Penn State Wrestling: 2022 Big Ten Championships – Session I Recap

Quarterfinal Matches

125
No. 2 Drew Hildebrandt (PSU) vs. No. 7 Michael DeAugustino (NU)

Result: Michael DeAugustino dec over Drew Hildebrandt 5-3 SV

Well. That was less than ideal.

DeAugustino was the recipient of a danger point midway through the second period with Hildebrandt on top position to open up a 2-0 lead.

Now I’m not necessarily complaining, but this was the second point awarded to a Penn State opponent in just the first session of the Big Tens. And I honestly don’t remember a single time it being called against a Nittany Lion throughout the entire season.

Whatever.

Hildebrandt was then able to secure a reversal early into the third period which tied up the match at 2-2. Shortly after the takedown, DeAugustino fought out of Hildebrandt’s clutches to make the score 3-2 in his favor.

But, as the clock in the third period ticked down below a minute, Hildebrandt secured the riding time point therefore essentially tying up the match. All he had to do was snag a takedown and the match would be over.

Well, as everyone probably knows, this is NOT what happened.

The third period came to a close and the match went into sudden victory. Again, if Drew could pull off one takedown he would advance.

And behold, one of the grapplers in this match was able to secure a much-needed takedown in sudden victory.

However, it wasn’t Hildebrandt. Oh well, onto the consolation bracket it is.

133
No. 1 Roman Bravo-Young (PSU) vs. No. 9 Matt Ramos (PUR)

Result: Roman Bravo-Young maj dec over Matt Ramos 11-3

It was a workman-like performance for RBY. He secured a takedown when Ramos presented an opening and he showed off his work class defense to counter any attacks.

Really it was a bland performance for Bravo-Young, which makes it even more impressive considering he won via a major decision. RBY is so good, he makes a complete butt whooping look boring. Wow.

So it’s onto the semifinals for Roman later this evening.

141
No. 1 Nick Lee (PSU) vs. No. 8 Joseph Zargo (WIS)

Result: Nick Lee tech fall over Joseph Zargo 16-0

Speaking of whooping up on their opponent, Nick Lee absolutely obliterated Zargo in a 16-0 shutout technical fall.

I don’t have a ton to add here as it was just your run-of-the-mill “Nick Lee tech falls”. I just wasn’t expecting it against Zargo.

Maybe Nick read my bold predictions from the other day and he wasn’t too happy with me.

149
No. 2 Austin Gomez (WIS) vs. No. 7 Beau Bartlett (PSU)

Result: Austin Gomez maj dec over Beau Bartlett 12-4

It’s not like I didn’t see this result coming. Gomez is a supremely talented wrestler and Beau just couldn’t keep up with the onslaught of attacks.

The key for Bartlett from here on out is to keep winning in the consolation bracket. Period.

The farther he goes the better his chances for the auto-bid into the NCAA’s.

157
No. 2 Kaleb Young (IOWA) vs. No. 7 Brady Berge (PSU)

Result: Brady Berge dec over Kaleb Young 5-3

Another match for Brady Berge and another impressive win.

Berge again looked lightning quick on his attacks and he defended Young’s shots with relative ease.

But for now, it’s onto the semifinals later tonight!

165
No. 2 Alex Marinelli (IOWA) vs. No. 10 Creighton Edsell (PSU)

Result: Alex Marinelli dec over Creighton Edsell 8-2

Just like Bartlett’s loss to Gomez, this result was also pretty much expected.

Edsell battled hard and didn’t let Marinelli earn any bonus points for Iowa, so that’s at least something positive.

And also like Bartlett, Edsell will need to keep wrestling hard in the consolation bracket. Win the next match, move on, rinse and repeat.

174
No. 1 Carter Starocci (PSU) vs. No. 9 Dominic Solis (UM)

Result: Carter Starocci fall over Dominic Solis 2:18

This is what I’m talking about!

Starocci was a one man wrecking ball on the mat in this match. After securing his third takedown of the first period, Carter spun Solis to his back and the referee promptly slapped the mat.

Thanks for playing.

184
No. 1 Aaron Brooks (PSU) vs. 8 Kyle Cochran (UM)

Result: Aaron Brooks fall over Kyle Cochran 1:41

If one pin was enough, how about back-to-back falls?

I’ve have what he’s having, please.

The #B1GQuadBox barely had enough time to flash up the match information graphic before Brooks cinched in a headlock on his opponent. And only one minute and 41 seconds into the first period, Brooks turned Cochran to the mat and got the pin before anyone had even scored a point.

From 0-0 to “ballgame” in the blink of an eye.

197
No. 2 Max Dean (PSU) vs. No. 7 Greg Bulsak (RUT)

Result: Max Dean dec over Greg Bulsak 6-2

Dean brought his lunch pail and toughness to Lincoln. And it was on full display in his match against Bulsak.

In their previous matchup from the regular season, Dean was pushed to the limits in winning a narrow 9-6 decision in their dual against Rutgers. Not today though.

Max smothered his opponent and offered few opportunities for Bulsak to get into the match. And in the end it was your standard grind it out win for Max Dean as he also punched his ticket to the semifinals.

285
No. 3 Greg Kerkvliet (PSU) vs. No. 6 Christian Lance (NEB)

Result: Greg Kerkvliet dec over Christian Lance 7-1

Kerk Kong dominated from the opening whistle and this match was never in doubt.

I think his next match is one that is circled in red.