Penn State Dominates B1G Wrestling Championships, Advances Nine to Semifinals
State College, PA – March 14, 2025
Penn State wrestling continued its dominance in the Big Ten Championships, advancing nine wrestlers to the semifinal round on Saturday night. The Nittany Lions, who entered the tournament as the defending Big Ten and NCAA champions, put on a commanding performance in the early rounds, establishing themselves as the team to beat. As the action moves into the semifinals, Penn State leads the team race, staying ahead of Nebraska and other top contenders.
A Strong Start for the Nittany Lions
From the moment the first matches began, Penn State wrestlers demonstrated why they are one of the premier programs in collegiate wrestling. The team entered the tournament with high expectations and delivered, with nine of their ten competitors securing victories to advance to the semifinals.
Head coach Cael Sanderson, who has led the program to multiple national titles, praised his wrestlers’ performances.
“We’ve trained hard all season for moments like these,” Sanderson said. “The Big Ten Championships are one of the toughest tournaments in the country, and our guys came prepared. Now, it’s about staying focused and finishing strong.”
With the semifinal round set for Saturday night, the Nittany Lions are in prime position to extend their lead and move closer to another team title.
Key Performances for Penn State
Among the standout performers for Penn State was defending national champion Carter Starocci at 174 pounds. Starocci, who remains undefeated this season, cruised through the early rounds, demonstrating his signature blend of strength, speed, and technique. In his quarterfinal match, he secured a dominant victory, setting up a highly anticipated semifinal showdown.
Aaron Brooks (197 pounds), another key wrestler for the Nittany Lions, also looked impressive. The two-time NCAA champion showed no signs of slowing down, overpowering his opponents with a mix of precise takedowns and relentless pressure. Brooks’ performance reinforced why he is considered one of the best wrestlers in the country.
At 285 pounds, Greg Kerkvliet, Penn State’s heavyweight powerhouse, also advanced to the semifinals. Kerkvliet, known for his agility despite his size, showcased his skill by controlling his matches from start to finish. His ability to dominate top competition has made him a crucial part of Penn State’s championship aspirations.
Other Penn State wrestlers who secured spots in the semifinals include:
- Roman Bravo-Young (133 lbs): The reigning Big Ten champion delivered a series of electrifying performances, using his lightning-quick attacks to overwhelm his opponents.
- Beau Bartlett (141 lbs): Bartlett continued his breakout season with a convincing win in the quarterfinals, demonstrating his improved offensive arsenal.
- Shayne Van Ness (149 lbs): The rising star at 149 pounds showed his resilience, battling through tough matches to earn his spot in the semis.
- Levi Haines (157 lbs): The young standout remained poised under pressure, notching impressive victories on his way to the semifinals.
- Alex Facundo (165 lbs): Facundo’s steady, methodical approach helped him control his matches and advance.
The Team Race: Penn State vs. Nebraska
With nine semifinalists, Penn State currently holds the top spot in the team standings, leading Nebraska, which also had a strong showing on Day 1 of the championships. The Cornhuskers, looking to challenge the Nittany Lions for the Big Ten title, advanced several key wrestlers to the semifinals and remain within striking distance.
Other teams in contention include Iowa and Michigan, both of which had multiple semifinalists. However, with the depth and dominance Penn State has displayed so far, the Nittany Lions are the clear frontrunners to capture another Big Ten championship.
Looking Ahead to the Semifinals
As the tournament heads into the semifinal round on Saturday night, Penn State wrestlers will face some of their toughest tests yet. Several matchups are expected to be highly competitive, including a potential showdown between Bravo-Young and a top-seeded rival at 133 pounds.
Additionally, Starocci will look to continue his march toward another Big Ten title in a weight class filled with elite competition. Brooks, Kerkvliet, and the rest of the Nittany Lion semifinalists will also need to stay sharp as they battle for a spot in the finals.
The atmosphere at the Big Ten Championships is electric, with thousands of fans packing the arena to witness some of the best wrestling action in the country. Penn State’s supporters have been vocal throughout the tournament, providing energy and motivation for their team.
What’s at Stake?
For Penn State, winning the Big Ten Championship is a major goal, but it’s also a stepping stone toward the NCAA Championships later this month. The Nittany Lions have their eyes on reclaiming the national title, and their performance in the conference tournament is a crucial indicator of their readiness.
Individually, each wrestler is competing for a higher seed in the NCAA tournament, which could provide a more favorable path to a national title. A strong showing in the semifinals and finals would solidify Penn State’s position as the team to beat on the national stage.
Final Thoughts
With nine wrestlers advancing to the semifinals and a commanding lead in the team race, Penn State is well on its way to another Big Ten title. However, the work is far from over. The semifinals will test the Nittany Lions against some of the toughest competitors in the nation, and they’ll need to bring their best to continue their dominant run.
As Saturday night approaches, all eyes will be on Penn State to see if they can maintain their momentum and secure their place atop the Big Ten once again.
