Former Nittany Lion wrestler Adam Lynch never would have guessed he would be the Director of Operations for Penn State Wrestling. Now entering his 10th year with the program, Adam continues to be an important member of the Penn State wrestling family.
Unsure of exactly what he wanted to do after college, Lynch knew he enjoyed being involved with athletics and earned his graduate degree in sports management and sports administration in 2013. He thought he might become a high school athletics director or pursue a career in collegiate athletics. When the director of operations position opened up, Adam recalls, "I was in the right place at the right time."
"This has been a great learning experience," says Adam. "I've learned a lot about athletics."
Adam's responsibilities vary depending on the time of year, as he is always busy doing a lot of different things. In season, some of his tasks include making sure tickets are in order for the team and preparing pass lists for home matches. To get ready for an upcoming competition on the road, he ensures meals and travel are arranged, confirming the team knows exactly who is traveling and where they are traveling to.
"In athletics, someone once told me, 'I have trouble explaining what I do to people.' I didn't understand what they meant at the time, but I kind of do now because it's a lot of random things," explains Adam.
He has a unique perspective into the wants and needs of Penn State wrestlers as he knows the interworkings of the program first-hand. "I can think ahead of what they would want before it comes up because I have been through it as an athlete," says Adam. "It was a fairly easy transition in a way."
Adam cherishes his time as a Penn State wrestler. After graduating in December of 2010 with a degree in kinesiology, he re-enrolled in the spring of 2011, as he had two remaining years of eligibility. A junior during Cael Sanderson's first season as Penn State head coach, he was also a member of Penn State's 2011 Big Ten and NCAA Championship team, one of Adam's favorite memories from his time as a Penn State student-athlete. "It was fun to be a part of that," says Lynch. "It's fun to win."
Now working beside his former coach, Cael Sanderson, Adam continues to help build the Penn State wrestling program, "Being an athlete for him for a couple years and then transitioning to working with him was a cool experience."
"My favorite part of the job is the people I'm around," says Adam. He has learned about himself from his colleagues, both professionally and personally. "I grew a lot under these guys, and I continue to grow," explains Adam. "I learned a lot, not only about wrestling, just about life."
Adam enjoys spending time at home with his family. The Lynch's also look forward to visiting their dad on the job when they attend Penn State wrestling matches.
Lynch knows that everyone faces adversity and hardship one way or another, and this year more than ever. "It's been crazy, but it's been crazy for everybody," explains Adam. With this in mind, he continues to make himself available to help the Penn State wrestling program where he can, like always.
