Topics

More

Penn State Wrestling Receives Five Top-Five Seeds At NCAA Championships

Even with a disappointing finish at the Big Ten Championships, Penn State wrestling still managed to qualify seven wrestlers for the NCAA Championships and holds on to an outside shot at challenging heavily favored Iowa for the team title.

Five of the seven wrestlers who qualified for the Nittany Lions have received top-five seeds, including one No. 1 and two No. 2.

Below are each Nittany Lion’s seed and weight:

133 lbs. — No. 5 Roman Bravo-Young
141 lbs. — No. 2 Nick Lee
149 lbs. — No. 19 Jarod Verkleeren
165 lbs. No. 2 Vincenzo Joseph
174 lbs. No. 1 Mark Hall
184 lbs. No. 3 Aaron Brooks
197 lbs. No. 21 Shakur Rasheed

In years past, Penn State has entered the national tournament with a near-fully loaded team of top seeds and ran away with the team title before the championship round. This year, Cael Sanderson finds himself in a bit of an unfamiliar position as Iowa has the depth and firepower, while Penn State will need to maximize production from the wrestlers it does have qualified. That said, Penn State could potentially have as many as five individual national champions (Screw it. Bet the farm on #VintageShak and let’s say six.), and if so, a team title could end not being too far out of reach if a couple things go its way.

However, whatever happens in the team race, you’ll need to watch from home. The NCAA Championships are still scheduled to occur next week, but no fans will be allowed in US Bank Stadium. The three-day tournament will kick off in Minneapolis on Thursday, March 19.

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.

‘He’s One Of The Best Coaches I’ve Ever Had’: Andy Kotelnicki Sticking With Penn State Football Despite Head Coaching Rumors

In just one season with the Nittany Lions, Kotelnicki is already revered by his players.

News & Notes From James Franklin Ahead Of SMU In The College Football Playoff

Franklin touched on Beau Pribula, Drew Allar, and Andy Kotelnicki’s decisions to leave or stay at Penn State.

Penn State Football’s Offensive Line Aiming To Carry Success Into College Football Playoff

The offensive line replaced three players who were drafted after the 2023 season.

113kFollowers
164kFollowers
63.1kFollowers
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