Matt Storniolo came from Penn State seeking staff support
by Robert Przybylo
OU junior wrestler Matt Storniolo provided an interesting reason to move from State College, Penn., to Norman.
“The wrestling program just did not have the support from the coaches,” Storniolo said.
Storniolo transferred from Penn State to OU last year.
After completing his first year in the Big 12, he said he has noticed some differences.
“I prefer the Big 12 style,” Storniolo said. “There’s a lot more variety compared to the Big Ten. It suits me better.”
Storniolo was first on the OU wrestling team in overall falls with 13 pins and one technical fall last year. He earned All-American honors and placed seventh at the NCAA championships at 149 pounds. That may come as a shock to someone who admits to having jitters before every match.
“I think I’m more nervous than anyone else out there,” Storniolo said. “At times, it’s frustrating (the nerves), but it’s something I’ve learned to live with.”
Storniolo credits his success to his teammates. He said the fact that he’s surrounded by greatness drives him to want to do just that much better.
“He works extremely hard,” OU junior wrestler Joel Flaggert said. “There’s never a day where he doesn’t give it his all.”
Storniolo said he had a great and quiet summer. He said it gave him a lot of time to rest and recuperate, as well as fine-tune some techniques. Now, he said, it is time to go back to work and start to hit the mats.
“We all have a lot to prove,” Storniolo said. “Our goal is to win the NCAA championship. We believe we can do it.”
Wrestling Gear
