With a three-dual road trip finally in the rearview mirror, No. 1 Penn State wrestling is in the midst of another busy stretch as it takes on two top-ranked Big Ten teams in Ohio State and Iowa just a week apart.

Despite what some teams would consider a daunting next two duals, it was business as usual Tuesday in the Lorenzo Wrestling Complex during media availability. The team was full of smiles as head coach Cael Sanderson addressed the media regarding upcoming rivalry matchups and team preparation.

“We prepare the same for every match. We don’t want to get too high or low… we don’t put too much emphasis on one opponent over the other,” Sanderson said. “We’re just going to continue to focus on ourselves and compete at our best.”

“We’re excited to compete against a good team, but there’s a lot of good teams in our conference and around the country,” he continued.

The “ready, go” mindset Penn State wrestling has exhibited over the years continues to trickle down from the coaching staff to the wrestlers, and All-American Beau Bartlett echoed his coach’s sentiments.

“I think we’re the team that people are coming after. We just have to stay ready all the time for everyone,” Bartlett said. “There’s no one that we prepare more for or less for, but we know we are going to get everyone’s best matches every time.”

“Everyone is going to wrestle their best, but this is just another week where we have an opportunity to wrestle. We’re prepared for everyone,” he continued

As the team prepares to make its return to Rec Hall on Friday against the Buckeyes, Bartlett rejoiced in competing in one of the best wrestling environments in the country, especially against a top opponent.

“I love Rec Hall. I love wrestling Ohio State in Rec Hall…wrestling a big team in a small environment. I haven’t experienced that yet,” Bartlett said. “But Rec Hall for us is just another home match.”

In regard to tough back-to-back outings for the Nittany Lions, Sanderson wasn’t too concerned. Instead, the team is looking forward to it.

“I think that this group and probably every group certainly looks forward to these big matches…and they’ve always wrestled great in those big matches,” Sanderson said. “They’re aware that the bigger the match, the more fun it is to wrestle and be great.”

The Nittany Lions take on the Ohio State Buckeyes on Friday, February 2, in Rec Hall. The dual will begin at 6:30 p.m. and be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.