2024 NCAA Wrestling

[SoxJox]

I know this is not a tremendously popular sport in these parts, but I also know there are some enthusiasts.

Penn State is looking for its 3rd straight National Championship, and 11th of the last 13 (excluding the missed 2020 COVID championship).

They look poised to retain the title, with ranked wrestlers in all 10 weight divisions and, most importantly, more recently, introducing true freshman to spell more veteran wrestlers, and all have performed superbly.

Friday at 6PM on the B1G network, they face what will most likely be their most formidable foe - # Michigan

From FLO Wrestling https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/11901441-2024-michigan-vs-penn-state-wrestling-dual-preview-predictions

The match will feature 19 ranked wrestlers:

Probable Lineups for Penn State vs Michigan
125: #14 Braeden Davis, Penn State vs #17 Michael DeAugustino, Michigan

133: #4 Aaron Nagao, Penn State vs #6 Dylan Ragusin, Michigan

141: #2 Beau Bartlett, Penn State vs #24 Sergio Lemley, Michigan

149: #17 Tyler Kasak, Penn State vs #6 Austin Gomez/Dylan Gilcher, Michigan

157: #1 Levi Haines, Penn State vs #12 Will Lewan, Michigan

165: #8 Mitchell Mesenbrink, Penn State vs #7 Cam Amine, Michigan

174: #1 Carter Starocci, Penn State vs #3 Shane Griffith, Michigan

184: #5 Bernie Truax, Penn State vs #14 Jaden Bullock, Michigan

197: #1 Aaron Brooks, Penn State vs Bobby Striggow, Michigan

285: #1 Greg Kerkvliet, Penn State vs #4 Lucas Davison, Michigan

 

[luckiestman]

I will be following Nico Provo (Stanford) this year.

 

[pokey_reese]

I gotta say, I'm a wrestling fan, but reading that lineup feels like it should include:

#1 Bobson Dugnutt, Penn State vs Todd Bonzalez, Michigan

 

[SoxJox]

I gotta say, I'm a wrestling fan, but reading that lineup feels like it should include:

#1 Bobson Dugnutt, Penn State vs Todd Bonzalez, Michigan

Unfortunately, we are not in a baseball meme world. Try harder.

 

[kelpapa]

I got a picture taken of Andrew Alirez and my kids two weekends ago at a youth wrestling tournament. He's taking an Olympic redshirt this year but still training with the Northern Colorado team. They have a few other kids ranked in the top 25.

I have watched a few dual meets/tournaments on YouTube, but don't usually start paying much attention until the Big10 tournament.

 

[kelpapa]

I will be following Nico Provo (Stanford) this year.

Local kid or another connection?

 

[luckiestman]

Local kid or another connection?

Yeah, I know his HS and club coaches and his dad was a training buddy for a while. Nico used to train some jiujitsu when he was in middle school.

 

[Green (Tongued) Monster]

I know this is not a tremendously popular sport in these parts, but I also know there are some enthusiasts.

Penn State is looking for its 3rd straight National Championship, and 11th of the last 13 (excluding the missed 2020 COVID championship).

They look poised to retain the title, with ranked wrestlers in all 10 weight divisions and, most importantly, more recently, introducing true freshman to spell more veteran wrestlers, and all have performed superbly.

Friday at 6PM on the B1G network, they face what will most likely be their most formidable foe - # Michigan

From FLO Wrestling https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/11901441-2024-michigan-vs-penn-state-wrestling-dual-preview-predictions

The match will feature 19 ranked wrestlers:

Probable Lineups for Penn State vs Michigan
125: #14 Braeden Davis, Penn State vs #17 Michael DeAugustino, Michigan

133: #4 Aaron Nagao, Penn State vs #6 Dylan Ragusin, Michigan

141: #2 Beau Bartlett, Penn State vs #24 Sergio Lemley, Michigan

149: #17 Tyler Kasak, Penn State vs #6 Austin Gomez/Dylan Gilcher, Michigan

157: #1 Levi Haines, Penn State vs #12 Will Lewan, Michigan

165: #8 Mitchell Mesenbrink, Penn State vs #7 Cam Amine, Michigan

174: #1 Carter Starocci, Penn State vs #3 Shane Griffith, Michigan

184: #5 Bernie Truax, Penn State vs #14 Jaden Bullock, Michigan

197: #1 Aaron Brooks, Penn State vs Bobby Striggow, Michigan

285: #1 Greg Kerkvliet, Penn State vs #4 Lucas Davison, Michigan

Penn State went 8-2 in matches tonight to dominate Michigan by a score of 27-9. Local (to me) PSU sophomore Levi Haines will keep his #1 ranking after a tight 2-1 win over #7 Amine.

 

[SoxJox]

They took care of business, even leaving out 2 of their ranked wrestlers.

 

[SoxJox]

Penn State just closed out their regular season, 12-0, with a 55-0 steamroll of Edinboro. In all, 5 tech falls, 4 pins, and 1 Edinboro forfeit. Edinboro did not record a single takedown.

The season included victories over #3 (at the time) Nebraska (22-13), #3 Iowa (29-6) and everyone else in between.

They finish the season with four #1-ranked wrestlers, and all others in the top 10.

Here's how they finished up:

125: #9 Braeden Davis, FR / 15-2
132: #8 Aaron Nagao, SO / 9-4
141: #1 Beau Bartlett, JR / 17-0
146: #9 Tyler Kasak FR / 12-3
157: #2 Levi Haines, SO / 14-0
166: #5 Mitchell Messenbrink, FR / 18-0
174: #1 Carter Starocci, JR / 11-0
184: #8 Bernie Truax, SR / 10-3
197: #1 Aaron Brooks, SR / 13-0
285: #1 Greg Kerkvliet, JR / 11-0

That's 3 freshmen with a comnbined record of 45-5

8 wrestlers will return next year.

Carter and Starocci both will be going for their 4th NC's.

The upcoming schedule:

B1G (All on B1G and B1G+ networks)
March 10: Session 1 (College Park, MD) (10 AM)
March 10: Session 2 (5 PM)
March 11: Session 3 (12 PM)
March 12: Session 4 (4:30 PM)

NCAA (All on ESPN):
March 21: Session 1 / First Round (Kansas City, MO) (12 PM)
March 21: Session 2 / Second Round + consolations (7 PM)
March 22: Session 3 / Quarterfinals + consolations (12 PM)
March 22: Session 4 / Semifinals + Blood Round (8 PM)
March 23: Session 5 / Medal Round (11 AM)
March 23; Session 6 / Finals (7 PM)

 

[SoxJox]

Tonight's matches begin at 8PM on ESPN.

 

[lars10]

Tonight's matches begin at 8PM on ESPN.

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It would appear that my alma mater is pretty good at wrestling. Fight on state!

What’s the largest team points victory ever?

 

[SoxJox]

I'd have to dive deep to find that. Iowa set the team point record in 1998 with 170 points vs. runner-up Oklahoma State's 113-1/2, a 67-1/2 point margin.

Both of those marks are in jeopardy.

 

[SoxJox]

Penn State...6 for 6 semis advance.

 

[SoxJox]

They've already locked up the team championship before the finals have even begun.

 

[Fred in Lynn]

I wish ESPN would find another job for Quinn Kessenich. Real-time, post-match interviews are inherently painful, but he turns the pain up a notch. I don’t know what happened in their relationship with Billy Baldwin, but bring him back.

I can’t recall who’s doing the PBP, but he’s ok. They’ve got to get Daniel Cormier out of the booth. He’s enthusiastic but for some reason he doesn’t focus enough on the technical aspect of the matches, which is a shame because Rock Harrison and JB as a pair - even though they’re no Jim Gibbons - wouldn’t be bad. If they were really smart they’d get Askren in the ESPN booth.

I’m still in shock that Carr beat O’Toole. It’s not that David isn’t worthy, but Keegan has been on a different plane. That’s the tournament for you.

Picks for tonight:
Ayala
Arujau (which is a shame b/c Fix really “deserves” one)
Mendez over The Musket
Gomez, who is the most fun guy to watch
Haines
Carr (I’m really torn on this one; Messenbrink wearing him down is a definite possibility)
Carter
Keckeisen, although Plott is underrated
Brooks, although Hidley is in the same “deserves” category for me as Fix)
Kirkvliet because Michigan sucks. No, seriously Davidson is much better than expected but this isn’t freshman/sophomore Greg. Too quick, too strong, too experienced.

 

[Fred in Lynn]

Starting at 285 because Starocci and Brooks going for four.

 

[Fred in Lynn]

Second ankle pick, second takedown.

 

[Fred in Lynn]

This is Exhibit A of coach/player review out of control.

 

[SoxJox]

Unfortunately, each of those were legitimate challenges. Plus, they added the additional review process that goes to off-mat officials back in "command central". That tends to add time to the overall match. This one lasted 22 minutes.

 

[Fred in Lynn]

For those not aware, this is a classic Austin Gomez match, only 1:30 in. He’s known for trying to go big but often ends up putting himself in danger.

 

[SoxJox]

Impressive Penn State win. First team to ever crown 2 four-time winners in the same year. Set new team point record (172.5), to break Iowa's record of 170 set in 1997. With Cornelll placing second with 72 points, set new record for largest margin of victory - 100.5 - breaking the old record by 38 points. About the only record they didn't break was the most individual champions in a single year, which is 5, which three schools have recorded (Iowa (1986, 1997); Oklahoma St. (2005); and Penn St. (2017)).

And to think, Starocci could actually return next year. And a bunch of returning underclassman. Ooph.

 

[Ale Xander]

Are prices always this low for the US trials? (I realize it's not college per se)

https://www.ticketmaster.com/2024-us-olympic-team-trials-wrestling-university-park-pennsylvania-04-19-2024/event/02005EA925299F56

 

[SoxJox]

@Ale Xander Yeah, these are trials and typically are not a big draw. That said, with Penn State's recent national championship and MANY Lion alumni (David Taylor, Zane Retheford, Vincenzo Joseph, Nick Lee, Jason Nolf, others) and NLWC (Nittany Lion Wrestling Club) members (Kyle Snyder, Kyle Dake), it likely will be a big draw, even to Happy Valley. Rec Hall only holds less than 7,000, so it most definitely will be a raucous sellout crowd.

Bear in mind, there are only 6 Olympic weight divisions.

Edit: wait, they had originally announced Rec Hall as the venue. I now see it will be held at Bryce Jordan. Still, likely a sellout. I do see that the mat level seats (124L) are $100+. Still, reasonable.

I should also add, there really aren't any bad seats in the BJC.

 

[SoxJox]

Here's some additional info.

https://www.si.com/college/pennstate/news/penn-state-wrestling-nittany-lion-wrestling-club-david-taylor-2024-usa-wrestling-olympic-trials

 

[kelpapa]

Alirez and Bartlett are locking horns already? Let's gooooo, Alirez!!

And Alirez advances 6-2.

 

[kelpapa]

A 17 year old just took down former world champ and bronze medalist, Thomas Gilman. Some of these high schoolers are absurd.

Gilman hangs on for the 5-4 win.

Fix and Suriano and Lee and Megaludis going at it now.

 

[kelpapa]

Audrey Jimenez wins a state title against the boys, goes to prom, and now dominates in the semis. Unreal.

JB getting into it with a young kid from Penn State. Going to be interesting when he goes against Nolf.

 

[kelpapa]

Alirez's run comes to an end. Made it to the semis and lost by one. Almost hit a 4-point move at the end to win.

 

[SoxJox]

A lot of great younger wrestlers making a show and challenging - and beating - vets. I'm also impressed with the women. Some tough competitors here.

 

[SoxJox]

I caught it late, but was that a HS senior that Carter Starocci suffered his first takedown of the year?

 

[kelpapa]

I caught it late, but was that a HS senior that Carter Starocci suffered his first takedown of the year?

I haven't been able to watch the last few hours but the 17 year old I posted about earlier is a sophomore in high school, and he took down an Olympic bronze medalist/world champ two times. He lost 5-4. Jaxson something or other.

There has been a lot of discussion about high schoolers knocking off great college wrestlers in random tournaments this year. I think the Purdue kid Ramos lost to the same kid earlier this year.

 

[SoxJox]

Presenting in its entirety to reflect Penn State's and associated NLWC's dominance in this event. In all, I was most impressed by Aaron Brooks (vs. David Taylor) and Mitchell Mesenbrink, with a shoutout to Alex Facundo, who Olympic-redshirted and didn't wrestle a single match, but who nonetheless beat teammate Levi Haines, this years NCAA champion.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Three members of the Nittany Lion wrestling family and the Penn State Olympic Regional Training Center will represent the United States at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games after winning titles at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials at the Bryce Jordan Center. One other earned a U.S. Olympic Trials Championship and will have the opportunity to become an Olympian in Turkey this May by qualifying the weight for the Paris games.

The Penn State RTC/NLWC had eight of the 12 men's freestyle finalists. Three of the six men's freestyle final series were all-NLWC match-ups. In addition to the three Olympians and Trials Champion, five individuals finished in the top four at their weight to earn spots on the U.S. National Team. The Penn State RTC/NLWC won four of the six men's freestyle titles.

Kyle Dake (PSU RTC/74 kg) and Jason Nolf (PSU RTC/74 kg) met in the 74 kg best-of-three series. Dake used an early takedown to post a 4-1 win over Nolf in the first bout of the series, wrestled in Saturday's first session. Dake won the second meeting in Saturday's evening session 3-1 and advanced to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games with the win. Nolf was Olympic Trials runner-up, and his second place finish earns him a spot on the U.S. National Team.

David Taylor (PSU RTC/86 kg) and Aaron Brooks (Current-PSU RTC/86 kg) battled in the 84 kg best-of-three series. Brooks used takedowns in each period to post a 4-1 win in the opening bout, wrestled in the early session on Saturday. Brooks picked up a step out in the first period and a takedown in the second to post a 3-1 win over Taylor in Saturday night's final session to win the series 2-0. His victory earns him a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team and a trip to the Paris Summer Olympic Games. Taylor ends the tournament as the Trials runner-up and has secured a spot on the U.S. National Team.

Kyle Snyder (PSU RTC/97 kg) met Isaac Trumble (WRTC) in the best-of-three final series. Snyder controlled the action from the onset on posted a 5-0 win over Trumble in the first bout, contested during the day's early session. Snyder used a series of step outs and a passivity call to roll to a 4-0 win in the second match against Trumble, wrestled in Saturday night's final session. The win will send Snyder to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games.

Thomas Gilman (PSU RTC/57 kg) faced Spencer Lee (HWC) in the best-of-three series at 57 kg, one of the weights that has yet to qualify for the Games. Gilman dropped the first match in the series 6-3 early on in Saturday's morning session. In the second meeting later that session, Gilman led on criteria late but gave up a takedown and eventually lost by fall (5:58). He ends the tournament as the second place finisher and earns a spot on the US National Team.

Zain Retherford (PSU RTC/65 kg) took on Nick Lee (PSU RTC/65 kg) in the best-of-three series at 65 kg, another weight that will need to be qualified for the Olympics in Turkey. Lee scored first but Retherford picked up a step out and passivity to post a 2-1 win in the first bout. Rethford controlled the action in the second match and posted a 5-0 win to claim the series and the 2024 US Olympic Team Trials title. Retherford will now have a chance to qualify his weight for the Paris Games later this May in Turkey to become an Olympian. Lee, by virtue of his second place finish, earned a spot on the U.S. National Team.

Mitchell Mesenbrink (Current-PSU RTC/74 kg) took on Quincey Monday (NJRTC) in his first consolation bout on Saturday. Mesenbrink was dominant in posting a 12-1 technical superiority win, advancing in the third place bracket. He then posted a quick 10-0 technical superiority over Jarrett Jacques (TSWC) in his next match. He finished off the tournament with a 3-1 record, taking third place and earning a spot on the U.S. national team.

Greg Kerkvliet (Current-PSU RTC/125 kg) took on Wyatt Hendrickson (AFRTC) in his fist match in the third place bracket and rolled to an 11-0 technical superiority win. He followed that up with a tough 2-2 (ct.) loss to Dom Bradley (TSWC). Kerkvliet closed out the tournament with a 2-2 record.

Mark Hall (Former PSU/86 kg) took on Max Dean (PSU RTC/86 kg) in each former Lion's first bout of the day in the third place bracket at 86 kg. Hall posted a 12-2 win, ending Dean's tournament run, and keeping Hall in line for a top four finish and a spot on the U.S. National Team. Hall then lost a tough 9-4 decision to Trent Hidlay (WRTC) in his next match to end his tournament. The Nittany Lion great then left his shoes on the mat as he left the BJC, announcing his retirement from freestyle wrestling.

Beau Bartlett (Current-PSU RTC/65 kg), Alex Facundo (Current -PSU RTC/74 kg), Levi Haines (Current-PSU RTC/74 kg), Carter Starocci (Current-PSU RTC/86 kg, Nico Megaludis (Former PSU/57 kg), Vincenzo Joseph (Former PSU/74 kg) and Jennifer Page (PSU RTC/WFS 57 kg) all competed yesterday as well, rounding out the Happy Valley contingent's 19 grapplers.

Prior to the final session, Penn State RTC/Nittany Lion Wrestling Club head coach Jake Varner was named the USA Wrestling Men's Freestyle Coach of the Year.

As stated, 13 of the 18 Trials Champions crowned at the event will represent the United States at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games, which begin on July 26. The wrestling portion of the games runs from August 5 through August 11. The other five will look to become Olympians by qualifying their respective weights for the Games later in May in Turkey. In addition, the top four finishers at each weight class earn spots on the U.S. National Team.

 

[kelpapa]

I'm super bummed for Taylor. I really wanted to see him go for his second gold. I'm very excited for this team. Loved seeing Bo in the corners of Nolf and Brooks.

Penn State is the Russell Celtics.

 

[SoxJox]

I'm super bummed for Taylor. I really wanted to see him go for his second gold. I'm very excited for this team. Loved seeing Bo in the corners of Nolf and Brooks.

Penn State is the Russell Celtics.

Ditto. But Brooks left no doubt about the matter, defeating Taylor in two consecutive matches. To my eye, Brooks just seemed a quarter step quicker. And I can't imagine the last time Taylor went down via a double-leg shot. Brooks just bull dozed him. And, in a couple of tight spots, Brooks displayed tremendous defense.

Another crazy twist was Facundo beating Haines. Facundo didn't wrestle a single match this year, having taken an Olympic redshirt. A wrestling room with not one, but 2 wrestlers of that caliber at the same weight makes you just go, "whoa".

 

[kelpapa]

Taylor got in deep once it twice and I couldn't believe Brooks got out of it. Nlwc is just stacked.