By: Pat Donghia
COLLEGE PARK, MD.– The Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team (12-0, 8-0 B1G) won the 2024 Big Ten Championship, winning the team’s eighth conference crown since the arrival of head coach Cael Sanderson. Five Nittany Lion wrestlers won individual Big Ten titles as well. Penn State won the team race with a school record 170.5 points, far outdistancing second place Michigan’s 123.5.
Penn State has qualified nine individuals for the 2024 NCAA Championships in Kansas City on March 21-23 with the tenth in the mix or an at-large bid, announced Tuesday by the NCAA selection committee. All rankings listed are InterMat as of Feb. 27, 2024.
This is Penn State’s eighth conference championship, having also won in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2019 and 2023. Penn State now has 64 Big Ten Champions spread among 35 individuals. Penn State’s five champions ties the school record, also set in 2011. Penn State swept the Big Ten post-season awards as well. Cael Sanderson was named Big Ten Coach of the Year for the eight time. Mitchell Mesenbrink was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Penn State’s ninth overall and the sixth under Sanderson. Aaron Brooks claimed two awards. He was named 2024 Big Ten Championship Outstanding Wrestler and was named the 2024 Big Ten Wrestler of the Year. He is Penn State’s 12th Big Ten Wrestler of the Year and its nine OW. Penn State’s point record (170.5) breaks the mark of 157.5, set in 2019.
True freshman Braeden Davis, ranked No. 9 at 125, met No. 4 Patrick McKee of Minnesota in the first of Penn State’s seven Big Ten title bouts. Davis and McKee worked the center of the mat to begin action. The first period hit its midway point with Davis working for arm control, but a reset stopped action at 1:17. Davis and McKee worked in neutral for the entirety of the first period and the match moved to the second tied 0-0. McKee chose down to start the second period. Davis maintained control of the Gopher senior deep into the se second period. The Lion then turned McKee for three back points. Action rolled out of bounds and McKee escaped on the reset. Davis led 3-1 at :35. Leading 3-1, with 1:19 in time, Davis chose down to start the third period. Davis quickly scrambled out of McKee’s control, escaping to a 4-1 lead with 1:09 in time. The Nittany Lion freshman Davis worked in deep on a late shot, lifted the Gopher off the mat in the final seconds, and finished off the match with an exclamation point takedown. Davis added a riding time point and won his first Big Ten title as a true freshman, 8-1 over McKee.
Senior Beau Bartlett, ranked No. 1 at 141, took on No. 3 Jesse Mendez of Ohio State in the 141 title bout. The duo worked the center of the mat in neutral over the first minute of the bout. Bartlett paced the center of the mat, mirrored by Mendez as the clock moved past 1:00. Bartlett fought off a solid Mendez shot with :40 on the clock and then a second at the buzzer, sending the bout to the second period tied 0-0. Mendez chose down to start the second period. Bartlett maintained control for :35 before Mendez escaped to a 1-0 lead. Trailing 1-0 after two, Bartlett chose down to start the third period and quickly rolled to an escape, tying the bout at 1-1 with 1:40 on the clock. Bartlett worked the center of the mat, looking for an opening. He took a slight shot that Mendez countered. Bartlett then fought the move off, rolled out of trouble but Mendez finished off the takedown at the :06 mark, taking a 4-1 lead. Mendez killed the short clock on top and Bartlett dropped his first bout of the year, 4-1, and took second at the 2024 Big Ten Championship.
Sophomore Levi Haines, ranked No. 1 at 157, met No. 16 Will Lewan of Michigan in the finals. Haines worked the middle of the mat, trying to break through Lewan’s defense as the Wolverine circled toward the outside of the mat. Haines engaged on the Maryland logo as the clock hit 1:00 but Lewan was able to block off the Lion’s efforts. The bout moved to the second period in a scoreless tie. Lewan chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 1-0 lead. Haines forced Lewan into a first stall at the 1:05 mark and continued to work the middle of the mat. Trailing 1-0, Haines chose down to start the third period and quickly escaped to a 1-1 tie. Lewan took a high single and Haines quickly fought off the effort, moving back to his feet at 1:10. Haines continued to shoot Lewan towards the circle then got in on a low single. He was hit with stalling prior to the scramble and action returned to neutral at :35. The match moved to sudden victory tied 1-1. Haines wasted no time ending things in extra time. He pushed through a high shot and quickly ended the match with a takedown, winning his second Big Ten Championship 4-1 (sv) over Lewan.
Freshman Mitchell Mesenbrink, ranked No. 5 at 165, faced No. 4 Dean Hamiti of Wisconsin in the title tilt. Mesenbrink came out firing, working a high single to a scramble in the opening seconds. Hamiti was able to force a stalemate at 2:27. Hamiti used a fast low shot to take a 3-1 lead at 2:05 after Mesenbrink escaped. The Nittany Lion worked his way in on a low shot, but Hamiti forced a stalemate once more with 1:20 on the clock. Mesenbrink scrambled through a shot and nearly got the takedown at :40 but Hamiti was able to fight off the move once more. Mesenbrink continued to roll through the action, but Hamiti was able to counter at the end for another takedown and 6-1 lead after one. Mesenbrink chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 6-2 score. Mesenbrink shot a third time and Hamiti notched another counter takedown to lead 9-2 at :57. Mesenbrink escaped to a 9-3 score at :25, then worked his way into a takedown to cut the lead to 9-6 at the buzzer. Hamiti chose down to start the second and reversed Mesenbrink to an 11-6 lead. Mesenbrink escaped, then countered the Badger for a takedown and three back points to storm back to a 13-11 lead. Mesenbrink went to work off the remaining seconds and became a Big Ten Champion with the 13-11 win over Hamiti.
Graduate Bernie Truax, ranked No. 6 at 184, met No. 5 Isaiah Salazar of Minnesota in the 184 final. Truax and Salazar set up shop in the middle of the mat as the bout got underway. Truax worked to control position in the center, taking a high single that Salazar defended at 1:45. Action continued through the 1:00 mark in neutral with Truax the aggressor. The bout moved to the second period tied 0-0. Truax chose down to start the period and escaped to a 1-0 lead at 1:20. The clock moved below the :30 mark with both wrestlers working for control in the center of the mat. Salazar worked his way in on a high shot late, but Truax defended the effort and led 1-0 after two. Salazar chose down to start the third and quickly escaped to a 1-1 tie. Truax shot low, quickly, but Salazar was able to slip out of his gras at 1:10. The duo traded quick bursts through the 1:00 mark and returned to their feet with :50 left in the bout. Salazar took a high shot again and Truax muscled through a counter as the clock moved below the :10 mark. The clock hit :00 and the bout moved to extra time. Truax nearly connected on a counter at 1:40, another shot at 1:35 and a third at 1:20. But Salazar countered the last shot and was able to notch the takedown. Truax gave up back points working to get free and lost the hard-fought 8-1 (sv) decision.
Senior+ Aaron Brooks, ranked No. 1 at 197, battled No. 11 Zach Glazier of Iowa in his fifth trip to the Big Ten finals. Brooks controlled position on the inside circle and then took a 3-0 lead with a strong high double at 2:10. He cut Glazier loose and went back to work on offense. Brooks continued to force contact and notched a second takedown at 1:35. Brooks controlled the action on top, working his riding time up over 1:00 with a strong ride. He finished the period on top and led 6-1 with 1:46 in time after one. Brooks chose down to start the second period, quickly escaping to a 7-1 lead. Brooks continued to pace in the center circle as Glazier played defense. He bulled through Glazier’s waist for another takedown and a 10-1 lead at :55. Glazier got hit for stalling as the period wound down and Brooks, finishing on top, led 10-1 with 2:34 in time after two. Brooks chose neutral to start the third period and quickly took Glazier down again. He cut him loose. He added one more takedown and cut and finished off the tech fall with a final takedown at 6:07, winning 19-3. Brooks win over Glazier makes him a four-time Big Ten Champion, Penn State’s third (Ed Ruth, David Taylor). This was his fifth trip to the Big Ten finals.
Senior Greg Kerkvliet, ranked No. 1 at 285, met No. 7 Nick Feldman of Ohio State in the last of Penn State’s seven title matches. Feldman turned a low shot into a quick takedown to open up a 3-1 lead in the opening seconds. After escaping quickly, Kerkvliet went to work on his feet, looking for an opening. Kerkvliet blew through a double to take a 4-3 lead at 1:25 and went to work on top. The Lion senior looked to build up over 1:00 in time with a strong ride, forcing a Feldman stall call in the process. He finished in control and led 4-3 with 1:24 in time after one. Kerkvliet chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 5-3 lead. Kerkvliet notched a second takedown with 1:20 left in the second to open up an 8-3 lead. He worked his riding time up over 2:00, working the clock down past :30. Kerkvliet finished the period on top and led 8-3 with 2:42 in time after two. Feldman chose neutral to start the third period. Kerkvliet worked the center of the mat through the 1:00 mark, holding position for the entire period. He added the riding time point with 2:42 in time and became a Big Ten Champion with a 9-3 win.
Sophomore Aaron Nagao, ranked No. 11 at 133, faced No. 17 Braxton Brown of Maryland in the consolation semifinals to begin Penn State’s day. Nagao moved in quickly, taking a low single to force action to the mat. A potentially dangerous call stopped the scramble and forced a reset at 2:25. Brown shot low and Nago scrambled through the action, forcing a reset at 1:54. Nagao connected on a late, low shot for a takedown and led 3-0 after one. Brown chose down to start the second period and Nagao quickly worked control to a nearfall and four points. He gave up a point on an illegal hold and led 7-1 at 1:27. Trailing 7-2, Brown chose down to start the second period. Nagao worked his riding time up to 1:41 before Brown escaped to a 7-2 score. Leading by five, Nagao chose neutral to start the third period. Brown notched a takedown and cut Nagao loose at 1:01 and Nagao led 8-5. Nagao finished the match in neutral and, with 1:37 in riding time, moved into the third place bout with a 9-5 win.
He took on No. 16 Jacob Van Dee of Nebraska for third. Nagao worked his way in on a low shot at the 2:14 mark, forcing a scramble and action to the mat. Nagao worked through for control and took a 3-0 lead at 2:02. Nagao wasted no time turning Van Dee to his back. He cranked the Husker over and finished off the first period fall at 1:51. Nagao’s pin of Van Dee capped off Nagao’s third place run for Penn State.
True freshman Tyler Kasak, ranked No. 9 at 149, battled No. 8 Caleb Rathjen of Iowa in the consolation semis at 149. Kasak and Rathjen worked the center of the mat for the first minute. The Nittany Lion freshman drew first by lifting the Hawkeye off the mat and notching the takedown with a strong mat return at 1:41. He controlled action on top, building up over 1:00 in time with a strong ride while trying to turn the Hawkeye for back points. He gave up a stall warning during his ride and then forced one out of Rathjen, finished on top and carried the 3-0 lead with 1:47 in time into the third period. Rathjen chose down to start the second period and Kasak went back to work on top. The Nittany Lion freshman worked his time edge to 2:14 before Rathen escaped to a 3-1 score. Kasak nearly countered a Rathjen throw attempt at the 1:00 mark but action remained neutral. Leading 3-1 with 2:14 time to his side, Kasak chose down to start the third period and quickly escaped to a 4-1 lead. Kasak worked the outside circle as the clock hit :45, still leading 4-1. He countered a Rathjen shot and took a 7-1 lead with :20 left in the bout. Kasak added 2:30 in riding time and rolled into the third place bout with an 8-1 win.
He met No. 12 Ethen Miller of Maryland for third. Kasak scored quickly, taking Miller down just :08 into the bout. He then locked the Terrapins shoulders up and tacked on four near fall points to lead 7-0. Kasak continued his dominant work on top, pushing his time edge up towards 2:00. He worked on top through the 1:00 mark, continuing to look for back points and more. Miller looked to escape on a reset, scooting to his feet towards the outside circle. But Kasak maintained connection, lifted the Terrapin off the mat and returned him to his back. He quickly finished off the pin, getting the first period fall at 2:36 and taking third at his first Big Ten Championship tournament.
Senior Carter Starocci, ranked No. 1 at 174, took two injury defaults on Saturday (both at 6:59). In order to be considered for an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament, Starocci had to compete in two bouts at the conference qualifiers. He will await the allocations of 174’s four at-large spots, announced by the NCAA selection committee on Tuesday.
Penn State closed out the tournament with a 29-6 record. The Lions tacked on 20.5 bonus points off four pins, five techs and five majors.
The 2024 NCAA Championships are set for Thursday through Saturday, March 21-23, in Kansas City’s T-Mobile Center. Thursday’s action begins with session 1 at 12 p.m. and session 2 at 7 p.m. Friday features session 3 at 12 p.m. and session 4 at 8 p.m. The tournament concludes on Sunday with session 5 at 11 a.m. and session 6’s Championship Finals at 7 p.m. All times are Eastern, and the tournament will be telecast in its entirety on ESPN/2/U. The tournament seeds and full bracket will be revealed on Wednesday night at 8 p.m. on NCAA.com (at-large selections for each weight will be rolled out a day prior on Tuesday by the NCAA selection committee).
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 Big Ten Championship – Session 3/4
March 10, 2024 – College Park, Md. – University of Maryland, Host
Team Standings (FINAL)
1: PENN STATE – 170.5
2: Michigan – 123.5
3: Nebraska – 118.0
4: Iowa – 110.5
5: Ohio State – 89.0
6: Rutgers – 87.5
7: Minnesota – 74.0
8: Wisconsin – 46.5
9: Purdue – 41.5
10: Maryland – 39.0
11: Illinois – 34.0
12: Indiana – 33.0
13: Michigan State – 23.5
14: Northwestern – 14.5
Weight-by-weight agate (RANKINGS LISTED ARE INTERMAT as of 2/27/24):
125: #9 Braeden Davis, Fr., Belleville, Mich./Dundee — #6 seed
Rd. 1: Justin Cardani, Illinois – W, 11-1 maj. dec.
Qtr: #5 Eric Barnett, Wisconsin – W, 8-7 (SV) dec.
Semis: #16 Michael DeAugustino, Michigan – W, 5-2 (SV2) dec.
Finals: #4 Patrick McKee, Minnesota – W, 8-1 dec.
Davis, ranked No. 9 at 125, took on Illinois’ Justin Cardani in the first round. Davis battled the Illini even for the opening minute-plus, with each wrestler working the center of the mat. The first period ended in a scoreless tie. Davis chose down to start the second period and, after some work, reversed Cardani to his back to open up a 6-0 lead with :50 left in the second. He led 6-1 after two periods. Cardani forced a scramble that lasted for over a minute before a reset stopped action at :25. Davis zipped in on a low shot for a late takedown and added two nearfall points to roll into the quarterfinals with an 11-1 major decision.
He took on No. 5 Eric Barnett of Wisconsin in the quarterfinals. The duo worked the center of the mat for :30 before a scramble resulted in a Barnett takedown and a 3-0 score. Davis gave up a penalty point on bottom and trailed 4-0 before escaping to a 4-1 score at :41. Trailing 4-1, Davis chose down to start the second period. He scrambled his way into control of Barnett’s right leg and nearly reversed him but settled for an escape and a 4-2 deficit. Davis worked his way in on a low shot and muscled his way to a takedown and two back points as the period ended to take a 7-4 lead. Wisconsin challenged the nearfall and it was overturned. Davis led 5-4 after two but Barnett had 2:25 in riding time. Barnett chose down to start the third period and Davis went to work on top. Davis was hit for a first stall at the 1:18 mark as he tried to work the time edge off. Barnett scrambled for a late reversal to take a 5-4 lead and then Davis reversed the Badger late to take a 7-6 lead with just :11 left. Barnett had riding time and the bout moved to extra time tied 7-7. Early in sudden victory, Davis moved in on a deep single and began working his way to a takedown. A penalty point was awarded to Davis on an illegal hold before the takedown and the Nittany Lion true freshman moved into the semifinals with an 8-7 (sv) win.
He met No. 16 Michael DeAugustino of Michigan in the first of Penn State’s nine semifinal matches. Davis and DeAugustino worked the middle of the mat for the opening minute. The duo worked the clock down past 1:00 in neutral, then to the end of the first period and action moved to the second tied 0-0. Davis chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 1-0 lead. Davis held position through :30 and the bout moved to the third with Davis up 1-0. DeAugustino chose down to start the third period and escaped to a 1-1 tie at 1:42. The clock moved below 1:00 and then :30 with neither wrestler threatening on offense. Davis and DeAugustino moved into sudden victory tied 1-1. Davis and DeAugustino worked in neutral as the clock moved through the first period of extra time. The match moved to a tiebreaker, with DeAugustino down first. He escaped in :05 to a 2-1 lead. Davis rolled to a quick escape himself, in what was first called :05 to essentially tie the bout. Penn State challenged the riding time, however as an extra second appeared to click off the clock. After review, the call held and the 2-2 match moved to a second sudden victory period. Davis worked halfway into the period and then exploded through a shot for a takedown, notching the thrilling 5-2 (sv2) win with :25 on the clock and moving him into the Big Ten finals.
See above story for bout-by-bout recap
133: #11 Aaron Nagao, So., La Habra, Calif./Esperanza — #5 seed
Rd. 1: Andrew Hampton, Michigan State – W, 11-0 maj. dec.
Qtr: #16 Jacob Van Dee, Nebraska – W, 4-3 dec.
Semis: #5 Dylan Ragusin, Michigan – L, 3-6 dec.
Cn. Semi: #17 Braxton Brown, Maryland – W, 9-5 dec.
3rd: #16 Jacob Van Dee, Nebraska – WBF (1:51)
Nagao, ranked No. 11 at 133, took on Michigan State’s Andrew Hampton in the first round. He used an early takedown for a 3-0 lead in the opening seconds and then built up riding time and turned Hampton for four and a 7-0 lead. Nagao finished the period on top and led 7-0 with nearly 3:00 in riding time after one. After a neutral start to the second period, Nago took Hampton down quickly for a 10- lead. With his riding time ticking over 4:00, Nagao finished on top to carry the 10-0 lead into the third. Nagao finished the match with over 2:00 in riding time and posted the 11-0 major decision to advance to the quarterfinals.
He met No. 16 Jacob Van Dee io the quarterfinals. Nagao and Van Dee battled evenly for the first two minutes before the Nittany Lion notched the bout’s first takedown to lead 3-0. He finished the period on top and carried that lead into the second stanza. Van Dee chose neutral to start the second period and the duo battled evenly in neutral for the full two minutes of the second stanza. Leading 3-0, Nagao chose down to start the third period and quickly escaped to a 4-0 lead. He worked his way in on a deep single and nearly notched a second takedown, but Van Dee was able to escape out of bounds with 1:00 on the clock. Nagao continued to press on offense and forced a late scramble. Van Dee managed to counter scramble for a last second takedown, but Nagao’s early work gave the Nittany Lion a 4-3 win and advanced him to the semifinals.
Nagao faced off against No. 5 Dylan Ragusin in his semifinal bout. Nagao forced a scramble a minute into the opening period, but Ragusin was able to counter scramble to a takedown and a 3-0 lead at 1:59. Nagao was unable to break free of Ragusin’s ride until rolling through for a reversal at :25 to cut the lead to 3-2. Ragusin escaped and Nagao trailed 4-2 after one. Nagao chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 4-3 score. Nagao worked for position in the middle of the mat as the clock moved to the 1:00 mark. Nagao fought off a throw effort from Ragusin at :40, giving up a stall warning in the process. Nagao trailed 4-3 after two and Ragusin chose down to start the third. Ragusin escaped to a 5-3 lead while still holding 1:09 in riding time. Nagao got in deep on a single but potentially dangerous stopped action at 1:20. Nagao continued to press on offense, with Ragusin playing the outside circle. Ragusin got hit with stalling at :32 for the first time and Nagao continued to shoot him out of bounds. Nagao worked his way in on a deep shot at :15 but Ragusin slid out of bounds at :05. Nagao chased the Wolverine and nearly connected on a late shot, but time ran out and the Nittany Lion dropped a 6-3 decision. Nagao, still alive for third, dropped into consolation action with the loss.
See above story for bout-by-bout recap
141: #1 Beau Bartlett, Sr., Tempe, Ariz./Wyoming Seminary (Pa.) — #1 seed
Rd. 1: bye
Qtr: #26 Jordan Hamdan, Michigan State – W, 4-2 dec.
Semis: #10 Sergio Lemley, Michigan – W, 5-4 dec.
Finals: #3 Jesse Mendez, Ohio State – L, 1-4 dec.
Bartlett, ranked No. 1 at 141, received a first round bye and took on No. 26 Jordan Hamdan of Michigan State in the quarterfinals. Bartlett worked the center of the mat for the first two minutes-plus, forcing the Spartan into defense as the opening period played out. The Nittany Lion was unable to break through Hamdan’s defense and the bout moved to the second period tied 0-0. Bartlett chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped. He then moved in on a single for a fast takedown and a 4-0 lead. That score held through the second period. Hamdan chose down to start the third and eventually escaped to a 4-1 score. He picked up a second point on a late stall, but Bartlett’s second period burst was enough as the Nittany Lion senior moved into the semifinals with a 4-2 win.
He faced No. 10 Sergio Lemley of Michigan in the semifinals. Bartlett and Lemley battled in the middle of the mat through the opening minute. The clock moved past the 1:00 mark with neither wrestler threatening as they worked for position. The first period ended in a 0-0 tie. Bartlett chose down to start the second stanza, quickly escaping to a 1-0 lead. He pushed the pace on offense as the clock hit 1:00 and then worked his way in on a low single, finishing off the takedown at :44 to take a 4-0 lead. Bartlett gave up a stall warning on his ride but finished the period on top to lead 4-0 after two. Lemley chose down to start the third period and escaped to a 4-1 score. He worked his way in on a high single and Bartlett countered. But Lemley was able to finish off the takedown and tie the score. Bartlett escaped to a 5-4 lead with :45 left in the bout. Bartlett was able to defend Lemley’s efforts in the closing seconds and moved into the Big Ten finals with a 5-4 win.
See above story for bout-by-bout recap
149: #9 Tyler Kasak, Fr., Doylestown, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic — #4 seed
Rd. 1: Aidan Vandenbush, Northwestern – WBF (2:48)
Qtr: #10 Dylan D’Emilio, Ohio State – W, 3-2 dec.
Semis: #1 Ridge Lovett, Nebraska – L, 0-4 dec.
Cn. Semi: #8 Caleb Rathjen, Iowa – W, 8-1 dec.
3rd: #12 Ethen Miller, Maryland – WBF (2:36)
Kasak, ranked No. 9 at 149, met Northwestern’s Aiden Vandenbush in the first round. Kasak worked the center of the mat as the first period got started, taking a couple low shots that forced the Wildcat into defense. He countered a slight shot for a takedown and a 3-0 lead at 2:00. He quickly turned Vandenbush for four back points to open up a 7-0 lead. Kasak controlled the action from the top position, working his time edge up over 1:00. He then worked the Cat to his back again settled in for the first period fall, getting the pin at 2:48.
He took on No. 10 Dylan D’Emilio of Ohio State in the quarterfinals. Kasak was the aggressor during the opening period. The Nittany Lion true freshman got in deep on a single and nearly scored after a minute’s worth of work, but D’Emilio was able to fight off the effort. The Nittany Lion had a second chance late in the opening period but once again D’Emilio blocked off the effort and the bout moved to the second tied 0-0. D’Emilio chose down to start the second period and Kasak put together a strong ride. The Nittany Lion freshman kept control of the Buckeye until the :43 mark before D’Emilio escaped to a 1-0 score. Trailing 1-0, Kasak chose down to start the third period and scrambled his way to a quick reversal and a 2-1 lead, while maintaining riding time advantage. D’Emilio escaped to a 2-2 tie at 1:37 but Kasak had 1:18 in riding time. Kasak fought off a D’Emilio rally at 1:00, holding neutral as action moved out of bounds. D’Emilio shot low on the Lion freshman at :15 but Kasak scrambled through the move and finished off the period in neutral. His 1:18 in riding time gave the Nittany Lion a 3-2 win and pushed him into the semifinals.
Kasak battled No. 1 Ridge Lovett of Nebraska in his semifinal match-up. The duo battled through an even minute with Lovett holding position in the center of the mat. Kasak worked his way around the Husker, repositioning himself at the 1:00 mark. They traded shots at :50 but neither wrestler connected. Kasak worked his way in on a shot and battled for a takedown as the first period wound down, but Lovett fought the move off and killed the clock. Lovett chose down to start the second period and escaped to a 1-0 lead. Kasak held position through the rest of the period and trailed 1-0 after two. He chose neutral to start the third, going to work on offense and looking for a go-ahead takedown. Kasak nearly connected on a slide by at 1:25 but Lovett fought it off and the Lion freshman trailed at the 1:10 mark. Lovett forced a scramble with a low shot and Kasak tried to counter the effort, but Lovett eventually finished off the takedown and led 4-0 at the :20 mark. Kasak dropped the hard-fought 4-0 decision and fell into consolation action, still alive for third.
See above story for bout-by-bout recap
157: #1 Levi Haines, So., Arendtsville, Pa./Biglerville — #1 seed
Rd. 1: bye
Qtr: Trevor Chumbley, Northwestern – W, 12-0 maj. dec.
Semi: #5 Jared Franek, Iowa – W, 5-0 dec.
Finals: #16 Will Lewan, Michigan – W, 4-1 (sv) dec.
Haines, ranked No. 1 at 157, had a first round bye and battled Northwestern’s Trevor Chumbley in the quarterfinals. Haines took a 3-0 lead at the 1:22 mark with a strong mat return. He then went to work on top, building up a 122 in riding time with a strong rideout to carry that lead into the second stanza. After a neutral start to the second period, Haines went to work in the center of the mat. He picked up a stall point and then took Chumbley down a second time to open up a 7-0 lead at 1:03. Haines carried that lead into the third period. Haines added a third takedown and led 10-0, then got another stall point to lead 11-0. He added a riding time point with over 3:00 in time and rolled to a 12-0 major, moving into the semifinals.
He took on No. 5 Jared Franek of Iowa in Penn State’s fifth semifinal. Haines and Franek battled evenly for the first minute. Haines set a fast pace, looking to break through Franek’s defense as the clock moved through the 1:00 mark. The Lion sophomore kept pressuring Franek, but the first period ended in a 0-0 tie. Haines chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 1-0 lead. Haines worked his way in deep on a low shot and muscled through for a takedown and a 4-0 lead with :25 on the clock. He finished the period on top and led 4-0 after two periods. Franek chose down to start the third period and Haines went to work on top. The Nittany Lion sophomore worked his riding time up over 1:00 with a strong ride, working the clock down below the 1:00 mark. Haines kept Franek on the mat and finished the period on top, rolling to a 5-0 win with 2:19 in riding time, and advancing to the Big Ten finals.
See above story for bout-by-bout recap
165: #5 Mitchell Mesenbrink, Fr., Hartland, Wis./Arrowhead — #2 seed
Rd. 1: bye
Qtr: #31 Blaine Brenner, Minnesota – WBF (3:59)
Semis: #6 Mikey Caliendo, Iowa – W, 23-7 (TF; 6:47)
Finals: #4 Dean Hamiti, Wisconsin – W, 13-11 dec.
Mesenbrink, ranked No. 5 at 165, received a first round bye and met No. 31 Blaine Brenner of Minnesota in the quarterfinals. Mesenbrink came out firing on offense. The Nittany Lion freshman took a 3-0 lead with a fast takedown and made it 6-1 midway through the period with a second. Mesenbrink worked his way to a third takedown before the opening period ended and led 9-2 after one. He chose down to start the second period and escaped to a 10-2 lead. Mesenbrink quickly moved in for a fourth takedown to lead 13-2 and then worked Brenner’s shoulders to the mat for a fall. Mesenbrink moved into the semifinals with a pin at the 3:59 mark.
He met No. 6 Mikey Caliendo of Iowa in his semi. Mesenbrink scored quickly, lifting Caliendo off the mat and returning him for a 3-1 lead after a quick Iowa escape. Mesenbrink’s pace continued with the Lion taking two fast shots that Caliendo was able to defend through the 2:00 mark. Caliendo worked a high double into a scramble, but Mesenbrink was able to counter the effort. A stalemate stopped action before Mesenbrink could score but the Lion was undeterred working a fast low double to a takedown and a 6-1 lead with 1:00 left. Caliendo escaped on a reset and Mesenbrink continued to move forward, leading 6-2. He forced Caliendo into a stall warning and then rolled through a high double for a third takedown and a 9-2 lead. Caliendo escaped late and Mesenbrink led 9-3 after one. Caliendo chose down to start the second period. Mesenbrink worked the top position for a bit before Caliendo escaped to a 9-4 score at 1:40. Mesenbrink quickly added a takedown and cut to lead 12-4, then rolled through a fifth takedown to lead 15-5 at the 1:02 mark. Mesenbrink picked up a stall point and led 16-6 with 1:58 in riding time after two. Mesenbrink chose down to start the third period and quickly escaped to a 17-6 lead. Mesenbrink worked a low shot into another takedown and a 20-6 lead with clinched time at the :40 mark. He cut Caliendo loose with just :25 left and finished off the match with a final takedown at 6:47, moving into the Big Ten finals with the 23-7 tech fall (6:47).
See above story for bout-by-bout recap
174: #1 Carter Starocci, Sr., Erie, Pa./Cathedral Prep — #1 seed
Rd. 1: bye
Qtr: #30 Andrew Sparks, Minnesota – L, inj.def. (6:59)
Cn. 2: #32 Brody Baumann, Purdue – L, inj.def. (6:59)
Starocci, ranked No. 1 at 174, had a first round bye and took on No. 30 Andrew Sparks of Minnesota in the quarterfinals. Starocci stepped on the mat for the requisite one second and took an injury default loss at the 6:59 mark and fell into consolation action.
He stepped on the mat for one second and took a second injury default loss at 6:59, this one to No. 32 Brody Baumann of Purdue. In order to be considered for an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament, Starocci had to compete in two bouts at the conference qualifiers. He will await the allocations of 174’s four at-large spots, announced by the NCAA selection committee on Tuesday.
184: #6 Bernie Truax, Gr., Oceanside, Calif./Rancho Buena Vista — #3 seed
Rd. 1: Chase Mielnik, Indiana – W, 19-1 (TF; 2:41)
Qtr: #17 Layne Malczewski, Michigan State – W, 7-2 dec.
Semis: #3 Lenny Pinto, Nebraska – W, 4-2 dec.
Finals: #5 Isaiah Salazar, Minnesota – L, 1-8 (sv) dec.
Truax, ranked No. 6 at 184, took on Chase Mielnik of Maryland in the opening round. Truax came out firing on offense, taking a 3-0 lead just :30 into the bout. He quickly turned the Terrapin for three back points and a 6-0 lead. After a Mielnik escape, Truax bulled through a low double for another takedown and a 9-1 lead at the midway point. He added four back points for a 13-1 lead, added two near fall and then finished off the tech fall with a final four point turn, posting the 19-1 tech fall at 2:41.
He battled No. 17 Layne Malczewski of Michigan State in the quarterfinals. Truax scored quickly, turning a low shot into a takedown and a 3-0 lead. Malczewski escaped quickly to a 3-1 score and Truax went back to work in neutral. Truax worked the center of the mat for the remainder of the period and led 3-1 after one. Malczewski chose down to start the second stanza and escaped to a 3-2 Truax lead early in the period. Truax paced the center of the mat and extended his lead to 6-2 with a strong double at the end of the period. Truax chose down to start the third period and quickly escaped to a 7-2 lead. He finished the match on his feet and moved into the semifinals with a strong 7-2 win.
Truax took on No. 3 Lenny Pinto of Nebraska in the semifinals. Truax went to work on offense from the onset, looking to maintain position and push the pace early. He took a fast shot that Pinto countered, and Truax skipped out of trouble in a flurry at the 2:20 mark. Truax continued to battle for position with Pinto as the clock moved through the 1:00 mark. Pinto took a slight shot in the final seconds of the period, but Truax easily defended, and the bout moved to the second tied 0-0. Truax chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 1-0 lead. The worked in neutral as the clock slid below the 1:00 mark. Trailing 1-0, Pinto chose down to start the third period and quickly escaped to a 1-1 tie. Truax nearly connected on a single leg, but Pinto defended the effort as the clock hit 1:40. Truax continued to pressure the Husker and turned a low double into a takedown and a 4-1 lead at 1:12. Pinto escaped to a 4-2 score with :50 left in the bout. The duo scrambled through a wild flurry at the :30 mark but Truax held firm on defense and moved into the Big Ten finals with a thrilling 4-2 win.
See above story for bout-by-bout recap
197: #1 Aaron Brooks, Sr+., Hagerstown, Pa./North Hagerstown — #1 seed
Rd. 1: bye
Qtr: Evan Bates, Northwestern – W, 19-3 (TF; 5:50)
Semis: #13 Silas Allred, Nebraska – W, 14-2 maj. dec.
Finals: #11 Zach Glazier, Iowa – W, 19-3 (TF; 6:07)
Brooks, ranked No. 1 at 197, received a first round bye and met Evan Bates of Northwestern in the quarters. Brooks worked the outside circle and finished off a takedown at the 2:01 mark, taking a 3-0 lead. The Nittany Lion picked up a second takedown midway through the second and opened up a 6-1 lead. He finished the period on top, adding three back points late to lead 9-1 after one. Brooks chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 10-1 score. Brooks upped his lead to 13-1 with a takedown at the 1:15 mark. Bates chose down to start the third period and Brooks cut him loose, quickly moved in for another takedown and led 16-3 at 1:35. Brooks finished off the technical fall with a final takedown, posting the 19-3 tech at 5:50.
He faced No. 13 Silas Allred of Nebraska in his semifinal bout. Brooks scored quickly, taking a 3-1 lead in the opening seconds. The Nittany Lion senior tacked on a second takedown at the 1:45 mark to lead 6-1. Brooks controlled the action on top, building his riding time up over 1:00 while trying to turn Allred for back points or more. Brooks forced Allred into a first stall at :25 and finished the period on top to lead 6-1 after one. Allred chose down to start the second period and Brooks once again went to work on top. The Nittany Lion built up over 2:00 in time, then locked up a cradle. Brooks worked on top and settled for a four-point turn to lead 10-1 at :26. Brooks finished off the period on top and carried that lead, plus 3:51 in time, into the third. Brooks chose neutral to start the third period. He shot through a single for a takedown and a 13-2 lead after cutting Allred loose. Brooks worked for a final takedown, but Allred was able to defend his efforts. Brooks added 4:01 in riding time and rolled into the Big Ten finals with a 14-2 major decision.
See above story for bout-by-bout recap
285: #1 Greg Kerkvliet, Sr., Inver Grove Heights, Minn./Simley — #1 seed
Rd. 1: bye
Qtr: #30 Bennett Tabor, Minnesota – W, 15-0 (TF; 3:25)
Semis: #12 Yaraslau Slavikouski, Rutgers – W, 9-0 maj. dec.
Finals: #7 Nick Feldman, Ohio State – W, 9-3 dec.
Kerkvliet, ranked No. 1 at 285, had a first round bye and took on No. 30 Bennett Tabor of Minnesota in the quarterfinals. Kerkvliet took Tabor down quickly and turned him for three back points to open up a 6-0 lead in the opening minute. He maintained control of the Gopher and worked him to his back for another four point turn to lead 10-0 at :35. The Nittany Lion senior finished the period on top and led 10-0 after one. Tabor chose down to start the second period. Kerkvliet worked his riding time up over 3:00, picked up a stall point, and then finished off the tech fall with a final four point turn early in the period. He rolled into the semifinals with a 15-0 tech at the 3:25 mark.
He took on No. 12 Yaraslau Slavikouski of Rutgers in the last of Penn State’s nine semifinal matches. Kerkvliet scored quickly, taking the Knight down in the opening seconds for a 3-0 lead. Kerkvliet controlled the action with a dominant ride, working his time edge up well over 2:00 while trying to turn Slavikouski. He picked up a stall point late and led 4-0 with 2:53 in time after one. Kerkvliet chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 5-0 lead. Kerkvliet moved through a high single, pulled the Knight back in bounds and scored on a strong mat return to open up an 8-0 lead at :55. Trailing 8-0, Slavikouski chose neutral to start the third period. Kerkvliet worked the middle of the mat over the course of the final minutes, but the Knight was able to defend his efforts. Kerkvliet, with 3:47 in riding time, rolled into the Big Ten finals with a 9-0 major decision.
See above story for bout-by-bout recap
