Philadelphiaโ Carter Starocci did something that probably nobody will ever do again.
Mitchell Mesenbrink did something he plans on doing at least one more time.
Josh Barr fell just short.
In any case, it was a thrilling night for Penn State wrestling, which cemented its record-setting weekend in Philadelphia with two national title wins.
Starocci started the night at 184โ a decision that confused many, who thought it would make sense to have his unprecedented fifth national title bout end the to it tournament. But it didnโt stop Starocci from beating Northern Iowaโs Parker Keckeisen 4-3.
Mesenbrink, the top seed at 165, was the heavy favorite in his title bout with Iowaโs Mikey Caliendo, seeded third. He didnโt disappoint, beating Caliendo 8-2.
At 197, Barr, seeded No. 4, took on No. 2 Stephen Buchanan. He fought hard but ultimately fell 5-2. Barr will have his chances, though, as heโs just finished his redshirt freshman season.
Most importantly, Penn State won its 12th team title in 14 years.
Amazingly, some fans are at least somewhat disappointed in how this week has played out for PSU so far.
Penn State started perfect, going 20-0 on the first day of competition.
The second day didnโt go as well. Penn State sent seven to the semifinals, but of those seven, only threeโMesenbrink (165),Starocci (184) and Barr(197)โ won their bouts.
At the same time, itโs hard to find much to complain about with a national title, and even harder considering Penn State had 10 All-Americans, the first time since 2001 (Minnesota) that a team accomplished that feat and just the second overall.
Itโs the 13th overall in program history and 12th under Sanderson.
This also might be an appropriate time to remind everybody that Cael Sanderson is only 45 years old.
FINAL TEAM STANDINGS
1. Penn Stateโ 177
2. Nebraskaโ 117
3. Oklahoma Stateโ 102.5
4. Iowaโ 81
5. Minnesotaโ 51.5
T5. Ohio Stateโ 51.5
7. Cornellโ 50ย
8. NC Stateโ 46.5
9. Northern Iowaโ 45.5
10. Illinoisโ 44.5
