Caltagirone

As Penn State wrestling seeks to expand its legacy of domination with yet another NCAA championship this weekend, appreciation of the program’s sustained excellence is slowly turning to apprehension in some quarters over whether the Nittany Lions’ 12 national titles in 15 years have diminished mass interest in the team dimension of the sport.

The same national fatigue that was precipitated by the lengthy reign of Tom Brady’s New England Patriots and John Wooden’s UCLA basketball teams has settled over the collegiate wrestling world.

By nature, repetition produces boredom.

That’s why variety is introduced into diets and exercise routines.

Penn State head coach Cael Sanderson has crafted a record of achievement that might never be matched.

With the Nittany Lions installed as prohibitive favorites to capture a 13th national championship since 2011, the non-partisan spectator can be forgiven for a bit of an eyeroll once the 2026 title is officially clinched.

Penn State entered this weekend’s NCAA championships with 10 qualifiers and seven No. 1 seeds, which is believed to be a record for one team in the same tournament.

Prior to departing University Park for the tournament, someone should have been assigned to make room in the display case for another championship trophy.

Sports are contested because the possibility exists that the huge underdog could prevail.

Think Miracle on Ice.

However, when reality prevails and the anticipated suspense of a competitive postseason is betrayed as wishful thinking, all the joy and excitement typically associated with playoffs and tournaments fade away like an untethered balloon at a holiday parade.

A long-held theory in athletics is that an established champion will inspire competitors to up their game.

Martina Navratilova and Serena Williams completely revolutionized women’s tennis with their sheer power.

The U.S. women’s national soccer team set the international bar for training, tactics and execution.

Tiger Woods elevated the level of play on the PGA Tour with an aggressive, yet controlled style.

Prolonged success has created an advantage for Penn State wrestling in recruiting, which ranks right up there with financial resources as one of the most important variables in college athletics.

“The kids coming to Penn State are trying to be the best wrestlers in the world,” Sanderson said. “They’re trying to be world champions and Olympic champions.”

One fan on a social media message board lamented the lack of parity in college wrestling while noting that Penn State’s dominance is fostering disinterest.

“Team title at NCAAs is such a foregone conclusion that it isn’t part of the fun,” the fan posted.

Like a work of art, a sports dynasty is distinct in the eye of the beholder.

Jim Caltagirone writes a monthly column for the Mirror.