A former Penn State wrestling star has undergone surgery.
Last month at the National Championships in Philadelphia, all 10 Penn State starters earned All-America status.
History: Penn State Wrestling Becomes 2nd Team Ever to Produce 10 All-Americans
It was only the second time in history this had been accomplished and the first since Minnesota did it in 2001.
Greg Kerkvliet was one of those 10 but the tournament didnโt go as he had hoped. First, the defending heavyweight champ lost his chance to repeat by falling to eventual champ Wyatt Hendrickson (Oklahoma State) in the national semifinal.
He didnโt get a chance to bounce back in the consolation bracket and had to medically default in the first consolation match.
So Kerkvliet went from king of the hill in 2024 to sixth place in 2025, which was a steep fall
But Kerkvliet had a great career at Penn State, and now, having a successful knee surgery will open the door for him to get back on the mat.
FIVE-TIMES
Photo by Eddie Provident, Nittany Sports Now: Greg Kerkvliet
The number โfiveโ has been thrown around a lot among wrestling fans this year and most of it isnโt because of Kerkvliet. Kerkvlietโs teammate, Carter Starocci, won his unprecedented fifth Division I national title and rightfully commanded much of the attention.
Carter Starocci Makes History, Penn State Breaks Own Points Record at NCAA Wrestling Championships
But the number five is also significant because Kerkvliet became a five-time All-American. Only four other Penn State wrestlers have done that, so, yeah, itโs pretty impressive.
SNAKEBITTEN
Photo by Penn State Athletics: Greg Kerkvliet
Kerkvliet has a great career at Penn State but was also snakebitten. All four of his NCAA losses were to Hodge Trophy Winners.
Minnesotaโs Gable Steveson beat Kerkvliet in 2021 and 22. Michiganโs Mason Parris beat him in โ23 and Hendrickson beat him in โ25. The one year where there wasnโt a Hodge Winner in the heavyweight bracket, Kerkvliet won the whole thing.
Nevertheless, Kerkvliet has a lot to be proud of.
