Penn State wrestling was well-represented at this week’s U.S. World Team Trials.
At 70 KG, the “Zain Train” rolled to victory.
Zain Retherford is one of the greatest to ever do it for Penn State wrestling, but some wondered how he would fair after nearly two years without wrestling in a freestyle competition.
His opponent, Oklahoma State’s Landon Robideau, was less that two months removed from winning a national title, so he had the advantage in both youth and freshness from having just wrapped up a major tournament.
Nonetheless, Retherford grinded out a 3-2 win.
Because he had a bye to the semifinals, Retherford will now take on former national champion and current Virginia Tech star Caleb Henson for a chance to go to Final X.
There was some Penn State on Penn State crime at 74 KG.
Joe Sealey received a bye into the quarterfinal, where he ran into a buzz saw named Jayden James.
James techfalled Sealey, 10-0, but Sealey bounced back with a 3-2 win over former Michigan and Oklahoma State star Cam Amine in the consolation bracket.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Sealey will wrestle for third place against former Wisconsin star and Pan American Champion Evan Wick.
James will be wrestling for a spot in Final X in one of the most anticipated bouts of the weekend against two time national champ and Iowa State great David Carr.
His win over Sealey came in between an 8-3 triumph over Iowa’s Mikey Caliendo and a fall over Princeton’s Quincy Monday.
At 125 KG, Penn State’s current starting heavyweight Cole Mirasola got off to a hot start by taking care of former Virginia star Jonathan Aiello 8-2 in the Round of 16.
Unfortunately, he had to take on reigning national champ Isaac Trumble in the quarterfinals, losing by fall in 3:57.
Mirasola bounced back to win his next two matches a combined 11-0, then won via medical forfeit against Penn State heavyweight great Greg Kerkvliet.
Mirasola will wrestle for third against an opponent to be determined.
The trials will continue Friday, May 15, starting at 1:30. The event will be streamed live on FloWrestling and the FloSports app.
