Topics

More

Zahid Valencia Taunts Mark Hall With His Own Celebrations At NCAA Championships

You win some. You lose some — especially when you’re caught up in the greatest active rivalry in college wrestling.

After No. 3 Zahid Valencia of Arizona State narrowly beat No. 1 Mark Hall of Penn State in the 174-lb. finals of the NCAA Championships, he flashed an air guitar and threw down an imaginary hammer.

The celebration capped off an emotional, evenly contest match and threw a bit of shade toward Hall who hung his head a few feet over.

When Hall beat Valencia 4-0 at Rec Hall during the teams’ dual in December, he celebrated with an air guitar and nearly blew the roof off of the legendary venue. The hammer, though never done in reference to Valencia, was a move made famous by Hall last season after pinning Joey Gunther of Iowa.



Valencia now leads the all-time series between the junior standouts 3-2 with two wins in the NCAA Finals. Those two bouts represent Hall’s only losses during the last two seasons.

Here’s to hoping for Round VI next year and many more down the road after college. This is what makes college wrestling the best.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Anthony Colucci

Anthony Colucci was once Onward State’s managing editor and preferred walk-on honors student who majored in psychology and public relations. Despite being from the make-believe land of Central Jersey, he was never a Rutgers fan. If you ever want to know how good Saquon Barkley's ball security is, ask Anthony what happened when he tried to force a fumble at the Mifflin Streak. If you want to hear the story or are bored and want to share prequel memes, follow @_anthonycolucci on Twitter or email him at [email protected]. All other requests and complaints should be directed to Onward State media contact emeritus Steve Connelly.

Staff Predictions: No. 3 Penn State vs. No. 4 Ohio State

Our staffers are split whether or not Penn State can end its losing streak against the Buckeyes.

Four-Star Guard Kayden Mingo Commits To Penn State Hoops

Mingo is the third commit in the class of 2025 for the Nittany Lions.

Penn State Football Secondary Preparing For Talented Ohio State Receivers

“We’ve got to step up to the challenge. That’s what we’re here for, and that’s what we’re going to do.”

113kFollowers
164kFollowers
61.3kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Sign up for our Newsletter
Other posts by Anthony

An Open Letter To My Sedated Self: Anthony Colucci’s Senior Column

“No challenge you encounter in college will come close to the obstacles you overcame to get there. However, that drive to do things your own way and disregard for what’s seen as ‘normal’ or ‘expected’ will carry on.”

4 Lessons I Learned From Cael Sanderson After Covering Him For 4 Years

Play Penn State-Themed Family Feud