSU did, but it that's not the issue.   The issue is that it is a carve out for one particular group, Mormon missions.  That's like saying you have to have a minimum number of matches for ranking/seedings, unless you missed some duals during Ramadan, those get to count. 

1.  Get rid of rule

2.  If not, you can't question non-Mormons using it.

What AI told me was that the LDS mission work could begin at as late as age 25, so there is no reason for the rule.  Any Mormon could complete their 5 years before going out on a mission.  If they choose to do it at age 18, then it's their decision that God needs them right right then and not on the wrestling mat, so God says it is OK to lose 2 years of eligibility.

For those hating on Cael for using it should repeat the same hate for any coach who does it next year or the year after. Hate the rule, not the Coach that follows it.  Did we not have the same conversation about Olympic redshirts?

 

[1032004]

28 minutes ago, GV4444 said:

I agree there shouldn't be an exception for religious missions, but for a different reason.  The comment "but Google couldn't give me a single example of an NCAA athlete that has gotten their eligibility frozen due to a religious mission not related to the LDS church" was supposed to support the criticism of what PSU did, but it that's not the issue.   The issue is that it is a carve out for one particular group, Mormon missions.  That's like saying you have to have a minimum number of matches for ranking/seedings, unless you missed some duals during Ramadan, those get to count. 

1.  Get rid of rule

2.  If not, you can't question non-Mormons using it.

What AI told me was that the LDS mission work could begin at as late as age 25, so there is no reason for the rule.  Any Mormon could complete their 5 years before going out on a mission.  If they choose to do it at age 18, then it's their decision that God needs them right right then and not on the wrestling mat, so God says it is OK to lose 2 years of eligibility.

For those hating on Cael for using it should repeat the same hate for any coach who does it next year or the year after. Hate the rule, not the Coach that follows it.  Did we not have the same conversation about Olympic redshirts?

 

Yes of course any coach who does this should get similar criticism.  Although I could see an argument for more criticism for Cael (or someone like Tom Ryan) because of the religious aspect – for being so religious, it does feel a little slimy to use religion to exploit loopholes.  

The thing is, with a few exceptions (I saw Iowa fans mention Mocco, maybe Araujo at Nebraska now) other than Cael and Taylor, no other team is really in a position to benefit from delaying the eligibility of guys of that caliber.

[GV4444]

17 hours ago, 1032004 said:

no other team is really in a position to benefit from delaying the eligibility of guys of that caliber.

Exactly.  It is only when you are stacked as a team or in a weight class.  Whether it is Cael, or another coach who goes up there as says, "He's going on a m...effing mission" doesn't matter.   There is no reason for the rule.  Get rid of it.  

 

[1032004]

On 11/12/2026 at 1:37 PM, WrestlingRasta said:

From NCAA

 

“Yelling at me”.   Wow. 

 

On 11/12/2026 at 1:42 PM, Interviewed_at_Weehawken said:

What about an RTC workout without college coaches? Or a workout at ATT State College or M2?  Aaron Brooks needs training partners!

 

On 11/12/2026 at 1:50 PM, 2001Hokie said:

Is that posted somewhere in the NCAA rules?  That looks like an ai interpretation of them, so I'm curious about the source.

 

On 11/12/2026 at 2:07 PM, WrestlingRasta said:

It was a cited graph present by gpt, which I checked. 
 

Do I believe this decision was solely religion based?  Of course not.   Do I have an issue with exercising this exemption? As long as they don’t break the rules, do the things they're supposed to do and don’t do the things they aren’t supposed to do…not at all.  
 

And thats all I got to say about that. 

 

On 11/12/2026 at 2:24 PM, 1032004 said:

Can you provide the citation?  In addition to the coaching comment, I’m sure you’re aware an RTC is not “affiliated.”

@WrestlingRasta, can you please provide an actual NCAA source that RTC practices are not allowed during a religious mission?

Thanks in advance.  Looks like others are curious as well.

[Caveira]

According to the Google machine 

a scenario where two Penn State wrestlers on a religious mission pause—such as Cole Mirasola and Will Henckel—work out at a Regional Training Center (RTC) with non-PSU, unaffiliated friends (including some who are active members of the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club) while not being members, not paying, not being paid, and not being coached is generally legal under NCAA and USA Wrestling rules, provided they do not participate in organized competition or receive impermissible benefits or instruction from Penn State staff.

However, working out at an RTC like the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club (NLWC) under these exact conditions—especially when sparring with NLWC resident athletes inside Penn State's Lorenzo Wrestling Complex—introduces a few strict compliance guardrails that separate a legal private workout from an NCAA violation.

 

1. NCAA Religious Mission Exception Rules

• No Organized Competition. Under the NCAA's religious mission clock-pause rule, athletes must not participate in any organized competition during their mission period. Working out, drilling, or sparring informally with unaffiliated friends or NLWC athletes does not count as organized competition and does not burn their eligibility clock.
• No Institutional Coaching or Team Practice. Because they are not on the active roster, Penn State's varsity coaching staff cannot coach, instruct, or oversee their workouts, nor can they participate in official varsity team practices.

 

2. Regional Training Center (RTC) Compliance Rules

• Facility Access & USA Wrestling Membership. Even if they are not paid members of the RTC club itself, USA Wrestling RTC guidelines require anyone stepping onto the mat during an RTC session to hold an active USA Wrestling athlete membership and meet specific competitive qualification criteria (which both Mirasola and Henckel easily meet through their prior national and collegiate credentials).
• Training With NLWC Friends Outside Official Hours. Neither the NCAA nor USA Wrestling prohibits an inactive, mission-paused college wrestler from drilling or live wrestling with post-graduate or senior-level club athletes. However, because Penn State's varsity coaches (including Cael Sanderson, Cody Sanderson, and Casey Cunningham) also serve as the NLWC's coaches, Mirasola and Henckel cannot attend scheduled NLWC practices where those coaches are running the room. Their workouts with their NLWC friends must happen during open mat or off-hours when no Penn State coaches are present or observing.
• No Coaching Relay. Their NLWC friends cannot act as proxies to pass along technical instruction, workout plans, or feedback from the Penn State coaching staff.
• No Impermissible Benefits. Because they still have remaining NCAA eligibility, the RTC cannot pay them stipends, cover their room and board, or provide free travel or gear during their time away—even if their NLWC training partners receive those resident athlete benefits. Simply using open mat space with their friends without paying or getting paid—assuming standard open facility access is permitted without preferential treatment—avoids any financial violation.

 

The Bottom Line

If they hold active USA Wrestling cards, train strictly with unaffiliated friends and NLWC resident athletes during open mat hours without paying or being paid as members, receive zero direct or relayed instruction from Penn State coaches, and enter zero competitions, they remain completely compliant with NCAA rules while preserving their eligibility.

[BruceyB]

The problem with this move is that it literally spits in the face of the entire idea behind 5 for 5. It was a pretty unanimous opinion across all college sports fans that the redshirts and eligibility extending was out of control. You had quarterbacks spending 7 years in college athletics playing for 3 or 4 different schools. 5 for 5 was supposed to make things clear cut and simple. PSU instead of embracing the change is saying, "hey, we used to have 5 (or 6 or 7) for 4, now we can have 6 for 5!"

[Rassling]

1 hour ago, Caveira said:

According to the Google machine 

 

a scenario where two Penn State wrestlers on a religious mission pause—such as Cole Mirasola and Will Henckel—work out at a Regional Training Center (RTC) with non-PSU, unaffiliated friends (including some who are active members of the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club) while not being members, not paying, not being paid, and not being coached is generally legal under NCAA and USA Wrestling rules, provided they do not participate in organized competition or receive impermissible benefits or instruction from Penn State staff.

However, working out at an RTC like the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club (NLWC) under these exact conditions—especially when sparring with NLWC resident athletes inside Penn State's Lorenzo Wrestling Complex—introduces a few strict compliance guardrails that separate a legal private workout from an NCAA violation.

 

1. NCAA Religious Mission Exception Rules

• No Organized Competition. Under the NCAA's religious mission clock-pause rule, athletes must not participate in any organized competition during their mission period. Working out, drilling, or sparring informally with unaffiliated friends or NLWC athletes does not count as organized competition and does not burn their eligibility clock.
• No Institutional Coaching or Team Practice. Because they are not on the active roster, Penn State's varsity coaching staff cannot coach, instruct, or oversee their workouts, nor can they participate in official varsity team practices.

 

2. Regional Training Center (RTC) Compliance Rules

• Facility Access & USA Wrestling Membership. Even if they are not paid members of the RTC club itself, USA Wrestling RTC guidelines require anyone stepping onto the mat during an RTC session to hold an active USA Wrestling athlete membership and meet specific competitive qualification criteria (which both Mirasola and Henckel easily meet through their prior national and collegiate credentials).
• Training With NLWC Friends Outside Official Hours. Neither the NCAA nor USA Wrestling prohibits an inactive, mission-paused college wrestler from drilling or live wrestling with post-graduate or senior-level club athletes. However, because Penn State's varsity coaches (including Cael Sanderson, Cody Sanderson, and Casey Cunningham) also serve as the NLWC's coaches, Mirasola and Henckel cannot attend scheduled NLWC practices where those coaches are running the room. Their workouts with their NLWC friends must happen during open mat or off-hours when no Penn State coaches are present or observing.
• No Coaching Relay. Their NLWC friends cannot act as proxies to pass along technical instruction, workout plans, or feedback from the Penn State coaching staff.
• No Impermissible Benefits. Because they still have remaining NCAA eligibility, the RTC cannot pay them stipends, cover their room and board, or provide free travel or gear during their time away—even if their NLWC training partners receive those resident athlete benefits. Simply using open mat space with their friends without paying or getting paid—assuming standard open facility access is permitted without preferential treatment—avoids any financial violation.

 

The Bottom Line

If they hold active USA Wrestling cards, train strictly with unaffiliated friends and NLWC resident athletes during open mat hours without paying or being paid as members, receive zero direct or relayed instruction from Penn State coaches, and enter zero competitions, they remain completely compliant with NCAA rules while preserving their eligibility.

[Caveira]

10 minutes ago, Rassling said:

You can condone immoral behavior all you like boss.   Doesn’t make it right 

[Rassling]

Just now, Caveira said:

You can condone immoral behavior all you like boss.   Doesn’t make it right 

 Nah not at all - just trying to encourage you to move on to another topic. Hey, you run a restaurant correct? Have you ever eaten eggs in purgatory? I’m 100% Italian and my family never ate this dish. I watch alot of cooking videos and this dish has now become one of my favorites. 

[Caveira]

Just now, Rassling said:

 Nah not at all - just trying to encourage you to move on to another topic. Hey, you run a restaurant correct? Have you ever eaten eggs in purgatory? I’m 100% Italian and my family never ate this dish. I watch alot of cooking videos and this dish has now become one of my favorites. 

I’m out for pizza thanks 

[ionel]

1 hour ago, BruceyB said:

PSU instead of embracing the change is saying, "hey, we used to have 5 (or 6 or 7) for 4, now we can have 6 for 5!"

... or maybe 7 or 8 for 5? 

What if you change your faith ... shouldn't you be able to do a new mission under you new faith?  

[Simpleman424]

29 minutes ago, Rassling said:

 Nah not at all - just trying to encourage you to move on to another topic. Hey, you run a restaurant correct? Have you ever eaten eggs in purgatory? I’m 100% Italian and my family never ate this dish. I watch alot of cooking videos and this dish has now become one of my favorites. 

If you ate eggs in purgatory you’d be the first…you know considering it doesn’t exist…

[Simpleman424]

14 minutes ago, ionel said:

... or maybe 7 or 8 for 5? 

What if you change your faith ... shouldn't you be able to do a new mission under you new faith?  

Better question is what would be sufficient evidence to claim your new found faith…you gets to decide that? Lol