The U.S. men's freestyle team competed in the 2026 Pan American Championships in Coralville, Iowa on Sunday, May 10. Former Penn State wrestler Levi Haines participated in the event in the 79 kilogram weight class.
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Haines competed in four matches in his bracket, which was done round-robin style. He gave up two points across all four and won each by technical decision: Michael Labriola (Puerto Rico) 11-0, Sergio Espinoza Muniz (Mexico) 10-0, Patrik Leder (Canada) 13-2, and finally Jhoan Serna Rodriguez (Colombia) 10-0.
The former Nittany Lion claimed one of two gold medals from the U.S. team. This was his first Pan American title at the senior level.
Trent Hidlay, a former four-time NCAA All-American for NC State, was the second gold medalist. He came out on top in the 92 kilogram division.
Other members of the senior wrestling team who competed at the event include Real Woods (65 kilograms), Ridge Lovett (70 kilograms), and Wyatt Hendrickson (125 kilograms).
2026 Pan American Wrestling Championships - Senior Freestyle Update!
— Penn State WRESTLING (@pennstateWREST) May 10, 2026
Levi Haines goes 4-0 in 79 kg's round-robin format and clinches Gold!
Haines is the 2026 Pan Am Champion!#PSUwr pic.twitter.com/yvmMeB4Cip
Former Penn State wrestler Levi Haines wins gold at 2026 Pan American Championships
Haines just completed his four-year career at Penn State, going undefeated with a 26-0 record. He capped off his collegiate career with his second NCAA title and fourth Big Ten title. He defeated Nebraska's Christopher Minto for both titles in 2026.
Prior to the 2025-26 season at State College, Haines won gold at the 2025 U23 Pan American Championships and was a silver medalist at the 2025 World Wrestling Championships.
His 4-0 victory at the 2026 Pan American Championships qualifies him for Final X. The event takes place on Friday, June 19 in Newark, N.J. The Senior Team USA will be decided from Final X for the 2026 World Championships.
Current Penn Stae wrestlers PJ Duke, Joe Sealy, and Jayden James are fighting for their spots in Final X at the 2026 World Team Trials. Mitchell Mesenbrink, Tyler Kasak, Josh Barr, Shayne Van Ness, and Will Henckel are all eligible to compete in the trials.
The Senior Team USA has open roster spots in the 57 kilogram, 61 kilogram, 70 kilogram, 74 kilogram, and 125 kilogram divisions.
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