Blue White Illustrated

Treasure Ed Ruth's and David Taylor's final act his was supposed to be the year of Ed Ruth and David Taylor. This column was supposed to be about how they have morphed into legends – not only at Penn State, but on the national wrestling landscape – right in front of our eyes. And everyone was supposed to cherish this final season. Everyone still can, but not without a roadblock. Head coach Cael Sanderson announced Nov. 13 that Ruth, the two-time NCAA champ, three-time All-American and the star with the nation's longest active winning streak, was suspended from the team. The RUTH reason? Violation of team rules. The length? As of this writing, we still did not know. It sent a shockwave through Penn State and the national wrestling community. That's what happens when this type of thing occurs to a legend, and when said legend TAYLOR wrestles for the nation's best team. This was supposed to be the most powerful starting lineup Sanderson has had in his five-year tenure at Penn State – thanks in large part to Ruth, who is ranked atop the 184-pound weight class, and classmate Taylor, who is No. 1 at 165. And it still could be, yet much more difficult without Ruth in the starting lineup. Considering their contributions to Penn State's three consecutive team titles, Ruth and Taylor don't even have to compete this year, and they would still have their careers go down as two of the most prestigious in school history, maybe T even in college wrestling history. But graduation is a year away, and national analysts are predicting another NCAA title for both in '14 – and another team championship for Penn State. When it's all said and done, Taylor's and Ruth's careers should rank alone at Penn State. "It's not an easy thing to do to get tickets into Rec Hall, to get a chance to see David Taylor and Ed Ruth – two greats, not just Penn State greats but college wrestling greats," Sanderson said. "[With] a chance to see those guys at the BJC Dual, I believe people will take advantage of it. I think we can sell it out." But a lot has changed since associate head coach Cody Sanderson scheduled that dual meet vs. Pittsburgh (Dec. 8) – and since Cael offered the aforementioned quote on Oct. 29 – and now it's unclear whether Ruth will even compete in the special event. This column was originally meant to urge readers to take advantage of that opportunity, or at least catch a glimpse of these two remarkable athletes before it's too late. Sanderson will win more team titles and sign more top recruits, but no matter how many blue-chippers choose Penn State, there will never be duplicates of David Taylor and Ed Ruth. But now there are clouds hanging over the starting line of Ruth's senior season. He wasn't in the lineup for the seasonopening dual meets, although he did travel with his team. And, as of this writing, a timetable for his return was uncertain. Which is unfortunate for all involved. I have been granted a unique vantage point from which to watch Ruth's college career unfold. Taylor's, too. My first season covering the wrestling beat (2010-11) was also their first year of NCAA competition. I was in Philadelphia when they first tasted defeat in the NCAA tournament but also helped propel Penn State to its first team championship in five decades. I was there when they both stood atop the podium in St. Louis – Taylor with an irreversible grin, Ruth with half of his hair dyed blue/green. I've seen their best moments, but I've also been there for the lows. And, regardless of which team rule Ruth violated, this is a low point in an otherwise top-tier career. The recent developments don't mean he is a bad dude. Anything but, actually. Ruth is normally polite, often lighthearted and always smiling. But sometimes, even the best lose focus. That does not mean Taylor is any less focused. Perhaps he's even more zeroed in now. Since Taylor fell short of title No. 2 last season, he is on a mission now. Christian Pyles, an analyst for FloWrestling.com, recently stated that he thinks Taylor "is going to pin or tech fall everybody but [Oklahoma State's] Tyler Caldwell this year." Taylor is a Rec Hall favorite. He's got passion like Pete Rose with Mariano Rivera-type integrity. He was a youth wrestling prodigy, the No. 1 recruit in the country, and probably would have two titles like Ruth if he hadn't chosen the toughest road possible, attempting to conquer Cornell's Kyle Dake, who was in search of his historic fourth crown. Ruth, meanwhile, is one of the sport's true characters. He is not a product of what he calls the "cookie-cutter mold." Rather, he's an enigmatic talent, a free spirit. While most wrestlers sprint, jog or walk to shake hands with their opponent, Ruth gingerly skips. He's respectful to opponents, but he's also dropped the Ali Shuffle during home bouts (and he's got the footwork to fit the part). Assuming Ruth returns, he and Taylor could combine to make this season the most entertaining that Penn State has ever seen. It still should be the year of Ed Ruth and David Taylor. So everyone needs to treasure this final act – especially Ed Ruth and David Taylor. I

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