US Olympic Wrestling Trials: Aaron Brooks Had 2 Penn State Elites in His Corner for Controversial Victory

It usually goes against the grain and is a rarity to have two coaching phenoms heralding your victory. NCAA wrestler Aaron Brooks was a conduit of the same as well at the Olympic trials. Aaron Brooks, a four-time NCAA champion from Penn State, has a history of winning stunning bouts, and Friday night’s victory at the US Olympic Wrestling Trials ranks among his best performances till date. At the US Olympic Wrestling Trials, he found himself in the midst of controversy as he secured a crucial victory. 

Brooks will find this win all the more pertinent and much needed for his goal towards the immutable Olympic gold in Paris. With this springboard, however, were two of Penn State’s finest armors standing by his side through thick and thin, one that was a very laudable moment in wrestling history.

Penn State’s elites jostle Aaron Brooks to a catamaran of victory

After the US Olympic Wrestling Trials, Penn State wrestling reporter James R. Carlson posted a picture of Aaron Brooks along with two elites – Carl Sanderson and Bo Nickal captioning, “Carl Sanderson and Bo Nickal in Aaron Brooks’ corner today.” Cael Sanderson, the American former folk style and freestyle wrestler and Bo Nickal, a mixed martial artist and former freestyle pro were seen probably ushering Brooks to victory, or lending him a pep talk? Brooks staged a remarkable comeback in the final 25 seconds, scoring a takedown followed by a step-out point to tie the score. With just 6 seconds remaining, a penalty against Zahid Valencia for grabbing Brooks’ jersey gave Brooks the decisive point, securing his 7-6 victory.

The triumph over Zahid Valencia would not have been possible without his two gems standing by his side with their unwavering support. Valencia, who gave up a takedown in the second period to fall behind 3 -1, set himself up into a four-point move to take a 5-3 lead. Penn State’s coach challenged the call and lost, giving Valencia another point and a 6-3 lead, respectively. Such was the fortuitous turn of events.

Now, Brooks and David Taylor are facing off again in a championship series for the second year in a row. Last year, Taylor beat Brooks at the world-championship qualifier Final X with scores of 6-0 and 5-4. Taylor clinched his third world championship. It remains to be seen if his counterpart and opponent, Brooks, will still have Sanderson and Nickal’s support.

Impact of Bo Nickal and Cael Sanderson on Penn State’s wrestling journey

Bo Nickal and Cael Sanderson are highly influential figures in the world of wrestling, particularly within the context of Penn State’s wrestling program. Cael Sanderson, in particular, has an unparalleled reputation as both an athlete and a coach. Since taking the helm in 2009, Sanderson has elevated Penn State wrestling to unprecedented heights, solidifying its status as a powerhouse in collegiate wrestling. Under his guidance, Penn State has produced numerous NCAA champions, All-Americans, and Olympic contenders. 

On the other hand, Bo Nickal’s influence throughout his time as a Nittany Lion on Penn State wrestling has been profound, both as a standout athlete and a mentor to younger wrestlers. As a competitor, Nickal was a force to be reckoned with, winning three NCAA championships and earning a reputation for his dynamic performances on the mat. He now seeks greener pastures in the UFC octagon, transposing his wrestling skills to good use. Even after his competitive career ended, Nickal’s impact continued as an assistant coach at Penn State. It’s safe to say that, given these two phenoms’ expertise, Brooks is in safe hands en route Paris.