For collegiate wrestling fans, the name Penn State commands a sort of reverence that’s seldom matched by others. With some of the country’s most decorated athletes, Penn State’s Nittany Lions Wrestling Club has established itself as one of the nation’s best hotspots for the sport. With their entire squad being considered one of the best teams of the season, Penn State is looking determined to retain its dominance as more Big Ten action waits in the coming weeks.
The Penn State wrestling team will be facing off against the Maryland Terrapins on Sunday, Jan 28 and the stakes are high. The NLWC wrestlers are currently riding on a sound 3-0 record in the conference with a 6-0 overall record. Now, as their on-road action continues, seven Penn State wrestlers will be looking to progress on their undefeated streak for the season.
Penn State wrestling stars on the verge of greatness
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The NLWC athletes stomped over their rivals last weekend as they subdued both Michigan and Michigan State in an impressive fashion. Fresh from their triumphs, more Penn State wrestlers are now setting their eyes on Maryland, with senior Carter Starocci leading the pack. Starocci is currently 7-0 and will resume action on the mat on Sunday in the 174lb weight class. The highly volatile 125lb category will see Penn State’s No. 4 Braeden Davis (12-0) trying to do his best in his endeavor to reach the top spot.
According to the Penn State team sheet, No. 2 Beau Bartlett (12-0) will be locking horns with Maryland’s No. 17 Kal Miller in the 141lb weight class, while No. 1 Levi Haines (17lb) will look to progress his current flawless 9-0 record further. No. 7 Mitchell Mesenbrink has also burst into the season in the 165lb category and is currently holding an incredible 13-0 record.
Penn State’s attacking depth doesn’t end just there. Senior Aaron Brooks (197lb, 8-0) was bestowed with a special honor only days ago by his assistant coach and Olympian Jake Varner and is expected to add another win to his season. Last but not least, heavyweight (285lb) Greg Kerkvliet is currently boasting a 7-0 record and will surely try to maintain the impressive streak this Sunday. And yet, the wrestlers were caught off guard as the recent NCAA Coaches’ ranking came under the light.
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NLWC towers over the rest
At the recently announced poll results, several Penn State wrestlers missed out on the top spots because of strict guidelines that determine the results each year. And yet, the NCAA results pale in comparison when it comes to grasping the achievements that have come NLWC’s way this season. Their spectacular 35-0 landslide victory over behemoth Michigan State will be upheld come Jan 28.
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With stars like David Taylor being a proud alum, the Penn State team looks determined to take matters into its own hands as they wait for their clash against the Big Ten powerhouse Maryland.
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