How Penn State wrestling fared in Session 1 of NCAA Championships
The NCAA Wrestling Championships began today at noon, so let’s see how Penn State performed in the first session.
Few teams or programs have dominated a sport like Penn State has dominated wrestling. They’ve won 12 of the last 14 NCAA championships, and they are looking to make it 13 of 15 this weekend . While the Nittany Lions always had a good wrestling program, legendary coach Cael Sanderson has transformed them into a juggernaut.
They are favored to bring home another championship this year, and it would be made possible by the stars they are sending to the NCAA championships, with seven of their ten wrestlers joining the competition as No. 1 seeds. There are still a few more sessions to go this weekend before a winner is determined, but the Nittany Lions are already off to a great start.
Unsurprisingly, every No. 1 seed won their matchup easily, barely breaking a sweat as they advanced to the second session later on tonight. The early window was highlighted by Luke Lilledahl, PJ Duke, and Levi Haines, who each won their individual matches in less than two minutes.
While none of the Penn State wrestlers struggled, the closest call they had was with their last participant of the opening session. Cole Mirasola won on a 13-7 decision to cap off an undefeated afternoon for the Nittany Lions. Every wrestler sent to the NCAA championships will return tonight with a chance to keep playing on.