"Better keep it going like your wrestling team" - Donald Trump makes reference to Penn State's NCAA Championships win while addressing election rally

Former US President and current presidential candidate Donald Trump lauded Penn State Wrestling's impressive performances in recent years. This comes during a recent rally that Trump attended at the Penn State University's campus.

The Penn State Wrestling team has been immensely successful in recent years. The side clinched three consecutive titles from 2022-24 under their decorated coach, Cael Sanderson. In 2024, the team amassed 172.5 points in its tally, 100 points more than the second-placed Cornell Big Red Wrestling team.

During the rally, Trump showered praise on the University's wrestling team. He also asked people at the rally to visualize big like the team. He said (via Centre Daily Times):

"We’re getting to the end and we’re leading in all the polls, so that’s a good thing. We better keep it going like your wrestling team. I’m asking you to dream big again. You’re going to dream big, just like your wrestling team dreams big."

He also added:

"I really respect winners. So do you. We’d like to have a couple of them leading our country, wouldn’t that be nice. But we like to have winners and we have with us a team that won like, 11 out of the last 13 national championships"

Numerous current and former prodigies of the Nittany Lions such as Zack Ryder, Matt Lee, and Brock Weiss were also present during Trump's rally.

The Cael Sanderson-coached side's upcoming season will begin on November 17 at the Nittany Lions' Rec Hall. They will be up against Drexel in the opening clash of the new NCAA season.

---

Former Penn State wrestler Zain Retherford also attended Donald Trump's rally

Zain Wrestling during the 2024 World Olympic Qualifier in Istanbul (Image via: Getty Images)

Zain Retherford, a two-time World Championships medalist and former Penn State wrestler, was present during Donald Trump's speech at the University campus.

Retherford addressed the gathering and also thanked Donald Trump for his kind words for the team. The 29-year-old also emphasized the importance of the state of Pennsylvania in the context of the American presidential elections. He said (via Centre Daily Times):

"It’s truly an honor to be here. Thank you for recognizing us. And Pennsylvania is a super important state, we need to win this election."

Retherford had one of the most decorated college careers during his time at the University. He won three consecutive gold medals between 2016-18 in the 149 lbs category. Besides, he also won four Big Ten Championships medals including three gold.