STATE COLLEGE, Pa.; May 9, 2008 -- Three members of the Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team have been dismissed from the team, according to head coach Troy Sunderland.  Freshmen Garrett Scott (Alexandria, Pa.) and Jared Platt (Blairstown, N.J.) and sophomore Dave Rella (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio) have all been dismissed from the squad for violation of team rules and the standards of the program.

"We have granted each of these young men a release from the team in order for them to continue their academic and athletic careers at different schools," Sunderland said.  "This was a very tough decision for all of us, but as this program continues to improve, each of our wrestlers must live up to the high standards of the program."

"We wish each of these individuals the best of luck in their future endeavors," Sunderland said.  "After our outstanding performance last season, we are primed to continue this ascent and we must focus on all aspects of this program."

Penn State is coming off a banner season that saw the team place third at the 2008 NCAA Championships, garner four All-Americans and led the nation in the latest Academic Progress Rate (APR) among all wrestling programs according to the NCAA.