Penn State Wrestling Dominates No. 8 Missouri 41-3 at Journeymen Duals

The top-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions showcased their wrestling supremacy with a commanding 41-3 victory over No. 8 Missouri at the Journeymen Collegiate Duals in Nashville. This win not only extended Penn State’s dual meet record to 6-0 but also highlighted their dominance across multiple weight classes. The dual commenced at 125 pounds, where true freshman Luke Lilledahl, ranked No. 12, secured a narrow 5-4 decision over Gage Walker, setting a positive tone for the Nittany Lions. At 133 pounds, No. 10 Braeden Davis delivered an impressive performance, achieving a major decision with a 14-3 victory over Kade Moore, thereby extending Penn State’s lead. The 141-pound bout featured No. 3 Beau Bartlett, who faced No. 16 Josh Edmond. In an intense match that progressed into sudden victory, Bartlett emerged triumphant with a 4-1 decision, showcasing his resilience and tactical prowess. The momentum continued at 149 pounds, where No. 2 Shayne Van Ness dominated Zeke Seltzer, securing a pin at 1:57, further amplifying Penn State’s lead. No. 4 Tyler Kasak, competing at 157 pounds, demonstrated his superiority with an 11-3 major decision over James Conway, adding crucial points to the team’s tally. The 165-pound category saw No. 1 Mitchell Mesenbrink winning by forfeit, reflecting Penn State’s depth and the respect commanded by their top wrestlers. A notable matchup occurred at 174 pounds, where No. 2 Levi Haines faced off against No. 1 Keegan O’Toole of Missouri. In a closely contested bout that extended into sudden victory, O’Toole narrowly defeated Haines with a 4-1 decision, marking Missouri’s sole win of the dual. Penn State’s dominance resumed at 184 pounds, with No. 1 Carter Starocci achieving a major decision, defeating No. 10 Colton Hawks 10-1. At 197 pounds, No. 7 Josh Barr showcased his pinning prowess, dispatching Jesse Cassatt in just 1:45. The dual concluded with the heavyweight bout, where No. 2 Greg Kerkvliet demonstrated technical superiority, achieving a 15-0 technical fall over Jarrett Stoner at 5:57. This comprehensive victory underscores Penn State’s wrestling excellence and sets a formidable precedent as they prepare to host Michigan State on January 10 at Rec Hall, marking the commencement of their Big Ten schedule.