Penn State wrestling: Superlatives, a bold prediction, and more of what we learned in February
Penn State wrestling is ready for the postseason. After sweeping its February foes and completing an undefeated dual meet portion of the schedule that resulted in a Big Ten regular season title, head coach Cael Sanderson’s side is now preparing for the conference individual tournament, which is March 4-5 in Michigan.
Before we fully move into March, it’s time to take one final look at what we learned in February.
Three best Penn State wrestlers in February
Levi Haines | Fr. | 157
The freshman phenom has officially had his redshirt pulled. Penn State has a good one in the Biglerville, Pa., native. He knocked off Iowa’s Cole Siebrecht 3-2 at the end of January. Then, he stayed perfect in Febraury, as he racked up wins over four opponents, capped off by a pin of Maryland’s Kevin Schork in the first period back on Feb. 12 and a technical fall win over Trevor Elfvin of Clarion. . Haines has quickly made a name for himself nationally and will be in contention to win the Big Ten title at 157 pounds and earn All-American honors at the national tournament, as well.
Roman Bravo-Young | Sr.+ | 133 pounds
Bravo-Young continues to destroy any opponent who gets in his way. He pinned Iowa’s Brody Teske late in the third period to help propel Penn State to a dual meet win over the Hawkeyes at the Bryce Jordan Center. In February, he beat Ohio State freshman standout Jesse Mendez by decision before King Sandoval of Maryland by technical fall. Then, he capped his legendary Rec Hall career by pinning Clarion’s Mason Prinkey in the second period.
‘RBY’ continues to be the top-ranked wrestler in his weight class.
Carter Starocci | Jr. | 174 pounds
Starocci is tuning up to defend his NCAA title come March. The 174-pounder is still undefeated. After topping Iowa’s Nelson Brands 2-1 at the end of January, the junior beat top-10 foe Ethan Smith of Ohio State 11-5 to jumpstart a perfect February that ended with a major decision of Dominic Solis of Maryland, 14-6 and a technical fall triumph over Clarion’s John Worthing. Like Bravo-Young, he is the top-ranked wrestler in his weight class.
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Best highlight
Penn State senior and defending NCAA champion Max Dean is known for his strong riding abilities. He put them on display against Ohio State. Leading top-20 Ohio State Buckeye Gavin Hoffman 2-0 after the first period, Hoffman chose down to start the second. Dean put a punishing ride in place to build up over a minute in riding time before finally cranking Hoffman over to his back for a fall in the second period.
Bold prediction
Penn State freshman Levi Haines will win a Big Ten championship at 157 pounds. Peyton Robb of Nebraska will be the top seed and a worthy competitor if they meet in the semifinals or finals. However, Haines, who is No. 2 in the preseeds, continues to improve and has beaten ranked opponents already. He’ll have to beat a few more to win his first conference crown. But, we’re willing to bet he can and will.
