By Pat Donghhia gopsusports.com
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team crowned four individual champions at the 2024 NCAA Championships in Kansas City’s T-Mobile Center. Penn State, which clinched its 11th team National Championship under head coach Cael Sanderson on Friday night, welcomed two new NCAA champions to the fold and added its first two four-time NCAA kings.
Penn State won the team title with 172.5 points, 100 points ahead of second place Cornell. Michigan was third with 71.0. The Nittany Lions leave Kansas City with eight All-Americans, four NCAA Champions including its first two four-timers in Carter Starocci and Aaron Brooks.
Senior Greg Kerkvliet, the No. 1 seed at 285, battled No. 10 Lucas Davison of Michigan in the first of Penn State’s six NCAA title bouts. Kerkvliet and Davison worked the center circle to begin the match, battling on their feet through the 2:00 mark. Kerkvliet snapped a low shot into control of both Davison’s feet and notched a takedown to lead 3-1 at 1:50. Kerkvliet used a low pick to snag Davison’s ankle to up his lead to 6-2 with a late takedown. He carried that lead into the second period. Davison chose down to start the second period and escaped to a 6-3 score. He worked neutral through the 1:00 mark and then fought off a slight Davison shot, worked into a high single and finished off the takedown at :15 to lead 9-3 after two periods. Kerkvliet chose down to start the third period and quickly escaped to a 10-3 lead. The Nittany Lion worked the center of the mat through the :45 mark and added another takedown to up his lead to 13-3 at :25. Davison added a late takedown, but Kerkvliet’s dominance gave the Nittany Lion his first National Championship with a resounding 13-4 major decision. He ends the tournament with a 5-0 mark, including two majors and a tech, and the season at 20-0. Kerkvliet is a four-time All-American.
Senior Beau Bartlett, the No. 2 seed at 141, faced No. 1 Jesse Mendez of Ohio State in the finals. Bartlett and Mendez worked the center circle in neutral over the first minute plus. The first period continued through the first period deadlocked at 0-0. Mendez chose down to start the second period and escaped to a 1-0 lead. Bartlett paced the middle of the mat looking control and an opening. Neither wrestler was able to find any offense as the clock hit 1:00. Bartlett got control of Mendez’s leg at the end of the period, but the Buckeye was able to fight off the move and kill the clock. Trailing 1-0, Bartlett chose down to start the third. Bartlett worked his way to an escape at 1:20 to tie the match 1-1. Bartlett worked a single into what looked to be a takedown, but none was called. Mendez scrambled through the move and notched a takedown with :01 left. Penn State challenged the call, but it stood, and Bartlett dropped the 4-1 decision in the final seconds. Bartlett went 4-1 with two pins to become national runner-up. He ends the season with a 23-2 record and is a two-time All-American.
Sophomore Levi Haines, the No. 1 seed at 157, met No. 2 Jacori Teemer of Arizona State in his finals match-up. Haines controlled position in the middle of the mat to start the bout. Haines pressed Teemer backwards as the first period hit its midway point and continued to move forward, looking to engage. Haines moved forward for the entire period, but Teemer was able to keep his distance and the match moved to the second stanza tied 0-0. Haines chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 1-0 lead. The Nittany Lion continue to move forward on the Sun Devil through 1:00. He forced a first stall warning as the clock moved into the period’s last minute. Haines pressured the Devil for the rest of the period and carried the 1-0 lead into the third. Trailing 1-0, Teemer chose neutral to start the third period. Haines moved quickly through a high double and took a 4-0 lead with a takedown at the 1:35 mark. He controlled Teemer for the rest of the period, added riding time, and became an NCAA Champion with the 5-0 win. Haines went 5-0 for his title with one major, two tech falls and a pin. He ends his season with a 23-0 record and is a two-time All-American.
Redshirt freshman Mitchell Mesenbrink, the No. 2 seed at 165, battled No. 4 David Carr of Iowa State in the title bout. Carr came out firing quickly and took Mesenbrink down in the opening seconds. Mesenbrink worked his way to an escape at the 1:10 mark to cut the lead to 3-1. Carr had 1:42 in riding time. Mesenbrink went to work on offense, looking for an opening. He scrambled through a fast shot, but Carr evaded the effort and Mesenbrink trailed 3-1 after one. Carr chose down to start the second period and escaped to a 4-1 lead. Mesenbrink shot low and forced a scramble at 1:20 but Carr forced a stalemate with :59 left on the clock. Carr scrambled to a second takedown at :24, Mesenbrink got a stall and escaped at the buzzer to trail 7-3 after two. Mesenbrink chose down to start the third, got a stall point and an escape and trailed 7-5 at the 1:27 mark. Mesenbrink took Carr down with :40 left, taking an 8-7 lead. Carr escaped to tie the bout and had riding time. Mesenbrink spent the rest of the period chasing Carr down but could not catch the Cyclone grappler, or get another stall call, and dropped a hard fought 9-8 decision on riding time. Mesenbrink ends the tournament with a 4-1 record, including two majors and a tech fall. He is the 2024 national runner up and an All-American as a freshman.
Senior Carter Starocci, the No. 9 seed at 174, made his fourth straight appearance in the NCAA finals and met No. 6 Rocco Welsh of Ohio State. Starocci controlled position in the center circle to start the match, looking to break through Welsh’s defense. The clock moved towards the 1:00 mark with Starocci still holding firm in the center circle. He nearly connected on a quick shot, but Welsh was able to slip out of his grasp and keep the bout neutral. Welsh got hit for a first stall. Starocci continued to pressure the Buckeye wrestlers and took a 1-0 lead on a second stall at :02. Leading 1-0, Starocci chose down to start the second period. Starocci worked his way to an escape and a 2-0 lead at 1:48. Starocci worked to close the distance as Welsh played defense through :30. Trailing 2-0, Welsh chose neutral to start the third period. Starocci continued to shoot Welsh backwards through the 1:30 mark. With time ticking below 1:00, Starocci kept his position and got in on a late low single that effectively killed the clock. The Nittany Lion senior walked off the mat with a 2-0 win and became a four-time NCAA Champion. Starocci went 5-0 and ends his senior season with a 17-2 record, the only losses precautionary injury defaults at the Big Ten tournament two weekends ago.
Senior+ Aaron Brooks, the No. 1 seed at 197, made his fourth straight appearance in the NCAA finals and took on No. 2 Trent Hidlay of North Carolina State in the event’s final bout. Brooks connected on a low single quickly, working his way into control of Hidlay’s leg. Hidlay was able to work action out of bounds and keep the bout scoreless at 2:15. Brooks continued to set the tempo, shooting Hidlay out of bounds at 1:15. Brooks forced a first stall on Hidlay at :35 and continued to press on offense. Brooks continued his offensive and notched a key takedown at the buzzer to lead 3-0 after one. Brooks chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 4-0 lead. He fought off a slight Hidlay shot and returned to the center of the mat. He continued to pressure Hidlay backwards through the :40 mark. He picked up a stall point to lead 5-0 at :15 and took that lead into the third period. Hidlay chose down to start the third period. Brooks controlled the action through the 1:00 mark and worked his time edge up over 1:00. The Nittany Lion senior dominated Hidlay from the top position for the remainder of the period and finished on top. Brooks, with riding time, became a four-time NCAA Champion with the strong 6-0 win. Brooks went 5-0 at the tournament with a 5-0 record, including two pins and two tech falls. Brooks ends the season with a 22-0 record and closes out his career with an 89-3 record as a five-time All-American and four-time NCAA Champion.
True freshman Tyler Kasak, the No. 7 seed at 149, finished the bout on his feet and posted the 3-2 win to take third place as a true freshman. Kasak, only the ninth wrestler to ever lose a first round bout and win seven straight to take third, ended the tournament with a 7-1 record including four majors and a pin. He concludes the season with a 24-5 record. Graduate Bernie Truax, the No. 6 seed at 184, capped off a stellar collegiate career with a fifth place finish. He went 5-2 over the weekend with a major and a tech fall. Truax went 5-2 over the weekend and became a four-time All-American with a fifth place finish. He ended his final season with a 19-6 record and finished with an 86-27 mark.
True freshman Braeden Davis finished just one win shy of All-America status at 125. Davis went 2-2, dropping tough bouts to the eighth and fifth seeds. Davis ended his campaign with a 22-4 overall record and as the 2024 Big Ten Champion at his weight. Sophomore Aaron Nagao also finished just one win shy of earning All-America laurels at 133. Nagao went 3-2 with a tech fall. He concluded his first year as a Nittany Lion with a 17-7 record and was a 2023 All-American.
The Nittany Lions now have 59 NCAA Champions, 38 since Sanderson’s arrival as head coach. Starocci and Brooks became school’s first four-time NCAA Champions. At the conclusion of the tournament, Brooks was named the 2024 NCAA Most Dominant Wrestler and the 2024 NCAA Championship Outstanding Wrestler.
Starocci and Brooks joined a group of five other four-time NCAA Champions, bringing the total to seven (Cael Sanderson, Kyle Dake, Yianni Diakomihalis, Pat Smith, Logan Stieber). Penn State’s 172.5 points set a new NCAA record, breaking the old mark of 170 set by Iowa in 1997. The Nittany Lions crushed the margin of victory between champion and second place, winning by 100 points (breaking the mark of 73.75 set in 1986 by Iowa.
The Nittany Lions went 4-2 in the finals and leave Kansas City with a 45-9 overall record. Penn State collected 35.0 bonus points off 11 majors, eight tech falls and six pins.
With this year’s championships in the books, Penn State now has 59 NCAA individual titles spread among 37 individuals. Since 2011, Penn State has the most individual titles in the nation (Penn State 38, Cornell 14, Oklahoma State 10, Ohio State 10, Iowa 7). The Nittany Lions have had 56 NCAA finalists and own a 38-18 record in the national finals. Since 2011, Penn State has won then of 11 of 13 NCAA team championships (no tournament in 2020).
The Nittany Lions have won 12 NCAA titles overall with 11 coming under Sanderson (third most in history). Penn State won four-straight titles in 2011, ’12, ’13 and ’14 and again in 2006, ’17, ’18 and ’19. The Nittany Lions have now won three straight again, 2022, ’23, ’24. Penn State also owns a championship from 1953. Sanderson’s 15-year head coaching ledger for team finishes at NCAAs since arriving at Penn State is as follows: 2010 (9th), 2011 (1st), 2012 (1st), 2013 (1st), 2014 (1st), 2015 (6th), 2016 (1st), 2017 (1st), 2018 (1st), 2019 (1st), 2020 (no tourn.), 2021 (2nd), 2022 (1st), 2023 (1st), 2024 (1st).
The Nittany Lions added eight All-Americans to their ledger, bringing the school’s total to 254 all-time (91 under Sanderson). Its six finalists is also a school record. Sanderson has now led his teams to 11 NCAA titles, equaling Oklahoma State’s E.C. Gallagher’s 11. Dan Gable of Iowa has 15. Penn State’s 12 overall team titles is third all-time in NCAA history as well. Since 2011, Penn State is 56-8 in the national semifinals as well, an .875 win percentage.
The 2023-24 Penn State Wrestling season is presented by the Family Clothesline. Penn State Fans are encouraged to follow Penn State wrestling via X/twitter at @pennstateWREST, on Penn State Wrestling’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pennstatewrestling and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/pennstatewrest. This is PENN STATE. WRESTLING lives here.
Penn State at 2024 NCAA Championships – Session 6
March 23, 2024 – Kansas City, Mo. – T-Mobile Center
Team Standings (Top 10 – FINAL)
1: PENN STATE – 172.5
2: Cornell – 72.5
3: Michigan – 71.0
4: Iowa State – 68.5
5: Iowa – 67.0
6: Arizona State – 65.5
7: Virginia Tech – 64.0
8: Ohio State – 62.0
9: Nebraska – 60.5
10: Oklahoma State – 56.0
Weight-by-weight agate (RANKINGS LISTED ARE OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT SEED):
125: #1 Braeden Davis, Fr., Belleville, Mich./Dundee
Rd. 1: #33 Tristan Lujan, Michigan State – W, 8-1 dec.
Rd. 2: #17 Brett Ungar, Cornell – W, 2-1 dec.
Qtr: #8 Richard Figueroa, Arizona State – L, 2-3 dec.
Cn. 4: #5 Jore Volk, Wyoming – L, 1-4 (sv) dec.
Davis met No. 33 Tristan Lujan in his first bout. Davis got in on a deep single at the 1:22 mark and worked his way into a takedown and a 3-0 lead at 1:08. He controlled the Spartan for the rest of the period and carried the 3-0 lead into the second period. Davis chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 4-0 lead. Davis turned a solid single into a second takedown to lead 7-0 at :40. Lujan chose down to start the third period and Davis controlled the Spartan for :20 before he escaped to a 7-1 score. Davis held 2:01 in riding time and used that point to cap off an 8-1 win.
He took on No. 17 Brett Ungar of Cornell in the second round. Davis shot Ungar off the mat at 1:23 with a blast double but did not get the stall call with 1:55 on the clock. The Nittany Lion freshman continued to force Ungar backwards through the 1:00 mark. The first period ended in a scoreless tie. Davis chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 1-0 lead. The Lion freshman continued to press Ungar back and the Big Red grappler worked the outside circle. Davis led 1-0 after two. Ungar chose down to start the third period and Davis went to work on top. The Nittany Lion controlled the action through the 1:00 mark and built his time up over 1:00. Davis was hit for stalling with :29 left, still on top. Ungar escaped with :08 left but Davis’ 1:41 in riding time was the factor in a 2-1 win. He advanced to the quarterfinals with the victory.
Davis faced No. 8 Richard Figueroa of Arizona State in Penn State’s first of eight quarterfinal bouts. Davis worked the center circle to start the bout. The Lion freshman pressured Figueroa, keeping the Devil’s back to the outside circle through 1:00. Davis fought off a solid Figueroa single and forced a reset out of bounds at :30. Tied 0-0, Davis chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 1-0 lead. The duo battled in neutral for the remainder of the period and Davis led 1-0 after two. Figueroa chose down to start the third period and reversed Davis to a 2-1 lead. Davis worked his way to an escape, but Figueroa had riding time. Davis forced one stall and chased Figueroa for the final :20 seconds. Figueroa’s riding time allowed the Devil to post the 3-2 win and send Davis to consolation action, still alive for third place and All-America status.
He battled No. 5 Jore Volk of Wyoming in the first of Penn State’s ‘All-America’ round match-ups, needing one victory to secure All-America status as a true freshman. Davis pressured Volk to the outside circle to start the bout, holding position on the NCAA logo. The duo battled through the 1:30 mark with Davis the aggressor. A third slight shot at 1:00 kept Volk on defense. Davis forced a first stall at the :40 mark. Tied 0-0 after one, Volk chose down to start the second period. He escaped after :30 to a 1-0 lead. The escape was the only scoring in the second period and Davis trailed 1-0 after two. Davis chose down to start the third period. He steadily worked his way free to an escape at 1:12 to tie the bout 1-1. He nearly connected on a scrambling takedown on the edge of the mat, but Volk escaped out of bounds at :50. The match moved into extra time tied 1-1. Davis got in deep on a high double and rolled through the shot early in sudden victory. Volk countered, however, and worked his way into control of the Nittany Lion. Davis fought off the move for nearly :45 before Volk finished off the takedown for the 4-1 (sv) win. The loss ended Davis’ tournament run at 2-2. He finished his true freshman season at 22-4 and as the 2024 Big Ten Champion.
133: #10 Aaron Nagao, So., La Habra, Calif./Esperanza
Rd. 1: #23 Marlon Yarbrough, Virginia – L, 5-13 maj. dec.
Cn. 1: #26 Kade Moore, Missouri – W, 16-1 (TF; 5:00)
Cn. 2: #24 Julian Chlebove, Arizona State – W, 5-1 dec.
Cn. 3: #16 Nick Bouzakis, Ohio State – W, 3-0 dec.
Cn. 4: #3 Kai Orine, North Carolina State – L, 4-11 dec.
Nagao took on No. 23 Marlon Yarbrough of Virginia in the first round. Nagao fell behind 3-1 after an early scramble by Yarbrough and then 6-2 after a second Virginia takedown. Nagao worked the center of the mat through the :45 mark and trailed 6-2 after one. Nagao chose down to start the second period and escaped to a 6-3 score. Yarbrough worked through a low double for a third takedown and a 9-3 lead. Nagao chose neutral to start the third period, trailing 9-3, but Yarbrough notched a fourth takedown to lead 12-3. Nagao added a late reversal but dropped into consolation action after the 13-5 loss.
He battled #26 Kade Moore of Missouri in his first consolation bout. Nagao worked his way in on an early shot, forcing a scramble that led to a takedown and an early 3-0 lead. Nagao worked the top position, working to turn the Tiger grappler. Moore worked his way to an escape after a reset with 1:10 on the clock. Nagao continued his strong offense, notching a second takedown at :35. He added two back points and carried an 8-1 lead with 1:55 in time into the second period. Nagao escaped to start the second period and led 9-1. Moore took a low shot, forcing a scramble. Nagao scrambled through for a counter takedown and led 12-1. He worked Moore over to his back for a four count as the period ended and walked away with a 16-1 technical fall at 5:00.
Nagao battled No. 24 Julian Chlebove of Arizona State in the second round of consolation action. Chlebove worked his way in on an early shot and Nagao fought it off to keep things scoreless early. Nagao fought off a second shot and then a third to keep the match tied 0-0 after one. Chlebove chose down to start the second period and Nagao went to work on top. He broke the Sun Devil down, working him flat while looking for a chance to turn him. Chlebove escaped late to a 1-0 lead, but Nagao had 1:26 in riding time. Nagao chose down to start third. He worked his way to an escape with 1:30 left but lost his riding time edge and the match was tied 1-1. He worked through a low single, scrambled his way to a takedown and added two near fall points to take a 6-1 lead in the final :20. Arizona State challenged the call, and it was overturned. Penn State then challenged immediately and won on review, with Nagao awarded a takedown to lead 4-1 with :03 left. He picked up a riding time point and moved on in conso action with the 5-1 win.
He took on No. 12 Nick Bouzakis of Ohio State in his next conso bout. Nagao fought off an early Bouzakis shot, forcing a stalemate at 2:12. Ngao forced a scramble in the center circle at 1:00 and both wrestlers had opportunities, but a stalemate halted action at :25 and the bout moved to the second period tied 0-0. Bouzakis chose down to start the second and Nagao controlled the action deep into the second period. He built up over 1:30 in time and Bouzakis took injury time. Nagao took down on the reset with :22 left and quickly escaped to a 1-0 lead. He chose down to start the third period, escaped in seconds and still had 1:22 in riding time to his side. He finished in neutral, added the riding time point and continued on in conso action with the 3-0 win.
Nagao met No. 3 Kai Orine of North Carolina State in his ‘All-America’ battle, looking for one more win to become a two-time All-American. The duo battled through an even first minute. Orine slid down through a low double on the edge of the mat and notched the first takedown at midway through the period to take a 3-0 lead. Nagao escaped to a 3-1 score and nearly took the lead late with a low shot. But time ran out and Nagao trailed 3-1 after one. He took down to start the second period. Orine was able to turn the Lion for four back points and a 7-1 lead. Leading 7-1, Orine chose down to start the third period. Nagao went to work on top looking to turn the Wolfpack grappler for back points to get back in the match. He eventually cut Orine loose, took him down to cut the score to 8-4 and nearly turned him for back points. But Orine was able to slide through for a reversal and, with riding time, posted the 11-4 win. The loss ended Nagao’s tournament at 2-2 and his season at 16-7.
141: #2 Beau Bartlett, Sr., Tempe, Ariz./Wyoming Seminary (Pa.)
Rd. 1: #31 Kal Miller, Maryland – W, 6-1 dec.
Rd. 2: #15 Mitch Moore, Rutgers – WBF (5:49)
Qtr: #26 Vance Vombaur, Minnesota – WBF (6:48)
Semi: #6 Lachlan McNeil, North Carolina – W, 5-1 dec.
Finals: #1 Jesse Mendez, Ohio State – L, 1-4 dec.
Bartlett took on No. 31 Kal Miller of Maryland in the first round. The duo battled through an even first period, with Bartlett nearly scoring at the end of the period to no avail. With the score tied 0-0, Bartlett chose down to start the second stanza and eventually worked his way to an escape and a 1-0 lead at the 1:17 mark. He carried that lead into the third period. Miller chose down to start the third and worked his way to an escape and a 1-1 tie at the 1:30 mark. Bartlett forced a scramble with a dep shot at the :50 mark. He finished off the takedown, and added two near fall points, with seconds left in the bout to post the 6-1 win.
He faced No. 15 Mitch Moore of Rutgers in the second round. The duo worked neutral through the 1:30 mark, wrestling in the center of the mat. Neither wrestler was able to find an opening in the opening period and the bout moved to the second tied 0-0. Bartlett chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 1-0 lead. Action continued in neutral through the :30 mark and to 0:00. Trailing 1-0, Moore chose down to start the third period. Moore escaped to a 1-1 tie at 1:30 and Bartlett quickly locked up a single. He finished off the takedown by locking up a cradle and got the fall at the 3:49 to advance to the quarterfinals.
Bartlett battled No. 26 Vance Vombaur of Minnesota in the quarters. The duo battled in the center of the mat for the first two minutes-plus with neither wrestler breaking through on offense. Bartlett fought off a late Vombaur shot, and the match moved to the second tied 0-0. Bartlett chose down to start the second period and escaped to a 1-0 lead. He worked in neutral for the rest of the period and led 1-0 after two. Vombaur chose down to start the third period and quickly escaped to a 1-1 tie. Bartlett worked his way in on a single and finished off the takedown to take a 4-1 lead at the 1:04 mark. Vombaur escaped and worked his way in on a deep single. But Bartlett was steady on one leg, counter scrambled to control and quickly locked up a cradle as action moved to the mat. He picked up the fall at 6:48, advancing to the national semifinals, and became a two-time All-American in the process.
Bartlett faced No. 6 Lachlan McNeil of North Carolina in the first of Penn State’s six national semifinal bouts. Bartlett and McNeil worked neutral for the first three minutes of the bout and the first period ended in a 0-0 tie. McNeil chose down to start the second period and escaped to a 1-0 lead. Bartlett worked the middle of the mat on offense but could not break through McNeil’s defense and trailed by one after two. He chose down to start the third period and worked his way to a reversal and a 2-1 lead. He nearly turned the Tar Heel grappler for back points but settled in back on top after McNeil avoided the count. He kept control and eventually turned McNeil for two back points to lead 4-1. Bartlett settled in on top and finished the period in control. With the added riding time point, Bartlett rolled into the National Finals with a strong 5-1 win.
See above story for bout-by-bout recap
149: #7 Tyler Kasak, Fr., Doylestown, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic
Rd. 1: #26 Jaden Abas, Stanford – L, 2-4 dec.
Cn. 1: #23 Drew Roberts, Minnesota – W, 14-5 maj. dec.
Cn. 2: #9 Ethan Fernandez, Cornell – WBF (0:36)
Cn. 3: #17 Graham Rooks, Indiana – W, 13-1 maj. dec.
Cn. 4: #3 Jackson Arrington, North Carolina State – W, 5-4 dec.
Cn. 5: #11 Quinn Kinner, Rider – W, 10-2 maj. dec.
Cn. Semi: #1 Ridge Lovett, Nebraska – W, 10-1 maj. dec.
3rd: #5 Ty Watters, West Virginia – W, 3-2 dec.
Kasak met No. 26 Jaden Abas of Stanford in his first match at nationals. Kasak fought off an early Abas shot, scrambling through the 2:00 mark before a stalemate ended things. After a scoreless first period, Kasak chose down to start the second and quickly escaped to a 1-0 lead. Abas worked his way on a deep single and Kasak fought off the move until the :10 mark, but Abas connected on a late double and led 3-1 after two. Abas chose down to start the third period and escaped to a 4-1 lead. Kasak spent the rest of the period working for a takedown. Abas gave up a stall point, but Kasak could not catch him and dropped into consolation action with the 4-2 loss.
He met No. 23 Drew Roberts of Minnesota in the first round of consolation action. Kasak paced the center circle, setting up on offense. He took a serious of quick shots that Roberts scrambled away from. Kasak connected on a shot late in the period and quickly rolled Roberts to his back for three near fall points, opening up a 6-0 lead. He added four more back points as the period ended and led 10-0 after one. Roberts chose down to start the second period and Kasak dominated the action on top. He built his riding time up over 2:00 before Roberts escaped and led 10-1 with 2:34 in time after two. Kasak chose down to start the third period and worked his way to a reversal and a 12-1 lead at 1:40. Roberts answered with an escape and a takedown before the bout ended. Kasak, with riding time, rolled into the second consolation round with a 14-5 major decision.
Kasak battled No. 9 Ethan Fernandez of Cornell in the second round of consolation action. Fernandez took an early shot and Kasak quickly countered to control. He got a neutral danger takedown and ended the bout with a fast fall at just 0:36. The quick pin moved him on to the third round of consolations.
He met No. 17 Graham Rooks of Indiana in the next conso round. Kasak shot quickly, forcing a scramble that ended in a takedown at the 2:06 mark. The Lion true freshman controlled the action from the top position, building up over 1:00 in time while trying to turn the Hoosier for nearfall points. Rooks was hit with stalling at :40 and Kasak at :30. Kasak finished the period on top and led 3-0 with 2:06 in time after one. Kasak chose neutral to start the second period. He battled Rooks in neutral through the 1:00 mark then connected on a low single. He scrambled through the action for a neutral danger takedown to open up a 6-0 lead, which held into the third. Rooks took neutral to start the final stanza. Kasak iced the match with a takedown and the :55 mark, opening up a 9-0 lead. Rooks escaped to a 9-1 score. Kasak added a late takedown and riding time to move on in consolation action with the strong 13-1 major decision.
Kasak met No. 3 Jackson Arrington of North Carolina State in his ‘All-America’ round bout, also needing one win to be a true freshman All-American. Arrington forced a scramble early with a shot and worked his way to a takedown and a 3-0 lead at 2:19. Kasak battled on bottom and worked his way to an escape to cut the lead to 3-1 at 1:21. Kasak worked the center circle, looking for a takedown but Arrington was able to defend his way to the end of the period. Arrington chose down to start the second stanza and escaped to a 4-1 lead. Kasak counter scrambled his way to a takedown with :25 left in the period, tying the bout 4-4. He finished on top, and the match moved to the third tied 4-4. Kasak chose down to start the third period. Arrington got hit with a stall warning and Kasak quickly escaped to a 5-4 lead. He worked the middle of the mat through the 1:00 mark, still leading by one. Kasak gave up a stall call at :44 then fought off a solid Arrington shot. He defended his way to All-America status as the clock hit :00. The 5-4 win over the third seeded Arrington made him an All-American.
In the next consolation round, he took on No. 11 Quinn Kinner of Rider. Kasak took Kinner down quickly, opening up an early lead and adding to it with four near fall points. Leading 7-0 in the first minute, Kasak built his riding time up over 1:00 with strong control. Kasak gave up a stall warning during his ride but finished on top to lead 7-0 with 2:18 in time to his side. Kasak chose down to start the second period. Steady underneath, he reversed Kinner quickly to lead 9-0 and went back to work, adding to his time advantage. Kinner escaped to a 9-1 score before the period ended. Kinner chose down to start the third period. Kasak clinched his riding time point with a strong ride, working the clock down to the 1:00 mark before Kinner escaped to a 9-2 score. Kasak used 3:36 in riding time for another point and rolled into the consolation semifinals with a 10-2 major decision.
Kasak met No. 7 Ridge Lovett of Nebraska in the consolation semifinals. Kasak struck quickly, taking the Husker down to open up a 3-0 lead. Lovett worked his way in into control of Kasak’s leg, looking for a reversal, but the Lion fought off the move and only gave up an escape. Kasak worked the center circle through the 1:00 mark. He connected on a high single for a second takedown at the :44 mark to up his lead to 6-1. Kasak maintained control of Lovett for the rest of the period and led 6-1 with 1:39 in riding time after one. The second period started in neutral. Kasak continued to work his offense and bulled through a third takedown at the 1:00 mark to open up a 9-1 lead. The Lion freshman controlled the Husker senior for the rest of the period once again and led 9-1 with 2:39 in time after two periods. Lovett also chose neutral to start the third period. The duo battled in neutral through the 1:00 mark and Kasak’s riding time point was clinched. Kasak fought off one last Lovett shot at the buzzer and, with riding time, notched the impressive 10-1 major decision to move into the bronze medal match.
Kasak met No. 5 Ty Watters of West Virginia in the third place bout. Kasak came out and scored quickly, turning a single into a takedown and a 3-0 lead. Watters escaped to a 3-1 score and action continued in neutral. Action moved through the 1:00 mark in neutral with Kasak circling Watters, looking for an opening. The Mountaineers defense held through the period and Kasak led 3-1 after one. Watters chose down to start the second period and worked his way to an escaped and a 3-2 score. The duo battled in the center circle for the remainder of the period and Kasak carried the 3-2 lead into the third. Kasak chose neutral to start the third period. He continued to take low shots, looking for a second takedown. Kasak gained control of Watters’ leg at the 1:10 mark, forcing a scramble. Watters was able to work his way out of bounds to force a reset at the :38 mark. Watters shot low on the reset and Kasak fought the move off to hold on to his lead. He finished the bout on his feet and posted the 3-2 win to take third place as a true freshman. Kasak, only the ninth wrestler to ever lose a first round bout and win seven straight to take third, ended the tournament with a 7-1 record including four majors and a pin. He concludes the season with a 24-5 record.
157: #1 Levi Haines, So., Arendtsville, Pa./Biglerville —
Rd. 1: #32 Isaac Wilcox, Ohio State – W, 17-2 (TF; 7:00)
Rd. 2: #16 Teague Travis, Oklahoma State – W, 19-4 (TF; 6:41)
Qtr: #8 Peyton Robb, Nebraska – W, 8-0 maj. dec.
Semi: #12 Bryce Andonian, Virginia Tech – WBF (7:48; SV)
Finals: #2 Jacori Teemer, Arizona State – W, 5-0 dec.
Haines took on No. 32 Isaac Wilcox of Ohio State in the first round. Haines took an early 3-1 lead after a quick takedown in the opening seconds of the match. The Lion sophomore used a quick single to notch a second takedown and finished the period on top to lead 6-1 after one. Wilcox chose down to start the second period and escaped to a 6-2 score. Haines notched a third takedown to lead 9-2. He picked up a fourth takedown late and led 12-2 after two. Haines chose down to start the third, escaped to a 13-2 lead and quickly took Wilcox down again to open up a 16-2 lead with cliched riding time. He finished the period on top again and, with riding time, posted the 17-2 technical fall at 7:00.
He battled No. 16 Teague Travis of Oklahoma State in round two. Haines set a quick tempo to start, working for position in the center circle. He picked up the first takedown at the 1:47 mark to open up a 3-0 lead. Haines then went to work on top, working for a turn. Haines built up over 1:00 in riding time with control, finishing on top to lead 3-0 with 1:47 in time after one. Haines chose down to start the second period, escaped to a 4-0 lead and took the Cowboy down again to open up a 7-0 lead with 1:25 remaining. He added two more takedowns and led 13-2 after two. Travis chose down to start the third, Haines cut him to a 13-3 score and notched a counter takedown to lead 16-3 with clinched riding time. He took a 16-4 lead with another takedown and finished off the technical fall with a scrambling takedown with :19 left. Haines’ 19-4 tech fall advanced him into the quarterfinals.
Haines took on No. 8 Peyton Robb of Nebraska in his quarterfinal bout. Haines and Robb worked the center circle for the first minute-plus. Haines turned a single leg into a scramble and worked his way to a takedown and a 3-0 lead at 1:09. He was strong on top and turned Robb for three back points before the period ended to lead 6-0 after one. Haines chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 7-0 lead. He fought off a late Robb shot and carried that lead into the third period. Robb chose down to start the third period and Haines controlled the action deep into the period. He clinched riding time and finished on top to post the strong 8-0 major decision. The win made him a two-time All-American and pushed him into the national semifinals.
Haines met No. 12 Bryce Andonian of Virginia Tech in his national semifinal match-up. Haines worked the center circle for the first minute and got in on a high single, but Andonian was able to fight the move off to keep things scoreless. The duo traded shots at 1:15. Haines continued to shoot Andonian into defense, but the Hokie was able to defend his way out of the period. Tied 0-0, Andonian chose down to start the second period and escaped to a 1-0 lead. Haines continued to shoot and Andonian continued to back away for the rest of the period. Trailing 1-0, Haines chose down to start the third period and quickly escaped to a 1-1 tie. Andonian connected on a single and took a 4-2 lead after a quick Haines escape. Haines continued to shoot the Hokie backwards to the :45 mark. Haines took a 5-4 lead with a nifty takedown at the :45 mark and Andonian escaped to a 5-5 tie to send things to sudden victory. Haines immediately worked his way in on a shot and, once again, Andonian looked to scramble out of trouble. But Haines locked up control of the Hokie. Not settling for the takedown, Haines rolled Andonian to his back and pinned him at the 7:48 mark to move into the national finals.
See above story for bout-by-bout recap
165: #2 Mitchell Mesenbrink, Fr., Hartland, Wis./Arrowhead
Rd. 1: #31 Maxx Mayfield, Northwestern – W, 18-2 (TF; 5:32)
Rd. 2: #15 Brevin Cassella, Binghamton – W, 11-3 maj. dec.
Qtr: #10 Cameron Amine, Michigan – W, 6-1 dec.
Semi: #6 Mikey Caliendo, Iowa – W, 17-9 maj. dec.
Finals: #4 David Carr, Iowa State – L, 8-9 dec.
Mesenbrink battled No. 31 Maxx Mayfield of Northwestern in the first round. Mesenbrink opened the bout up with two quick takedowns to lead 6-1 early. He added a third takedown late in the period and led 9-2 after one. Mesenbrink chose down to start the second and escaped to a 10-2 lead. He picked up two stall points and added another takedown to lead 15-2 after two. Mayfield chose neutral to start the third period and Mesenbrink ended things quickly. He took the Wildcat to the mat for a final takedown, posting the 18-2 technical fall at the 5:32 mark.
He met No. 15 Brevin Cassella of Binghamton in the second round. Mesenbrink nearly scored off the whistle with a fast single. But Cassella worked his way out of bounds to force a reset. The Bearcat shot low and Mesenbrink was able to force a stalemate with 1:56 on the clock. Mesenbrink struck quickly on the reset, taking a 3-0 lead with a fast takedown at 1:50. He cut Cassella loose and went back to work on offense. He picked up a second takedown at :30, finished on top, and led 6-1 with 1:07 riding time after one. Mesenbrink chose down to start the second and quickly reversed action to an 8-1 lead. He added one more takedown and led 11-3 with 1:27 in time after two. Mesenbrink chose down to start the third period. Cassella was able to control the action on top for the entire period. Mesenbrink’s dominance over the first two periods allowed the Lion to roll to an 11-3 major decision and advance to the quarterfinals.
Mesenbrink battled No. 10 Cameron Amine of Michigan in the quarterfinals. Mesenbrink walked Amine off the mat in the first :22, picking up an early stall warning. Mesenbrink worked his way in on a low single and worked to pull Amine back onto the mat as the clock hit 2:00. Amine was able to flee the mat and keep the bout scoreless at 1:38. Mesenbrink continued to chase the Wolverine to the outside circle and took a 1-0 lead on another Amine stall at :20. Trailing 1-0, Amine chose down to start the second period. He escaped to a 1-1 tie and Mesenbrink went back to work in the center circle. Mesenbrink used a fast low shot for a takedown and a 4-1 lead with :55 on the clock. Mesenbrink finished the period on top and led 4-1 with 1:05 in time after two. Mesenbrink chose down to start the third period and quickly escaped to a 5-1 lead. He picked up another point on another stall and won 6-1 going away. Mesenbrink became an All-American with the victory and moved into the national semifinals.
Mesenbrink met No. 6 Mikey Caliendo of Iowa in the national semis. Mesenbrink forced Caliendo into defense with a high single. Caliendo worked his way to a takedown and a 3-1 lead at 1:30 after a quick Mesenbrink escape. Mesenbrink continued to work on offense and took a 4-3 lead with a takedown at :40. Caliendo escaped to a 4-4 tie. They finished the period in neutral and moved to the second tied 4-4. Caliendo chose down to start the second and escaped to a 7-5 lead. Mesenbrink quickly took him down to lead 7-6 after a quick Iowa escape. Mesenbrink continued to shoot and took the Hawkeye down a third time to lead 10-7 after Caliendo escaped. Mesenbrink led 10-7 after two and escaped to an 11-7 lead to start the third. He rolled through a high double and scrambled his way to another takedown to open up a 14-7 lead. Mesenbrink roared through a fifth takedown to open up a 17-9 lead. Mesenbrink finished the bout in neutral and rolled into the national finals with a 17-9 major decision.
See above story for bout-by-bout recap
174: #9 Carter Starocci, Sr., Erie, Pa./Cathedral Prep
Rd. 1: #24 Andrew Sparks, Minnesota – W, 12-6 dec.
Rd. 2: #8 Adam Kemp, Cal Poly – W, 5-3 dec.
Qtr: #1 Mekhi Lewis, Virginia Tech – W, 4-0 dec.
Semi: #4 Shane Griffith, Michigan – W, 2-0 dec.
Finals: #6 Rocco Welsh, Ohio State – W, 2-0 dec.
Starocci took on No. 24 Andre Sparks in the first round. Starocci took a quick single, but Sparks countered the effort for a takedown and an early 3-1 lead. Starocci immediately worked his way into a scramble and a takedown. He then turned Sparks to his back for four near fall and led 8-3 with over 1:00 in time after one. Starocci chose neutral to start the second period and took Sparks down at the 1:11 mark to lead 11-4 after two periods. Trailing 11-4, Sparks chose down to start the third period. He escaped and picked up a stall point, but Starocci added a riding time point and moved on with a strong 12-6 win.
He met No. 8 Adam Kemp of Cal Poly in round two. Kemp scored quickly, taking a 3-0 lead just :07 into the bout. Starocci was able to work to an escape in :30 and cut the lead to 3-1. The Lion went to work on offense, using a low double for a quick takedown on the edge of the mat with 1:16 left in the period. He controlled the action on top and rode Kemp out to lead 4-3 after one. Starocci chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 5-3 lead. He and Kemp battled evenly for the remainder of the period, allowing Starocci to carry the two-point lead into the third period. Kemp chose neutral to start the third period. Starocci and Kemp battled through an even 2:00 to close out the bout. Starocci moved into the quarterfinals with a 5-3 victory.
Starocci faced No. 1 Mekhi Lewis of Virginia Tech in the quarters. The duo battled through an even first minute on the NCAA logo. Starocci worked his way in on a high single and muscled his way to a takedown and a 3-0 lead the :59 mark. He went to work on top, dominating the action while building up riding time. He finished the period on top and led 3-0 with :59 in time after one. Starocci chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 4-0 lead. The Nittany Lion senior worked the center of the mat, forcing Lewis into defense as the clock moved past 1:00. They finished in neutral and Starocci led 4-0 after two. Lewis chose neutral to start the third period. He battled Lewis through the first minute and was hit with a first stall at :44. He then moved in quickly on a single leg as the clock hit :30. He finished the bout in the at scramble and posted the convincing 4-0 win. Starocci became a four-time All-American with the win and moved into the NCAA semifinals.
Starocci took on No. 4 Shane Griffith of Michigan in the national his semifinal bout. Starocci shot Griffith backwards off the opening whistle, forcing the Wolverine to the outside circle. The Lion continued to press the Wolverine backwards and gained control of his right leg at the 1:31 mark. He worked to pull Griffith back on to the mat, but Griffith was able to flee the circle and force a reset at :35. Starocci forced Griffith into a first stall at :07 and the bout moved to the second tied 0-0. Griffith chose down to start the second period. Starocci broke the Wolverine down in the center of the mat and built his time edge up over 1:00 with a strong ride. He dominated the action on top and rode the Wolverine out. Tied 0-0, Starocci chose down to start the third and quickly escaped to a 1-0 lead with 1:48 in time to his side. Starocci battled in neutral over the final minute plus and roared back to the national finals, four a fourth time, with a 2-0 win.
See above story for bout-by-bout recap
184: #6 Bernie Truax, Gr., Oceanside, Calif./Rancho Buena Vista
Rd. 1: #27 Cameron Pine, Clarion – W, 18-3 (TF; 5:09)
Rd. 2: #11 Colton Hawks, Missouri – W, 4-2 dec.
Qtr: #3 Dustin Plott, Oklahoma State – L, 6-16 maj. dec.
Cn. 4: #10 Dylan Fishback, North Carolina State – W, 5-0 dec.
Cn. 5: #7 Thomas Stewart Jr., Virginia Tech – W, 5-1 dec.
Cn. Semi: #4 Trey Munoz, Oregon State – LBF (2:29)
5th: #2 Isaiah Salazar, Minnesota – W, 12-0 maj. dec.
Truax met No. 27 Cameron Pine of Clarion in the first round. He took the Golden Eagle down quickly and turned him to his back for three nearfall to lead 6-1 out of the gates. Truax took Pine down a second time before the period’s midway point and built his riding time point up over 2:00 with a strong ride. He finished the period on top and led 9-1 with 2:40 in riding time after one. After a neutral start to the second period, Truax turned a low single into a scramble and a takedown to lead 12-1. He worked his riding time up over 3:00, gave up a penalty point and an escape, then took Pine down once more to lead 15-3 after two. After another neutral start to begin the third, Truax ended the bout with a final takedown, posting the 18-3 tech fall at 5:09.
He faced No. 11 Colton Hawks of Missouri in round two. Truax and Hawks battled evenly to begin the match, working on their fee in the center circle. Truax nearly connected on a fast shot at the :50 mark but Hawks skipped out of trouble to keep the match tied 0-0. After a scoreless first period, Hawks chose down to start the second period and escaped to a 1-0 lead. Truax moved in on a low shot and finished off the takedown to lead 3-1 at 1:30. Hawks escaped to a 3-2 score and action continued in neutral. Truax forced Hawks towards the outside circle but settling for a 3-2 lead after two periods. Truax escaped to a 4-2 lead to begin the final period. With the clock moving to 1:00, the Lion stepped back from a quick shot and settled into position in the middle of the mat. He battled back a late Hawks surge and moved into the quarterfinals with a 4-2 victory.
Truax faced No. 3 Dustin Plott of Oklahoma State in his quarterfinal bout. Truax struck quickly, taking a fast low single to take Plott down and lead 3-1 after a quick Cowboy escape. Plott connected on a low single and the Penn State corner immediately called for a dangerous or illegal hold. Action continued, Plott got the takedown and Truax called for injury time. Plott took the 4-3 lead and chose down after injury time. He escaped to a 5-3 lead. Truax worked his way in on a high shot, but Plott was able to fight off the effort at :55. Truax trailed 5-3 after one, Plott took down to start the second and escaped to a 6-3 lead. The Cowboy took a 9-3 lead at 1:11 with a takedown. Truax added an escape and trailed 9-4 after two. Truax chose neutral to start the third, but Plott added another takedown and led 12-4. Truax escaped at 1:00. Plott picked up a late takedown and riding time to win 16-6.
Truax met No. 10 Dylan Fishback of North Carolina State in Penn State’s final ‘All-America’ round bout, looking to become a four-time All-American with a victory. Truax battled Fishback through an even first period, finishing off the first 3:00 knotted in a 0-0 tie. Fishback chose down to start the second period and Traux went to work on top. Truax controlled Fishback for the full period and, while still tied 0-0, had 2:00 in riding time heading into the third. He chose down to start the third period and quickly escaped to a 1-0 lead. He then moved in on a takedown at the 1:37 mark to open up a 4-0 lead. Truax controlled the action from the top position again and finished off the period on top. His added riding time point gave him the 5-0 win and earned him All-America status for the fourth time.
He took on No. 7 Thomas Stewart Jr. of Virginia Tech in his next conso bout. He battled Stewart through a scoreless first period. Tied 0-0, Truax chose down to start the second period and worked his way to a quick escape just :04 into the bout. The duo battled in neutral for the bulk of the second stanza with Truax getting called for stalling once. Stewart chose down to begin the third period and escaped to a 1-1 tie. Truax worked his way to a winning takedown in the final seconds, nearly pinning Stewart in the process. He finished the match on top and, with riding time, rolled into the consolation semifinals with the 5-1 win.
Truax battled No. 4 Trey Munoz of Oregon State in the consolation semifinals. Truax and Munoz worked the middle of the mat in Neutral to start the bout. Munoz moved behind Truax for a takedown :30 into the bout and then caught the Lion in a throw. He took him to the mat and finished off the pin at 2:29. The loss moved Truax to the fifth place bout.
He met No. 2 Isaiah Salazar of Minnesota for fifth place. The duo battled in neutral through the 2:00 mark. Truax worked his way in on a shot and took a 3-0 lead with a takedown at the 1:46 mark. He forced Salazar into a first stall warning while working his time edge up over 1:00. He controlled the action to finish on top and led 3-0 with 1:46 in riding time after one period. Truax chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 4-0 lead. He countered a slight Salazar shot for a second takedown and a 7-0 lead with 1:10 left in the stanza. He picked up a stall point as his time moved up over 2:00. He finished the period on top again and led 8-0 with 2:48 in time. Salazar chose neutral to start the final period. With riding time clinched, Truax went to work in the center of the mat and connected on a third takedown to up his lead to 11-0. Truax once again dominated the Gopher from the top position. He ended the period on top and, with over 3:00 in riding time, capped off a stellar collegiate career with a 12-0 major over Salazar. Truax went 5-2 over the weekend and became a four-time All-American with a fifth place finish. He ended his final season with a 19-6 record and finished with an 86-27 mark.
197: #1 Aaron Brooks, Sr+., Hagerstown, Pa./North Hagerstown
Rd. 1: #33 Evan Bates, Northwestern – W, 18-4 (TF; 5:24)
Rd. 2: #17 Joseph Novak, Wyoming – WBF (2:20)
Qtr: #8 Stephen Buchanan, Oklahoma – WBF (2:44)
Semi: #12 Rocky Elam, Missouri – W, 17-2 (TF; 5:45)
Finals: #2 Trent Hidlay, North Carolina State – W, 6-0 dec.
Brooks met No. 33 Evan Bates of Northwestern. Brooks notched a quick takedown after countering a Bates shot, cut the Wildcat loose and then quickly took him down again to lead 6-1 at the 2:00 mark. He finished the period on top and carried that lead with a riding time edge into the second. Brooks escaped to a 7-1 lead to start the middle period. He quickly tacked on two more escapes to lead 13-2 with :50 on the clock. Brooks finished off the period with one more takedown and led 16-2 w/ 2:34 in time after two. Bates chose down to start the third and escaped to a 16-54 score. Brooks finished off the tech fall with a counter takedown, notching the 19-4 tech at the 5:24 mark.
He battled No. 17 Joseph Novak of Wyoming in the second round. After a scoreless first minute, Brooks moved in on Novak, took him down and locked up a cradle. He picked up two near fall points and led 5-0 at the 1:32 mark. After resetting his position on top, Brooks worked Novak’s shoulders to the mat and picked up the first period fall at the 2:20 mark. His pin moved the Lion senior into the quarterfinals.
Brooks met No. 8 Stephen Buchanan of Oklahoma in the quarterfinals. Brooks battled Buchanan in neutral through the 1:30 mark. He quickly worked his way behind the Sooner for the bout’s first takedown and a 3-0 lead at 1:25. Buchanan escaped to a 3-1 score and Brooks immediately moved in for the finish. He worked a takedown into chest control, turned Buchanan’s back to the mat and got his second straight first period pin, this one at 2:44. Brooks’ victory earned him his fifth All-America honor and moved him into the national semifinals.
Brooks met No. 12 Rocky Elam in his semifinal bout. He fought off an early Elam shot to force a reset and then settled in on offense in the center circle. He pressed Elam backwards and finished off a takedown on the outside of the mat to lead 3-0 at 1:25. Elam escaped to a 3-1 score and Brooks moved in once again, forcing the Tiger to the outside circle. He notched his second takedown with just :18 left and finished on top to lead 6-1 after the first period. He forced a second stall warning for a point and cut Elam loose to lead 7-2 at 1:00. He worked his way to another takedown to open up a 10-2 lead and then added another stall point. He picked up a takedown on the edge of the mat to open up a 14-2 lead at the 1:34 mark. Brooks continued to shoot Elam backwards and finished off the match with a final takedown, posting the 17-2 tech fall at 5:45.
See above story for bout-by-bout recap
285: #1 Greg Kerkvliet, Sr., Inver Grove Heights, Minn./Simley
Rd. 1: #32 Nick Willham, Indiana – W, 19-3 (TF; 5:16)
Rd. 2: #17 Grady Griess, Navy – W, 9-1 maj. dec.
Qtr: #9 Nick Feldman, Ohio State – W, 1-0 dec.
Semi: #4 Cohlton Schultz, Arizona State – W, 8-1 dec.
Finals: #10 Lucas Davison, Michigan – W, 13-4 maj. dec.
Kerkvliet battled No. 32 Nick Willham of Indiana in Penn State’s final first round bout. The Nittany Lion big man used a lightning fast low single to take a 3-0 lead at 2:05. He then went to work on offense, looking for a turn from the top position. Kerkvliet built up over 1:00 in time, working for near fall. He finished the period on top and led 3-0 with 2:05 in time after one. Kerkvliet chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 4-0 lead. He picked up a quick takedown, cut Willham loose and took him down again to lead 10-2. He notched a fourth takedown and worked his riding time up to 2:58 before cutting Willham loose again. Kerkvliet added a late takedown to lead 16-3 after two. Willham chose neutral to start the final period and Kerkvliet quickly ending things, picking up a final takedown for the 19-3 technical fall at 5:16.
He took on No. 17 Grady Griess of Navy in round two. Kerkvliet scored quickly, taking Griess down off the whistle to lead 3-0 at 2:43. He then went to work on top, building up a riding time edge while trying to turn Griess for back points. He controlled the action with a strong ride, working his time up over 2:00. He picked up a stall point and led 4-0 with 2:42 in time after one. Kerkvliet chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 5-0 lead. He took Griess down on the center circle for an 8-0 lead and went back to work on top. He finished the period on top and led 8-0 with 4:05 in time after two periods. Griess chose down to start the third and escaped to an 8-1 score, but Kerkvliet had riding time clinched. The duo finished the bout in neutral. Kerkvliet, with riding time, rolled into the semifinals with a 9-0 major decision.
Kerkvliet took on No. 9 Nick Feldman of Ohio State in Penn State’s last quarterfinal match. Kerkvliet forced Feldman into defense from the onset, tracking the Buckeye down around the mat as the clock moved through the 1:40 mark. The first period ended in a 0-0 tie. Kerkvliet chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 1-0 lead. He continued to press Feldman into defense, shooting the Buckeye backwards at 1:20 and 1:05. Kerkvliet carried the 1-0 lead into the third period. Feldman, trailing 1-0, chose neutral to start the third. Kerkvliet took the only two shots over the next minute, working to widen his lead. He almost connected on a high double to Feldman blocked off the effort at :40. Kerkvliet fought off a solid low double in the final seconds and walked away with the 1-0 win. The victory earned Kerkvliet his fourth All-America honor and moved him into the semifinals.
Kerkvliet took on No. 4 Cohlton Schultz of Arizona State in Penn State’s last semifinal bout. Kerkvliet scored quickly, taking Schultz down for a quick takedown and a 3-0 lead at the 2:44 mark. Kerkvliet put together a strong ride, building up over 1:00 in riding time while looking for a turn. Kerkvliet kept the Sun Devil on the mat, working him flat and looking to turn him. Schultz was able to fight off the near fall efforts, but the Nittany Lion big man finished on top and led 3-0 with 2:45 in time after one. Kerkvliet chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 4-0 lead. He used a low single to take Schultz down again and upped his lead to 7-0 at :28. Kerkvliet finished on top once more and led 7-0 with 3:16 in time after two. Kerkvliet worked the center of the mat for the remainder of the bout, gave up a stall point, and, with 3:16 in riding time, rolled to the national finals with an 8-1 win.
See above story for bout-by-bout recap
