By: Pat Donghia
TULSA, Okla. – The Penn State Nittany wrestling team, under the direction of veteran head coach Cael Sanderson added two more individual national champions to its 2023 NCAA Wrestling Championship team title, clinched early in this morning’s first session. Carter Starocci and Aaron Brooks both brought home individual gold to cap off the three-day event in Tulsa’s BOK Center.
Starocci won the 174-pound title, followed immediately by Brooks claiming the 184-pound crown. Nittany Lion true freshman Levi Haines dropped the title bout at 157, Greg Kerkvliet lost in the finals at 285 and Roman Bravo-Young dropped his finals match at 133. All three leave Tulsa as 2023 National Runners-Up.
Penn State clinched yet another team title early in the medal rounds, with nearly two full sessions remaining at the three-day event. Penn State won the team title with 137.5 points, fully 55.0 ahead of second-place Iowa’s 82.5. That margin of victory between first and second is the largest in Penn State history (breaking the old record of 41.0 set in 2019) and the fifth-largest in NCAA history for any title winner.
The title is Penn State’s 11th overall and the tenth since Sanderson’s arrival in Happy Valley prior to the 2009-10 season. The Nittany Lions have won ten of the last 12 contested NCAA Championship tournaments (2020 was cancelled by the NCAA). Since 2011, Penn State has 34-16 record in the national finals (a .680-win percentage).
With the finals starting at 157, true freshman Levi Haines, the No. 2 seed, battled No. 1 Austin O’Connor of North Carolina in his first NCAA title bout and Penn State’s first of five. The duo worked the center circle for the first minute-plus, hand fighting on the NCAA logo. Haines briefly got in on a slight shot but O’Connor quickly defended it with 1:00 left in the period. Haines nearly connected on another shot as the period ended and the bout moved to the second tied 0-0. Haines chose down to start the second period and O’Connor controlled the action and 1:00 into the period was awarded two nearfall points. Penn State challenged the call and it was reversed. Haines was unable to break free of O’Connor’s control for the period and the bout moved to the third tied 0-0, but O’Connor held 2:00 in time. O’Connor chose down to start the third period and quickly escaped to a 3-0 lead. Haines escaped to a 3-1 score but O’Connor quickly scored again to take a 5-2 lead after a Haines escape. O’Connor tacked on a riding time point and posted the 6-2 win.
Haines became a true-freshman All-American earlier in the tournament, Penn State’s first since 2020 (Aaron Brooks, 1st-Team at 184) and 2018 (Nick Lee, 5th at 141). Haines ended his freshman year as the 2023 National Runner-Up at 157 and a Big Ten Champion. He closed out his first NCAA tournament with a 4-1 mark and his first season with a 25-2 overall record.
Carter Starocci, the No. 1 seed at 174, battled No. 2 Mikey Labriola of Nebraska in his third-straight title bout. Starocci and Labriola worked on the Lion logo for the opening minute before Starocci forced action to the mat. But Labriola worked the scramble out of bounds and the bout continued scoreless. Starocci worked his way in on a fast high single and took a 2-0 lead with 1:15 on the clock. Starocci then controlled the action on top until the final seconds and then rolled the Husker to his back, getting the first period pin at the 2:46 mark to earn yet another NCAA title.
Starocci is now a three-time All-American, two-time Big Ten Champion and became Penn State’s fifth three-time NCAA Champion. He went 5-0 at this year’s tournament and ends his season with a 24-0 record. Starocci will head into next season with a 61-2 career record.
Aaron Brooks, the No. 3 seed at 184, battled No. 1 Parker Keckeisen of Northern Iowa in third straight title bout. Brooks set a fast tempo from the onset and controlled position in the center circle. He shot Keckeisen to the outside circle as the clock moved below 1:00. Brooks gained control of Keckeisen’s leg and worked his way through for a takedown and a 2-0 lead at the :32 mark. He finished the period on top and led 2-0 after one. Keckeisen chose down to start the second stanza and quickly escaped to a 2-1 score. But Brooks’ relentless offense paid off, turning another low shot into leg control and an eventual takedown to up his lead to 4-1 early in the second. Keckeisen escaped to a 4-2 score but not before Brooks had 1:21 in riding time. Brooks chose down to start the third period and picked up a point on a third Keckeisen caution. Brooks escaped to a 6-2 lead with riding time in hand and went on to roll to the 7-2 win and another NCAA title.
Brooks became Penn State’s 17th four-time All-American earlier in the tournament and the sixth three-time NCAA Champion in school history. Brooks, a three-time Big Ten Champion, went 5-0 in Tulsa and concludes the season with a 17-1 overall record. Brooks will head into next season with a 67-3 overall record.
Greg Kerkvliet, the No. 3 seed at 285, took on No. 1 Mason Parris of Michigan in his first trip to the NCAA Championship match. Kerkvliet got in on a single early in the bout but Parris was able to work his way out of trouble. The Wolverines then countered and took Kerkvliet down for a 2-0 lead at the 2:29 mark. Parris was able to control Kerkvliet for over 2:00 and finished the period on top. Kerkvliet trailed 2-0 after one and Parris chose down to start the second stanza. The Wolverine escaped to a 3-0 lead and action resumed in neutral. After a Parris stall at 1:15, the bout was reset in the center circle and action moved to the third period with Parris up 3-0. Kerkvliet chose down to start the third stanza but called for injury time during control, allowing Parris to choose down on the reset. Kerkvliet worked top control, looking for a chance to turn Parris as the clock moved below :30. Parris escaped as the clock wound down and, with riding time, posted the 5-1 win over Kerkvliet.
Kerkvliet leaves Tulsa as the 2023 National Runner-Up. He became a three-time All-American earlier in the tournament as well. Kerkvliet posted a 4-1 mark at this year’s tournament and ends the season with a 19-3 record. Kerkvliet will enter next season with a 51-10 record.
Roman Bravo-Young, the No. 1 seed at 133, met No. 3 Vito Arujau of Cornell in the last of Penn State’s five NCAA title bouts. Bravo-Young worked the center circle for the opening minute-plus, hand-fighting for control on the NCAA logo. Arujau drew first blood with a fast takedown to lead 2-1 after a quick Bravo-Young escape at 1:02. Arujau notched a second takedown and led 4-1 after the opening period. Arujau chose down to start the second period and Arujau reversed him, added two near fall points and opened up an 8-1 lead at the 1:20 mark. Bravo-Young, trailing 8-2, chose down to start the third period. He was able to reverse Arujau to cut the lead to 9-4 after an Arujau escape. Arujau was able to wind down the clock with solid defense and, with riding time, posted the 10-4 win.
Bravo-Young, a three-time Big Ten Champion, leaves Tulsa as the 2023 National Runner-Up and became Penn State’s second five-time All-American earlier in the tournament. He went 4-1 at his final NCAA tournament, went 20-1 on the year, and leaves Penn State with a 100-10 career record.
Beau Bartlett, the No. 6 seed at 141, closed out the season earlier today with a third-place finish at 141. Bartlett posted a 5-1 record with one major and earned his first All-America honor. He ended his junior year with a 27-3 record.
Redshirt freshman Shayne Van Ness, the No. 13 seed at 149, wrapped up a superb first trip to the NCAA tournament with a third-place finish at 149. Van Ness went 5-1 with a pin and became a freshman All-American. He ended the season with a 24-7 record.
Max Dean, the No. 9 seed at 197, closed out a stellar collegiate wrestling career with a seventh-place finish and a 5-2 mark this weekend. Dean ended his career as a four-time All-American and National Champion. He finishes this season with a 25-5 record and his career with a 105-18 mark. Dean collected 17 falls, 17 tech falls and 19 majors during his career. His two years at Penn State were outstanding. Dean won the 2022 NCAA title and has helped lead Penn State to two NCAA team crowns. He went 48-6 as a Nittany Lion, won a Big Ten title, an NCAA title and was a two-time All-American as a Penn Stater (in addition to his two at Cornell).
Redshirt freshman Alex Facundo, the No. 13 seed at 165, ended his tournament Thursday with two tough losses. Facundo finished his first season in the Nittany Lion line-up with a 19-6 overall record.
The Nittany Lions went 2-3 in the national finals to end the tournament with a 37-9 overall record. Penn State tallied 16.0 bonus points off six pins and four majors. The Nittany Lions have won 11 NCAA titles overall with ten 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 won last year (2022) in Detroit, making 2023’s title their second straight. Penn State also owns a championship from 1953.
With this year’s championships in the books, Penn State now has 55 NCAA individual titles spread among 35 individuals. Since 2011, Penn State has the most individual titles in the nation (Penn State 34, Cornell 13, Oklahoma State 10, Ohio State 9, Iowa 7). The Nittany Lions have had 50 NCAA finalists and own a 32-13lkjlkj record in the national finals. Since 2011, Penn State’s winning percentage in the NCAA finals is .680. Since 2011, Penn State has won then of 12 NCAA team championships, 83 percent (no tournament in 2020).
Sanderson’s 14-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).
The 2022-23 Penn State Wrestling season is presented by the Family Clothesline. Penn State Fans are encouraged to follow Penn State wrestling via 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 2023 NCAA Championships– Session 6
March 18, 2023 – BOK Center – Tulsa, Okla.
Team Standings (TOP 3 FINAL)
1: PENN STATE – 137.5
2: Iowa – 82.5
3: Cornell – 76.5
Weight-by-weight agate (RANKINGS LISTED ARE OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT SEED):
133: #1 Roman Bravo-Young, Sr., Tucson, Ariz./Sunnyside – All-American – NATIONAL RUNNER-UP
Rd. 1: #33 Ethan Oakley, Appalachian State – W, 12-3 maj. dec.
Rd. 2: #17 Brayden Palmer, Chattanooga – W, 5-2 dec.
Qtr: #8 Aaron Nagao, Minnesota – W, 5-1 dec.
Semi: #4 Michael McGee, Arizona State – W, 6-4 dec.
Finals: #3 Vito Arujau, Cornell – L, 4-10 dec.
Bravo-Young took on No. 33 Ethan Oakley of Appalachian State in the opening round. Bravo-Young quickly took Oakley down to start the match, built up riding time and then added a second takedown to lead 4-1 after one. He added an escape and a takedown to lead 7-1 after two periods and rolled through the third period with two takedowns. He added over 4:00 in riding time to post the 12-3 major decision.
Roman battled No. 17 Brayden Palmer of Chattanooga in Penn State’s first second-round match-up of session two. Bravo-Young scored quickly, taking Palmer down in the opening seconds then adding a second takedown at the midway point of the first period. He led 4-2 after one, then worked his riding time up over 1:00 to start the second period. Bravo-Young controlled Palmer for the entire middle stanza and led 4-2 with 2:36 in time after two. After a neutral start in the third, Bravo-Young finished the bout on his feet and rolled into the quarterfinals with a 5-2 win.
Bravo-Young took on No. 8 Aaron Nagao of Minnesota in the first of Penn State’s seven quarterfinal match-ups. Bravo-Young fought off an early Nagao shot and worked the remainder of the opening period in neutral. Tied 0-0, Nagao chose down to start the second period and Bravo-Young controlled the Gopher for the full period. He got hit with stalling once during the ride and had 1:57 riding time after the period ended. Bravo-Young chose down to start the third period and steadily worked his way to a reversal and a 2-1 lead after a Nagao escape. Bravo-Young added a penalty point and nearly 2:00 in riding time to post the 4-1 victory and advance to the semifinals tonight. He becomes a five-time All-American with the victory, Penn State’s second-ever five-timer (Nick Lee).
Roman met No. 4 Michael McGee of Arizona State in the first of Penn State’s seven semifinal matches. McGee connected on an early low shot but Bravo-Young scrambled his way to a stalemate midway through the opening period. Bravo-Young had a deep shot defended by McGee late in the period and the bout moved to the second tied 0-0. McGee chose down to start the second period and reversed Bravo-Young to a 2-0 score. McGee locked his hands during the ensuing ride, giving Bravo-Young a point. But the call was reversed on review and the lead stood at 2-0. Bravo-Young escaped to a 2-1 score before the period ended and trailed by one after two periods. Bravo-Young chose down to start the third and McGee controlled the action from the top position until Bravo-Young escaped to a 2-2 tie. Bravo-Young worked his way into control of a single and took a 4-2 lead with a takedown. McGee escaped to cut the lead to 4-3 late and his riding time sent the bout to sudden victory. Bravo-Young quickly moved in on a low shot and scrambled his way to the winning takedown early in extra time. Bravo-Young advanced to tomorrow night’s NCAA title bout with the 6-4 (sv) win.
See above story for this session’s recap.
141: #6 Beau Bartlett, Jr., Tempe, Ariz./Wyoming Seminary (Pa.) – All-American – 3rd Place
Rd. 1: #27 Shannon Hanna, Campbell – W, 9-2 dec.
Rd. 2: #11 Clay Carlson, South Dakota State – W, 3-2 dec.
Qtr: #3 Cole Matthews, Pittsburgh – W, 3-1 (sv)
Semi: #2 Andrew Alirez, Northern Colorado – L, 2-6 dec.
Cn. Semi: #11 Clay Carlson, South Dakota State – W, 12-3 maj. dec.
3rd Place: #10 Lachlan McNeil, North Carolina – W, 4-1 dec.
Bartlett met No. 27 Shannon Hanna of Campbell in the opening round. Bartlett scored quickly, taking a 2-0 lead with a takedown in the opening seconds. He added a second takedown in the opening period to lead 4-1 after one. Hanna scored the only point of the second period with an escape. Bartlett capped off the win with an escaped, takedown and riding time in the third period to roll into the second round with a 9-2 win.
Beau battled No. 11 Clay Carlson of South Dakota State in round two. Bartlett had a chance early on a single leg but Carlson defended the move and the first period ended in a 0-0 tie. Bartlett escaped to a 1-0 lead quickly in the second period and then tacked on a takedown with :45 on the clock to move out to a 3-0 lead. Bartlett finished the period on top and led 3-0 with :31 in time after two periods. Carlson escaped to a 3-1 score to start the third stanza, picked up a stall point and Bartlett finished the match on his feet. He moved into the quarterfinals with a 3-2 victory.
Bartlett faced No. 3 Aaron Matthews of Pittsburgh in his quarterfinal bout. Bartlett battled Matthews evenly for the opening period, with both wrestlers working on their feet on the NCAA logo. Tied 0-0, Bartlett chose down to start the second stanza and quickly escaped to a 1-0 lead (nearly reversing the Panther in the process). His escape was the only scoring of the period and he led by one after two. Matthews chose down to start the third period and quickly escaped to a 1-1 tie. Bartlett worked a scramble into a near takedown late but time ran out on the move and the bout moved to sudden victory. Bartlett and Matthews worked in neutral for the sudden victory period, sending the bout to a tie-breaker. Bartlett was down first and could not escape. Matthews chose neutral and worked the outside circle until Bartlett was able to bring him into the center and work through a low double in the final seconds for a takedown. The last second flourish moved Bartlett into the semifinals with a 3-1 (sv) decision and earned the Nittany Lion his first All-American honor.
Beau took on No. 2 Andrew Alirez of Northern Colorado in the semifinals. Alirez used a high single to work his way to a takedown and an early 2-0 lead. Bartlett got to his feet for the escape with 1:08 left in the opening period to cut the lead in half, 2-1. The wrestlers spent the rest of the period in neutral and Bartlett trailed by one after one. Alirez chose down to start the second stanza and quickly escaped to a 3-1 lead. Alirez was able to work his way into control for a second takedown and a 5-1 lead after two periods. Bartlett chose down to start the third period and worked his way to an escape and a 5-2 deficit at the 1:35 mark. He moved in on offense, but Alirez was able to defend the clock down below :30. Bartlett forced one stall warning, but Alirez was able to kill the clock and, with riding time, Alirez posted the 6-2 win. Bartlett’s loss dropped the Nittany Lion All-American into consolation action, with third place still in play.
Bartlett met No. 11 Clay Carlson of South Dakota State in the consolation semifinals. Bartlett came out firing, taking Carlson down for a quick 2-0 lead. Carlson escaped to a 2-1 score and action continued in neutral. Bartlett added a second takedown at the midway point and led 4-1 after one. Bartlett quickly escaped to a 5-1 lead and then added to his lead with a third takedown. He led 7-1 after two periods and dominated the third period as well. Bartlett added a takedown, a two-point turn and 2:36 in riding time to roll to the 12-3 major decision.
He advanced to meet No. 11 Lachlan McNeil in the third-place bout. Bartlett worked the center circle with McNeil for the full first period, sending the bout to the second tied 0-0. McNeil chose down to start the second stanza and worked his way to an escape and a 1-0 lead midway through the period. Bartlett took control and dominated the last two minutes. Bartlett chose down to start the third, quickly escaped to tie the bout 1-1 and then went to work on offense. The Nittany Lion junior rolled through a takedown to open up a 3-1 lead and then finished the match on top. He added 1:41 in riding time and rolled to a 4-1 win. The victory sets Bartlett in third place. He went 5-1 and leaves Tulsa as an All-American with a 27-3 overall record.
See above story for this session’s recap.
149: #12 Shayne Van Ness, Fr., Somerville, N.J./Blair Academy – All-American – 3rd Place
Rd. 1: #21 Ethan Miller, Maryland – WBF (6:26)
Rd. 2: #5 Paniro Johnson, Iowa State – W, 14-8 dec.
Qtr: #20 Graham Rooks, Indiana – W, 10-7 dec.
Semis: #1 Yianni Diakomihalis, Cornell – L, 3-8 dec.
Cn. Semi: #4 Caleb Henson, Virginia Tech – W, 5-3 dec.
3rd Place: #3 Kyle Parco, Arizona State – W, 7-2 dec.
Van Ness took on No. 21 Ethan Miller of Maryland in round one. Van Ness gave up an early takedown, a two point near fall and then another four-point turn to trail 8-0 after one period. He notched an escape to trail 8-1 after two periods. Van Ness went on an offensive torrent in the third period. The Nittany Lion rolled off four takedowns in the first 1:30 of the stanza to nearly erase the early eight-point deficit. After his fourth of the period, Van Ness worked Miller to his back, settling in briefly and ended the comeback with a fall at the 6:26 mark.
Shayne met No. 5 Paniro Johnson of Iowa State in the second round. Van Ness worked the first two minutes in neutral and then attacked, working through a shot for a takedown and moving Johnson to his back for four nearfall points. With Van Ness up 6-0, Johnson began the second period with a reversal and a takedown, cutting Van Ness’ lead to 8-4. After Johnson got hit with a stall warning, Van Ness worked his way around the Cyclone for another takedown, picked up a stall point and led 11-4 with 1:44 in time after two. Van Ness began the third with a takedown and worked his way to a dominant 14-8 victory and a trip to the quarterfinals.
Van Ness took on No. 20 Graham Rooks of Indiana in the quarters. Rooks connected on a quick single to take a 2-1 lead early in the opening stanza. Van Ness pressured the Hoosier to the outside circle after his escape and got in on a shot but Rooks countered for a score and a 4-2 lead with :30 left. Rooks chose down to start the second period and escaped to a 5-2 lead at 1:48. He added a third takedown to lead 7-3. Van Ness escaped to a 7-4 score to start the third period and then picked up a stall point. He moved in for a takedown on the edge of the mat to tie the bout at 7-7 and added two nearfall to take a 9-7 lead with 1:24 remaining. Van Ness finished the bout in control and added a riding time point to post the thrilling 10-7 victory. The win moved him into the semifinals and earned him All-America honors as a freshman.
Shayne battled No. 1 Yianni Diakomihalis of Cornell in the semis. Van Ness came out shooting and nearly took Diakomihalis down off the opening whistle. But the Big Red grappler was able to fight off the move and action continued in neutral. Van Ness remained aggressive, staying in the center circle and looking for his shots. The match moved to the second period tied 0-0. Van Ness chose down to start the second period and worked his way to a quick escape and a 1-0 lead. The duo finished the second period in neutral and Van Ness led 1-0 heading into the final period. Diakomihalis chose down to start the third period and quickly escaped to a 1-1 tie. Van Ness worked his way in for a takedown and a 3-2 lead after a quick Diakomihalis escape. But the Big Red wrestler answered with a quick takedown and four back points take an 8-3 lead. That big move was the difference in the bout and Van Ness dropped the 8-3 decision. The loss dropped the Penn State All-American into consolation action, with third place still possible.
Van Ness took on No. 4 Caleb Henson of Virginia Tech in the consolation semifinals. The duo worked neutral over the first minute with Van Ness maintaining position on the NCAA logo. The first period ended in a scoreless tie and Henson chose down to start the second period. The Hokie escaped and Van Ness moved in on offense, securing a takedown at the 1:15 mark. Henson managed a late escape and tied the bout at 2-2 heading to the third. Van Ness chose down to start the third period and quickly escaped to a 3-2 lead. He continued to move in on offense and clinched the match with a late takedown on the edge of the mat. Henson escaped in the final seconds but Van Ness posted the 5-3 win.
He advanced to meet No. 3 Kyle Parco of Arizona State in the third place match. Van Ness controlled the center of the mat for the opening two minutes, holding position until Parco forced a scramble with a shot. Van Ness deftly worked his way through the move and countered it for a takedown and a 2-0 lead late in the period. Parco escaped to start the second period, cutting Van Ness’ lead to 2-1. The duo battled evenly over the middle stanza and Van Ness led 2-1 after two. Then Van Ness took control. The Nittany Lion dominated that final two minutes, adding an escape and two takedowns to roll to an impressive 7-2 victory. The win clinched third place for Van Ness. He leaves Tulsa and his first NCAA tournament as an All-American with a 5-1 mark and a 24-7 overall record.
See above story for this session’s recap.
157: #2 Levi Haines, Fr., Arendtsville, Pa./Biglerville – All-American – NATIONAL RUNNER-UP
Rd. 1: #31 Ashton Eyler, Lock Haven – W, 10-3 dec.
Rd. 2: #15 Jacob Wright, Wyoming – W, 8-2 dec.
Qtr: #7 Bryce Andonian, Virginia Tech – WBF (6:11)
Semi: #3 Peyton Robb, Nebraska – W, 5-3 dec.
Finals: #1 Austin O’Connor, North Carolina – L, 2-6 dec.
Haines battled No. 31 Ashton Eyler of Lock Haven in the opening round. Haines notched the first takedown at the 1:35 mark and added a second takedown with just :15 left in the opening period to lead 4-1 after one. Haines added an escape and a takedown to lead 7-2 after two periods. After an Eyler escape early in the third, Haines added a fourth takedown and nearly 2:00 in riding time to roll to the 10-3 win.
Levi faced No. 15 Jacob Wright of Wyoming in the second round. Haines notched a takedown a minute into the bout to lead 2-1 early and carried that lead into the second period. He quickly escaped to a 3-1 lead to start the period then moved through a low shot for another takedown and a 5-1 lead with 1:20 on the clock. He finished the period on top to carry 1:18 in riding time into the third period. Wright picked up an escape point in the third but Haines would add a final takedown and 1:40 in riding time to post the strong 8-2 win and advance to the quarterfinals.
Haines faced No. 7 Bryce Andonian of Virginia Tech in the quarterfinals. Haines worked his way in on a single quickly and took Andonian to the mat but the Hokie countered the move for a takedown and four near fall points to lead 6-1 early. Haines worked a shot into a late scramble but Andonian countered himself out of trouble and Haines trailed by five after one. Haines chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 6-2 score. Haines worked his way through a shot for another takedown to cut the lead to 7-4 after cutting the Hokie loose. He then bulled through a second takedown and finished the period on top to trail 7-6 after two. Andonian chose down to start the third period and Haines cut him loose to an 8-6 deficit. The Nittany Lion freshman then lifted Andonian off the ground once more and tied the match at 8-8 with a takedown. Haines then worked control into a chance to turn the Hokie to his back. He swiftly moved Andonian’s shoulders to the mat and got the fall at the 6:11 mark. The pin moved him into the semifinals and earned him All-America honors as a true freshman.
Levi faced No. 3 Peyton Robb of Nebraska in the semifinals. Haines and Robb worked the middle of the mat for all three minutes of the opening period with neither wrestler giving an inch. The bout moved to the second tied 0-0 and Robb escaped to a 1-0 lead to begin the middle stanza. Haines worked his way into a deep single at the 1:00 mark and steadily worked his way to a takedown and a 2-0 lead. Robb escaped to tie the bout at 2-2 with :15 left and action moved to the third. Haines chose down to start the third period and quickly escaped to a 3-2 lead. The Nittany Lion then worked through a scramble and notched a second takedown to lead 5-2 with :30 left. Robb managed a late escape but Haines’ strong offense in the final two periods sent the true freshman into the national finals with a 5-3 win.
See above story for this session’s recap.
165: #13 Alex Facundo, Fr., Essexville, Mich./Davison – DNP – Season complete (19-6)
Rd. 1: #20 Holden Heller, Pittsburgh – L, 3-5 dec.
Cn. 1: #4 Julian Ramirez, Cornell – L, 2-12 maj. dec.
Facundo met No. 20 Holden Heller of Pitt in the first round. Facundo was in deep on a shot late in the first period, but Heller was able to work his way out of bounds for a reset and the bout moved to the second stanza tied 0-0. Heller escaped to start the third period and worked his way through a scramble to open up a 3-1 lead midway through the second stanza. Facundo escaped to start the third period, cutting the lead to 3-2. He nearly took Heller down to grab the lead but Heller countered for a takedown and a 5-2 edge late in the period. Facundo escaped with :15 left and was working on a late takedown but time expired, dropping him into consolation action with a 5-3 loss.
Alex met No. 4 Julian Ramirez of Cornell in the first round of consolation action. Ramirez took Facundo down early to take a 2-1 lead in the opening minute. Facundo looked to work in on a low single but Ramirez countered and eventually worked his way to a second takedown and a 4-1 lead after one. Facundo escaped quickly to start the second period, the only point of the middle stanza. Ramirez tacked on an escape to start the third and then added a takedown, four near fall and a riding time point to post the 12-2 win. Facundo’s loss ended his first NCAA tournament with an 0-2 mark. He finishes the season with a 19-6 record.
See above story for this session’s recap.
174: #1 Carter Starocci, Jr., Erie, Pa./Cathedral Prep – All-American – NATIONAL CHAMPION
Rd. 1: #33 John Worthing, Clarion – WBF (1:21)
Rd. 2: #17 Donnell Washington, Indiana – W, 4-0 dec.
Qtr: #8 Bailee O’Reilly, Minnesota – W, 5-2 dec.
Semi: #4 Chris Foca, Cornell – W, 6-0 dec.
Finals: #2 Mikey Labriola, Nebraska – WBF (2:46)
Starocci met No. 33 John Worthing of Clarion in the first round. Starocci worked quickly against Worthing, taking the Golden Eagle down in the opening seconds. He controlled Worthing’s arm, turned him to his back and settled in for the fast fall at the 1:21 mark to advance to the second round.
Carter battled No. 17 Donnell Washington of Indiana in round two. Starocci worked neutral for the bulk of the first period and broke through Washington’s defense for a late takedown and a 2-0 lead late in the period. He escaped quickly to start the third period, upping his lead to 3-0, and chased Washington to the outside circle for the rest of the period. Starocci led 3-0 after two periods and Washington chose down to begin the period. Starocci controlled Washington for the entire period and, with 2:13 in riding time, rolled into the quarters with a 4-0 win.
Starocci battled No. 8 Bailee O’Reilly of Minnesota in the quarterfinals. Starocci worked through a low single, collecting both of O’Reilly’s ankles for a takedown and an early 2-0 lead. He turned a low single into a scramble and finished off a second takedown as time ran out to lead 4-1 after the opening period. Starocci chose down and escaped quickly to a 5-1 lead, an edge he would hold into the third stanza. O’Reilly chose down to start the third period and worked his way to an escape, cutting Starocci’s lead to 5-2. But the Nittany Lion junior was steady in the neutral position and moved into the semifinals with a 5-2 decision. The victory also made Starocci a three-time All-American.
Carter battled No. 4 Chris Foca of Cornell in his semifinal bout. Starocci took control of the bout early, taking Foca down just over a minute in to lead 2-0. He then controlled the action on top for well over a minute and finished the period on top to lead 2-0 with 1:45 in riding time. Starocci chose down to start the second stanza and quickly escaped to a 3-0 lead. Starocci controlled the tempo for the second period, forcing Foca backwards as the period played out to lead by three after two. Foca chose neutral to begin the last period and Starocci went to work. The Nittany Lion junior moved through a single for a second takedown and a 5-0 lead with :40 left in the bout. With riding time clinched, Starocci finished the match on top and advanced to the NCAA title bout once again with a strong 6-0 win.
See above story for this session’s recap.
184: #3 Aaron Brooks, Sr., Hagerstown, Md./N. Hagerstown – All-American – NATIONAL CHAMPION
Rd. 1: #30 Matthew Waddell, Chattanooga – W, 13-4 maj. dec.
Rd. 2: #14 Will Feldkamp, Clarion – WBF (4:59)
Qtr: #6 Kaleb Romero, Ohio State – W, 4-1 dec.
Semi: #2 Trent Hidlay, North Carolina State – W, 6-3 dec.
Finals: #1 Parker Keckeisen, Northern Iowa – W, 7-2 dec.
Brooks faced No. 30 Matthew Waddell of Chattanooga in round one. Brooks took Waddell down quickly and added a second takedown later in the first period to lead 4-1 with 1:15 in riding time after one. He reversed Waddell to start the second period, upping his lead to 6-1. Brooks added a third takedown to lead 8-2 with over 2:00 in time after the second stanza. Brooks tacked on two more takedowns and 3:40 in riding time to roll into the second round with a 13-4 major decision.
Aaron met No. 14 Will Feldkamp of Clarion in round two. Brooks scored quickly, taking Feldkamp down to lead 2-1 in the opening minute. He carried that lead into the second period and escaped to begin the middle stanza, taking a 3-1 lead. Brooks scrambled to a second takedown at the 1:10 mark and opened up a 5-2 lead midway through the middle stanza. Brooks continued to work on offense and turned a last second takedown into a pinning opportunity. With just :01 left on the clock, Brooks got the fall at 4:59 to move into the quarterfinals.
Brooks took on No. 6 Kaleb Romero of Ohio State in the quarters. Brooks set a fast pace, forcing Romero to the outside circle for the first two minutes. Brooks fought off a slight Romero shot as the period ended and the bout was tied 0-0 after one. Brooks chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 1-0 lead. He continued to shoot Romero to the outside circle. Brooks was resilient, however, and finished off a last second takedown to lead 3-0 after two periods. Romero chose down to start the third period and escaped to a 3-1 score. Romero continued to live on the edge of the mat as Brooks worked on offense. Brooks finally forced the stall point and rolled on to the 4-1 victory. The win not only advanced the Nittany Lion to the semifinals but it made him a four-time All-American.
Aaron faced off against No. 2 Trent Hidlay of North Carolina State in the semifinals. Brooks and Hidlay fought through an even opening minute-plus before Brooks used a swift low single to control Hidlay’s leg, take him down, and open up a 2-1 lead after a quick Hidlay escape. Brooks quickly added a second takedown to up his lead to 4-1 and worked his riding time over 1:00 with the rideout. Leading 4-1, Brooks chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 5-1 lead. Brooks controlled the second period from neutral and carried that lead into the third period. Hidlay chose down to start the third period. Brooks gave up a stall point on top and then Hidlay escaped to a 5-3 score with 1:20 left (Brooks had 1:49 in time). Brooks added 1:49 in riding time and rode into the NCAA finals once again with a strong 6-3 win over Hidlay.
See above story for this session’s recap.
197: #9 Max Dean, Sr., Lowell, Mich./Lowell – All-American – 7th Place
Rd. 1: #24 Levi Hopkins, Campbell – W, 6-1 dec.
Rd. 2: #8 Silas Allred, Nebraska – L, 2-7 dec.
Cn. 2: #26 Gavin Hoffman, Ohio State – W, 6-0 dec.
Cn. 3: #18 Tanner Harvey, Oregon State – W, 10-5 dec.
Cn. 4: #11 Jaxon Smith, Maryland – W, 3-2 dec.
Cn. Qtr: #2 Bernie Truax, Cal Poly – L, 6-8 (sv)
7th Place: #10 Jacob Cardenas, Cornell – W, 4-2 dec.
Dean took on No. 24 Levi Hopkins of Campbell in the opening round. Dean and Hopkins battled through an even first period with neither wrestler threatening. Dean escaped quickly to start the second stanza, taking a 1-0 lead. He turned a short scramble in the middle of the mat into a takedown and a 3-0 lead with :50 left in the period to lead by that score after two. Hopkins chose neutral to start the third period but Dean quickly took him down to a 5-0 lead, working his riding time over 1:00, and rolled to the 6-1 victory.
Max battled No. 8 Silas Allred of Nebraska in the second round. Allred drew first blood with a takedown midway through the opening period and Dean nearly reversed him after the score. But Allred worked his way out of bounds and Dean settled for an escape and trailed 2-1 after one. Dean chose down to start the second period and worked his way to an escape and a 2-2 tie (keeping Allred’s riding time edge below 1:00). Allred managed a late takedown and led 4-2 after two periods. After a neutral Allred start, Dean nearly scrambled to takedowns twice but each time Allred was able to escape out of bounds. The Husker added a last second counter takedown and Dean fell into consolation action with the 7-2 loss.
Dean faced No. 26 Gavin Hoffman of Ohio State in his first consolation bout of the session. Dean battled Hoffman through a scoreless first period and then chose down to start the second. The Nittany Lion senior escaped quickly to lead 1-0. He then worked his way through a single leg and turned the effort into a takedown and a 3-0 lead. Dean added another takedown and riding time in the third and moved on in conso action with a 6-0 victory. Dean battled No. 18 Tanner Harvey of Oregon State in his next bout. Harvey scored first to take a 2-1 lead in the first minute. Dean answered with a takedown of his own after a short scramble to lead 3-2. But Harvey reversed the Lion to lead 4-3 with :40 on the clock. Dean escaped to send the bout to the second tied 4-4. Dean escaped to start the second period, taking a 5-4 lead. Dean turned a low shot into a takedown and a 7-4 lead with :45 left in the period. Leading by three, Dean built his riding time up over 1:00 to start the third period, added a final takedown and rolled to the 10-5 decision. The victory moved him one step closer to All-America status as he remained alive in consolation action.
Max met No. 11 Jaxon Smith of Maryland in the ‘blood round’ with a win earning All-America laurels. Dean set the tempo early, forcing Smith to the outside circle. Dean continued to press Smith towards out of bounds as the clock moved below 1:00. The duo moved to the second period tied 0-0. Dean escaped to a 1-0 lead to start the second period. Dean connected on a low single and was able to pull Smith back onto the mat for a takedown on the edge, upping his lead to 3-0. Smith managed a late escape and Dean led 3-1 after two. Smith chose down to start the third period and escaped to a 3-2 score. Dean finished the period on attack and became a four-time All-American with the 3-2 win. He then took on No. 2 Bernie Truax of Cal Poly. Truax took an early 2-1 lead with a quick takedown. Truax as was able to work through another scramble for a second takedown and a 4-2 lead at :42. Dean worked for a takedown on the edge of the mat but Truax was able to back out to a reset as the first period ended. Dean escaped to a 4-3 score to start the second period. He was steady on offense however and his efforts paid off as he took a 5-4 lead into the third period with a late takedown. Truax chose down to start the third period and Dean went to work on top. He controlled the action from the top position and had Truax locked down when the officials stopped action for blood time, forcing a reset. Dean was able to control the Cal Poly wrestler for nearly the entire period before Truax reversed him in the last seconds. Dean’s riding time point sent the bout to sudden victory. Truax notched a takedown early in extra time to post the 8-6 (sv) win, sending Dean into the seventh-place bout.
Dean took on No. 10 Jacob Cardenas of Cornell in the 7th-place bout. Cardenas scored quickly to take an early 2-1 lead after a fast Dean escape. Dean set up on the center circle and worked to counter a Cardenas shot as the clock moved below a minute. He rolled through the scramble for a takedown and a 3-2 lead at :35. He finished the period on top and carried that one-point lead into the second period. Dean chose down to start the second and quickly escaped to a 4-2 lead. The escape was the only scoring of the period and Dean led by two after two. Cardenas chose neutral to start the third period. Dean maintained position in the center of the mat and controlled the action for the last two minutes, rolling to a 4-2 victory and claiming seventh place. Dean ends his collegiate career as a four-time All-American and National Champion. He finishes this season with a 25-5 record and his career with a 105-18 mark. Dean collected 17 falls, 17 tech falls and 19 majors during his career. His two years at Penn State were outstanding. Dean won the 2022 NCAA title and has helped lead Penn State to two NCAA team crowns. He went 48-6 as a Nittany Lion, won a Big Ten title, an NCAA title and was a two-time All-American as a Penn Stater (in addition to his two at Cornell).
See above story for this session’s recap.
285: #3 Greg Kerkvliet, Jr., Inver Grove Heights, Minn./Simley – All-American – NATIONAL RUNNER-UP
Rd. 1: #30 Hayden Copass, Purdue – WBF (0:34)
Rd. 2: #14 A.J. Nevills, South Dakota State – W, 14-2 maj. dec.
Qtr: #11 Trent Hillger, Wisconsin – W, 4-0 dec.
Semi: #2 Wyatt Hendrickson, Air Force – W, 4-2 dec.
Finals: #1 Mason Parris, Michigan – L, 1-5 dec.
Kerkvliet faced No. 30 Hayden Copass of Purdue in round one. Kerkvliet ended the bout quickly. He used a quick low single to work his way into a cradle, turned Copass quickly to his back and got the fall in just :34. Kerkvliet’s fast fall moved him into the second round.
Greg faced No. 14 A.J. Nevills of South Dakota State in the second round. Kerkvliet took Nevills down quickly and added four back points off the initial move to open up a 6-1 lead early. He added a second takedown at 1:00 and worked his riding time edge well over 1:00. Kerkvliet finished the period on top and led 8-1 after one. He added a stall point and another takedown to lead 11-2 with nearly 3:00 in riding time after two periods. He opted for down to start the third and quickly reversed Nevills to lead 13-2. He finished the period on top and, with 4:30 in riding time, posted the convincing 14-2 major decision to become Penn State’s seventh quarterfinalist.
Kerkvliet faced No. 11 Trent Hillger of Wisconsin in Penn State’s final quarterfinal match of the day. Kerkvliet set the pace from the opening whistle and spent over two minutes chasing Hillger to the outside circle. The Lion was hit with stalling for pushing the Badger out but 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. Kerkvliet continued to work his offense and notched a fast late takedown to lead 3-0 after two. Hillger chose down to start the third period and Kerkvliet dominated the action on top. He rode the Badger for the full two minutes and, with 2:20 in riding time, moved into the semifinals with a strong 4-0 victory. Kerkvliet also became a three-time All-American with the win.
Greg battled No. 2 Wyatt Hendrickson of Air Force in Penn State’s seventh and last semifinal bout of the evening. Kerkvliet worked his way in on a low shot early but Hendrickson was able to counter the move and took a 2-0 lead with a takedown. Kerkvliet worked his way to an escape to cut the lead to 2-1 with 1:00 left in the opening period. Kerkvliet trailed by one after one. He chose down to start the second period and, after a minute’s work, reversed Hendrickson to take a 3-2 lead. He then controlled the action on top, forcing a stall warning, and working the Air Force grapplers time edge below 1:00. He finished the period on top and carried that lead into the third. Hendrickson chose down to start the third period and Kerkvliet continued to control the action on top. He was called for stalling at :56, forcing a reset. Kerkvliet still finished the period on top and, with riding time, moved into his first NCAA final bout with a 4-2 victory over the second-seed.
