US Olympic Wrestling Trials: Penn State’s Mark Hall Gets Ignored as He Retires From the Sport

On April 19, the Jordan Bryce Center witnessed a lot of emotions through hosting the US Olympic wrestling trials. The American young guns like Jason Nolf established themselves again in the forefront of the age-old wrestling custom of America, to gain the platform after defeating a legend. On the other hand, the Centre also watched the heartbroken Jordan Burroughs getting ridiculed by the angry fans and saw Mark Hall with a long face on his former home turf. 

On Friday, the former Penn State wrestler stepped into the 86kg bout, with an Olympic dream in his eyes. However, Trent Hidlay disrupted his dream of leaving the mat with high esteem. So, after facing the 9-4 loss to Hidlay, Mark Hall left the mat without uttering a single word but leaving his shoes on the circle. 

That gesture means a possible bow out from the sport without scratching the prolific honor. However, when the Penn State fans and the wrestling fanatics filled the arena with claps, Mark Hall’s silent exit did not attract the host or the broadcasters to cover it wholeheartedly. That did not meet the expectations slightly. 

Later, through several reports, Mark Hall’s retirement news received a stamp. The former national wrestling champion left the auspicious Jordan Bryce Center without any honor or call-ups from the authorities, including Penn State authority itself. However, on the same day observed another retirement from a former national champion. But the contrasting picture of that bowing out has increased the taste of deprivation. 

US Olympic wrestling trials display conflicting picture 

On Friday, the defeat against fourth-seeded Kollin Moore in the 97 kg weight class final forced J’Den Cox to retire from the wrestling sport. He followed the same ritual by leaving his boots on the arena after facing the 2-2 decision and a resulting defeat. Soon, the Rio Olympics bronze medalist received a full-house standing ovation and a thorough silvery light from the broadcasters who recorded everything from his shoe-leaving ritual to hugging his family outside the ring. Furthermore, several booms held him up after the match to get his take on the future. Unfortunately for Mark Hall, nothing was saved up in the place. 

The former PSU wrestler received multiple titles in his celebrated career, including the Pan American Games championship title. In the NCAA as well, he owned big with the championship and runner-up titles. Donning the blue PSU jersey, Mike Hall registered a glittering 93-5 career record heading to his last college season. With such a record book in possession, his Friday’s earnings never seemed to be fitting to his aura.