Penn State wrestling picks up new commitment from 2023 recruit Branden Wentzel
Penn State wrestling has added to its Class of 2023. On Wednesday night, the Lions picked up a new commitment from senior Branden Wentzel.
The Montoursville grappler is a three-time PIAA state placer. He won gold at 106 pounds as a freshman before finishing third and second, as a sophomore and junior, respectively, at 113 pounds. Wentzel projects as a 125-pound wrestler in college.
Wentzel was 41-4 during the 2021-2022 season, with 22 of those victories coming by fall. He lost to Athens’ Gavin Bradley in the state finals, 4-3.
“This is going to shape me as a person,” Wentzel told The Williamsport Sun-Gazette. “I’ve been pretty lucky when it comes to winning big matches. This year is the first year I’ve lost in any type of finals in my high school career, so I think this will give me more of a sense of urgency in matches.”
Wentzel now has one final chance to reach the state’s tallest podium in 2022-2023.
Lions continue building Class of 2023
With Wentzel on board, the Penn State wrestling Class of 2023 is now up to five members.
Prior to Wentzel’s commitment, FloWrestling had rated the Nittany Lions’ 2023 recruiting class No. 3 in the nation. It is headlined by 170-pounder Josh Barr (ranked as the No. 8 overall prospect in the class), 120-pounder Breaden Davis (No. 16) ,and 138-pounder Tyler Kasak (No. 25). It also includes Williamsport 113-pounder Cael Nasdeo.
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That head coach Cael Sanderson and his staff have continued adding wrestlers who could one day find themselves at either 125 pounds or 133 pounds should not come as a surprise. It has often fought to find a consistent competitor in the former weight class. In the latter one, Penn State will lose two-time national champion Roman Bravo-Young after this season. The Lions have always recruited well and filled needs under Sanderson. This class figures to continue that trend.
Bravo-Young talks Penn State return
Blue-White Illustrated caught up with Bravo-Young earlier this week to discuss his new name, image, and likeness deal with Snap Custom Pizzas and Salad. He also discussed his decision to spend a final season at Penn State.
“The fan base is still going to be there, and who doesn’t want to run out to a sold out Rec Hall every match,” Bravo-Young said. “It’s another year of college and just another opportunity to try to win another title. Not only myself, but I’m trying to win a team title and help out the team. I’m going to wrestle internationally, but it’s kind of like,wWhat’s the rush of that? So it’s kind of a no-brainer.
“I’m still wrestling every day even if I weren’t to come back. So, now I’m just getting some money and I’m still in college. It’s pretty cool. You only get one chance in college, so why not? This year is a go at it, have fun, and enjoy it. There’s still a target on my back, but at the end of the day I don’t feel like I have too much to prove, but I still want to win.”
