Penn State wrestling set to shine at 'Final X'; here's how to watch
Penn State wrestling will be well represented at ‘Final X’ in Newark, N.J. This year’s event takes place Sat., June 10 at 2 p.m. inside of the Prudential Center. America’s best freestyle wrestlers will be on hand to compete for a spot on the U.S. World Team, which will travel to the 2023 Senior World Championships in Belgrade, Serbia later this year.
Former Nittany Lions will be in four of the 10 men’s best-of-three matches to determine who will represent the U.S. in each weight class.
Nick Lee will kick things off in the 65-kilogram (153-pound) title bout opposite 2022 World silver medalist Yianni Diakomihalis. Lee has won the only freestyle meeting between the two accomplished college stars. It figures to be one of the best bouts on the card.
The next Nittany Lion to take the mat will be Zain Retherford as he is set to take on 2019 NCAA finalist Tyler Berger in the 70-kilogram (154-pound) finals. Retherford, who won silver at last year’s World Championships, already owns a freestyle victory over Berger.
“Retherford took several months off from competition after his silver medal performance,” David Bray writes for Flo Wrestling. “Last week, he returned to competition to win gold at the Pan Am Championships in Argentina. Berger will be the toughest opponent he’s faced since Worlds in September.
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Moving on to 74 kilograms (163 pounds), former Penn State wrestler Jason Nolf will take on four-time World champ Kyle Dake. The two train together at the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club. Dake has had repeated success over Nolf, but this could be their closest match yet.
The Penn State connections at ‘Final X’ wrap up with what should be a thrilling head-to-head dual. Aaron Brooks, who is fresh off another NCAA championship, faces Lions legend and reigning gold medalist David Taylor in the 86-kilogram (189-pound) finals.
“While I think Aaron Brooks is the future of 86 kg, I don’t think it’s his time yet,” JD Rader writes for Flo. “The 2022 version of David Taylor was the best version we’ve ever seen. While we haven’t seen him since, I expect him to come in similar form.
“Brooks got down 6-0 to Zahid Valencia before Valencia gassed out. Taylor’s not going to gas and I don’t believe Brooks will be able use his underhook effectively if and when he’s able to get to it. While the matches could be closer than a lot of people think, I’v got Taylor winning the series 2-0.”
Flowrestling will air Final X on its subscription streaming service. Click here to learn more.
