Just In: Penn State Sends 10 Wrestlers To NCAA Championships

**Penn State Sends 10 Wrestlers to NCAA Championships**

 

The Penn State Nittany Lions wrestling team has once again showcased its dominance, qualifying 10 wrestlers for the upcoming NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. This achievement highlights the program’s depth and sustained excellence under head coach Cael Sanderson.

 

**Big Ten Regular Season Champions**

 

Penn State recently secured the Big Ten Regular Season title with a decisive 29-9 victory over Illinois. This marked the team’s 11th Big Ten Regular Season championship and its fifth consecutive title. The Nittany Lions won seven out of ten bouts in the dual meet, displaying superior takedown ability. Freshman Luke Lilledahl earned a technical fall at 125 pounds, and graduate Carter Starocci showcased his dominance at 184 pounds.

 

**Path to the NCAA Championships**

 

Before the NCAA Championships, Penn State will compete in the Big Ten Championships on March 8-9, which will serve as a crucial step in determining seeding for the national tournament. The event will test the Nittany Lions against top competition from across the conference.

 

**NCAA Championships Details**

 

The 2025 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships are set to take place from March 20-22 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Penn State will enter the tournament as one of the favorites to claim another team title.

**Penn State’s Qualified Wrestlers**

 

The Nittany Lions will send a full squad of 10 wrestlers, including several top-ranked athletes:

 

– **125 lbs:** Freshman Luke Lilledahl, ranked No. 7, has been a strong performer, highlighted by a technical fall against Illinois.

– **141 lbs:** Senior Beau Bartlett, ranked No. 3, is one of the team’s most consistent competitors.

– **149 lbs:** Sophomore Shayne Van Ness, ranked No. 2, has been an offensive powerhouse throughout the season.

– **165 lbs:** Sophomore Mitchell Mesenbrink, the top-ranked wrestler at his weight class, has dominated his opponents.

– **174 lbs:** Junior Levi Haines, ranked No. 2, is expected to make a deep run in the tournament.

– **184 lbs:** Graduate Carter Starocci, a No. 1 seed, remains a strong contender for another national title.

– **197 lbs:** Redshirt freshman Josh Barr, ranked No. 3, has shown his strength with multiple major decision victories.

 

These athletes have been instrumental in Penn State’s undefeated season, finishing 14-0 overall and 8-0 in Big Ten competition.

**Historical Dominance and Expectations**

 

Under Sanderson’s leadership, Penn State has won 12 NCAA team championships, with 11 coming during his tenure. The program’s ability to develop elite talent has made it the premier powerhouse in college wrestling. With a balanced lineup of veteran champions and emerging stars, the Nittany Lions are well-positioned to compete for another national title.

 

As the NCAA Championships approach, excitement is building among Penn State fans and wrestling enthusiasts nationwide. The Nittany Lions’ depth, skill, and experience make them formidable contenders in their quest for continued dominance.