The top-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions faced off against the 13th-ranked Lehigh Mountain Hawks in a highly anticipated wrestling dual at the PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The event drew a sold-out crowd, creating an electric atmosphere as the teams prepared to battle on the mat. Fans were treated to loud cheers for both teams, particularly for the standout wrestlers from both sides.
The dual began with the 125-pound matchup, where Penn State’s #23 Luke Lilledahl defeated Lehigh’s #17 Sheldon Seymour with a score of 4-1. Lilledahl showcased his skill by executing a timely takedown just before the match ended, helping to kick off Penn State’s strong performance.
The momentum continued in the 133-pound match featuring Lehigh’s #1 Ryan Crookham and Penn State’s #8 Braeden Davis. Crookham narrowly edged out Davis, finishing with a 4-2 decision.
In the 141-pound contest, #3 Beau Bartlett from Penn State secured a decisive 5-0 victory over Lehigh’s Carter Bailey, amplifying Penn State’s lead. This was closely followed by #2 Shayne Van Ness, who dominated his match against Matt Repos, winning in a major decision with a score of 17-3.
Penn State kept the pressure on, with #4 Tyler Kasak achieving a solid 5-2 win, and #1 Mitchell Mesenbrink producing a commanding technical fall against Thayne Lawrence, finishing the match at 18-1.
The dual proceeded with a series of impressive performances from the Nittany Lions, who racked up points in matches featuring #2 Levi Haines, #1 Carter Starocci, and #21 Josh Barr, all claiming victories to extend their team’s lead significantly. The largest win came from heavyweight #2 Greg Kerkvliet, who dominated Calvin Lachman with a 15-0 technical fall.
The final score tallied Penn State at 36 points, while Lehigh settled at 3. This triumph serves as a powerful statement early in the season and demonstrates the depth and skill of the Penn State wrestling team.
For fans and followers of college wrestling, exciting events are still on the horizon, including the upcoming Big Ten Wrestling Tournament and the NCAA Wrestling Championships slated for March 2025.
Each athlete’s dedication and performance not only provide thrilling entertainment but also inspire the next generation of wrestlers across the country. Hope remains strong for any wrestling enthusiast: as the season progresses, the opportunity for more electrifying matches and standout performances is bright.