Penn State Wrestling: 2023 NCAA Championships – Session I and II Recap

Session II Recap

133
No. 1 Roman Bravo-Young (PSU) vs. No. 17 Brayden Palmer (CHAT)

Result: Roman Bravo-Young dec. over Brayden Palmer 5-2

Make no mistake about it, this match was completely one-sided regardless of the low score. RBY cruises through to the quarterfinals tomorrow.

Next Match: No. 8 Aaron Nagao (MINN)

141
No. 6 Beau Bartlett (PSU) vs. No. 11 Clay Carlson (SDSU)

Result: Beau Bartlett dec. over Clay Carlson 3-2

Beau battled tough in this match, and he ultimately powered through to earn the narrow win. Things will start to get real for him tomorrow as he’s going to be pushed by his next opponent.

But as I’ve said a million times, just win and move on.

Next Match: No. 3 Cole Matthews (PITT)

149
No. 12 Shayne Van Ness (PSU) vs. No. 5 Paniro Johnson (ISU)

Result: Shayne Van Ness dec. over Paniro Johnson 14-8

So Van Ness was mere seconds away from a first round exit to now punching his ticket to the quarterfinals after a huge win over Paniro Johnson. After the loss of focus in his first period this morning, Shayne has been locked in and looks very impressive.

Next Match: No. 20 Graham Rooks (IND)

157
No. 2 Levi Haines (PSU) vs. No. 15 Jacob Wright (WYO)

Result: Levi Haines dec. over Jacob Wright 8-2

Haines continues his impressive true freshman run with another solid performance. Levi was decisive and committed on his shots and he wrestled another smart match. Now onto the quarterfinals.

Next Match: No. 7 Bryce Andonian (VT)

165
Consolation
No. 13 Alex Facundo (PSU) vs. No. 4 Julian Ramirez (COR)

Result: Julian Ramirez major dec. over Alex Facundo 12-2

Well, Facundo’s 2023 NCAA Championship and season are over following back-to-back losses. Hopefully he can learn from this, regroup, and come back strong next season.

174
No. 1 Carter Starocci (PSU) vs. No. 17 Donnell Washington (IND)

Result: Carter Starocci dec. over Donnell Washington 4-0

Well there was a lot less fireworks in this match than the one earlier in the season. Starocci grinded Washington’s head in the Resilite for the majority of the match and it was an easy win as he continues onto the quarterfinals tomorrow.

Next Match: No. 8 Bailee O’Reilly (MINN)

184
No. 3 Aaron Brooks (PSU) vs. No. 14 Will Feldkamp (CLAR)

Result: Aaron Brooks fall over Will Feldkamp 4:59

This was not an easy match for Brooks, but he was able to land a late second period takedown and turn a headlock into an unbelievable fall right before the whistle blew. Aaron will continue his run for a third NCAA title in tomorrow’s action.

Next Match: No. 6 Kaleb Romero (OHST)

197
No. 9 Max Dean (PSU) vs. No. 8 Silas Allred (NEB)

Result: Silas Allred dec. over Max Dean 7-2

Allred continued his winning ways against Dean with a win in the second round of the NCAA’s. This match was way closer than the final score and Max had numerous opportunities to take control of the bout but Silas and the referees were too much to overcome in the end.

Moving on.

It’s onto the consolation bracket for Dean.

285
No. 3 Greg Kerkvliet (PSU) vs. No. 14 AJ Nevills (SDSU)

Result: Greg Kerkvliet major dec. over AJ Nevills 14-2

Kerkvliet bullied his way to the quarterfinals with an overwhelming win in the second round. Kerk racked up 4:30 of riding time in a match which last seven minutes. Wow.

Next Match: No. 11 Trent Hillger (WIS)

Well that’s all for tonight folks. Rest up because we do this all over again tomorrow … Can’t wait!