Penn State wrestler Tyler Kasak takes third while Bernie Truax grabs fifth at NCAAs
Penn State wrestling is through the medal round at the 2024 NCAA Wrestling Championships. Bernie Truax was pinned by Trey Munoz of Oregon State in the consolation semifinals. But, he rallied back to end his college career with a victory. He popped No. 2 Isaiah Salazar of Minnesota 11-0 to secure fifth place and go out on a high note.
At 149, freshman Tyler Kasak got revenge on Nebraska’ Ridge Lovett. The No. 1 seed beat him twice earlier this year. But, the Nittany Lion was dominant throughout the consolation semifinal bout, ultimately securing a 10-1 major decison triumph. In the third place match against No. 5 Ty Watters of West Virginia, Kasak made a first period takedown stand up to win, 3-2, and clinch third place. He won seven consecutive matches to do so after losing in the first round.
Penn State now has 155.5 team points heading into tonight’s finals. There, it will have six competitors: Beau Bartlett at 141, Levi Haines at 157, Mitchell Mesenbrink at 165, Carter Starocci at 174, Aaron Brooks at 197, and Greg Kerkvliet at heavyweight. The Lions need just 15.5 points to break the all-time team points record of 170 set by Iowa in 1997. Read more about that here.
Read below how the medal round happened ahead of tonight’s finals.
Full recap of Penn State in the medal round
12:37 — In his final college match, Bernie Truax pounded No 2 Isaiah Salazar of Minnesota 11-0 to take fifth place at the 2024 NCAA Wrestling Championships. Helpful team point for Penn State to boot.
11:39 — Bernie Truax is pinned by Oregon State’s Trey Munoz in the first period. He will wrestle for fifth at 184 pounds later today.
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11:31 — Penn State is now up to 152.5 team points. Bernie Truax is up soon in his consolation semifinal at 184 against Trey Munoz of Oregon State. The Beaver beat him earlier this year.
11:27 — A major development for Penn State in its chase for Iowa’s all-time scoring record. Freshman Tyler Kasak avenges two regular season losses to No. 1 Ridge Lovett with a 10-1 major decision win in the consolation semifinals. It gives the Lions an extra point in the team race in addition to the advancement and placing points. Kasak goes for third later in this session.
11 a.m. — This is a long session. It’s ticketed for a four hour TV slot. But, with just two competitors, Penn State won’t be on the mat all that often. And, there will be a lot of breaks in between its matches. So, keep refreshing for team score news and the latest match results. But, there may be long gaps between new notes. Kasak will be up first as he is assigned the on deck spot for Mat 3.
Finals matchups
141 pounds: No. 2 Beau Bartlett, Penn State vs. No. 1 Jesse Mendez, Ohio State
157 pounds: No. 1 Levi Haines, PSU vs. No. 2 Jacori Teemer, Arizona State
165 pounds: No. 2 Mitchell Mesenbrink, Penn State vs. No. 3 Davis Carr, Iowa State
174 pounds: No. 9 Carter Starocci, PSU vs. No. 6 Rocco Welsh, Ohio State
197 pounds: No. 1 Aaron Brooks, PSU vs. No. 2 Trent Hidlay, N.C. State
285 pounds: No. 1 Greg Kerkvliet, Penn State vs. No. 10 Lucas Davison, Michigan
