UNIVERSITY PARK, Pennsylvania (12/15/24) – The University of Wyoming wrestling team had a tough go of it Sunday inside the Bryce Jordan Center. No. 1 Penn State, the defending NCAA champion, shutout the Cowboys, 54-0.
The loss drops Wyoming to 2-3 on the season. The Nittany Lions are now a perfect 3-0.
The Pokes were banged up with injuries. Several backup wrestlers were inserted into the lineup and a couple were competing up one, and in some cases two, weight classes.
As a result, many shots weren't finished and Penn State took advantage, scoring bonus-point wins in each bout. The final tally was five pins, four technical falls and a major decision.
The Nittany Lions entered the contest with four guys ranked No. 1 at their respective weight. A pair of grapplers held the No. 2 rank, while the other four were ranked anywhere from No. 3-7.
The closest matches on paper were the ones where Wyoming acquitted itself the best. No. 19
Jared Hill (157) fought and scrapped but fell via major decision, 16-3, to No. 1 Tyler Kasak. No. 20
Gabe Willochell (149) held a 4-3 lead in the first period over No. 2 Shayne Van Ness before being pinned in the second period.
The Pokes delve back into the invitational portion of their schedule. A select number of guys will participate in the Reno Tournament of Champions Dec. 22 inside the Reno Events Center.
No. 1 Penn State 54 | Wyoming 0
125: No. 6 Luke Lilledahl (Penn State) technical fall
Jack Braman (Wyoming), 20-5
133: No. 7 Braeden Davis (Penn State) technical fall No. 32
Stockton O'Brien (Wyoming), 18-3
141: No. 3 Beau Bartlett (Penn State) fall No. 28
Cole Brooks (Wyoming), :47
149: No. 2 Shayne Van Ness (Penn State) fall No. 20
Gabe Willochell (Wyoming), 4:27
157: No. 1 Tyler Kasak (Penn State) major decision No. 19
Jared Hill (Wyoming), 16-3
165: No. 1 Mitchell Messenbrink (Penn State) technical fall
Cooper Voorhees (Wyoming), 15-0
174: No. 1 Levi Haines (Penn State) fall
Riley Davis (Wyoming), 2:25
184: No. 1 Carter Starocci (Penn State) fall
Ethan Ducca (Wyoming), 1:38
197: No. 6 Josh Barr (Penn State) fall
Brant Whitaker (Wyoming), 1:48
HWT: No. 2 Greg Kerkvliet (Penn State) technical fall
Kevin Zimmer (Wyoming), 20-3
