Penn State wrestling recruit results: Three future Lions place at PIAAs; Marcus Blaze goes for Ohio gold tonight
Three future Penn State wrestlers placed at this weekend’s PIAA Wrestling Championships. A fourth goes for his fourth and final Ohio prep title tonight.
In Pennsylvania, Asher Cunningham, the son of Nittany Lions head assistant coach Casey Cunningham and a Class of 2025 Penn State signee, won the Class 3A 172-pound title. It was his second straight gold medal, as he won the 160-pound championship as a junior. The senior won his first three matches of the tournament by technical fall before beating Bode Marlow of Thomas Jefferson in the finals by decision, 12-6.
“I thought I wrestled really hard,” Cunningham told PennLive. “I’ve just been really focused on neutral. I thought I showed it this tournament, which I’m really excited about and for moving forward. I think I did good just staying calm, staying focused and not panicking when things start to go a little bit wrong in a match.”
Cunningham finishes his high school career with a record of 135-20. His next stop will be nearby Penn State.
“I’m really excited about that,” Cunningham told PennLive “It’s a really great opportunity for me. I just like getting better, improving, so it’s a great bunch of guys that are going to be at a really high level. I’m going to have to elevate my level, which is really exciting.”
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Cunningham’s fellow Class of 2025 signee, Dalton Perry of Central Mountain, finished second at 145 pounds. He lost his Class 3A final to Council Rock North’s Eren Sement by decision, 1-0. Sement is Michigan-bound, so the two are likely to meet again down the road. He finishes his high school career as a four-time PIAA placer (first, third, second, second) and with a record of 161-16.
Last but certainly not least, Johnstown, Pa., Bishop McCort junior and Class of 2026 Penn State commit Sam Herring finished third in the PIAA Class 2A 139-pound bracket. After losing in the semifinals, Herring won a pair of consolation bracket matches to ensure his highest finish possible at his first state tournament.
With the PIAA event over, all eyes now turn toward Ohio. The OHSAA Wrestling Tournament concludes tonight in Columbus. Penn State signee Marcus Blaze will wrestle fourth and final state title. But, it would be his first at 150 pounds after bumping up two weights for the postseason to fill an open spot in his team’s lineup. So far, the senior is 3-0 with two tech falls and a pin. He faces Bradley Eaton of St. Edwards for gold around 6 p.m. ET tonight.
