Penn State wrestling: Youth movement on full display at U20 Nationals

The long-term outlook of the Penn State wrestling program appears to be bright after top-notch performances from multiple current and future Nittany Lions at the U20 World Team Trials this weekend. Current Nittany Lion wrestler Josh Barr, along with Penn State commits Luke Lilledahl, Zack Ryder, Connor Mirasola, and PJ Duke will all represent Team USA at the U20 World Championships in September. The five become the latest from the Penn State wrestling orbit to represent the Blue and White on the international stage this summer.

Five current, future members of the Penn State wrestling program earn spots on U20 National Team

The future stars of the Penn State wrestling program were on full display at the U20 World Team Trials in Geneva, Ohio, this weekend. All told, current or future Nittany Lions will hold five of the 10 slots on the U20 National Team.

Current Penn State wrestler Josh Barr (86 kg) earned a spot in his first international tournament by defeating Missouri commit Aeoden Sinclair 2 matches to 1. Barr scored a takedown with 10 seconds remaining in the first match to win on criteria and won the third match 10-0 after falling in the second round.

Top 2024 signee Luke Lilledahl (57 kg) earned his way by defeating high school junior standout Jax Forrest 2-0. Penn State’s two other 2024 recruits punched their tickets by taking down Big Ten competition. Zack Ryder (79 kg) beat Iowa’s Gabriel Arnold, and Connor Mirasola (92 kg) bested Ryder Rogotzke of Ohio State, both by scores of 2-0.

In the class of 2025, Nittany Lion commit PJ Duke (70 kg) took down Kannon Webster 2-0 to earn his spot on Team USA.

Penn State wrestling could also potentially claim a sixth spot on Team USA, pending a decision from 2025 prospect Marcus Blaze. Blaze, who will wrestle at 61 kg at U20 Worlds, included the Nittany Lions in his top six schools in April. Blaze also earned a spot on the Senior National Team at 57 kg.

The U20 World Championships will take place in Pontevedra, Spain, from September 2-8.

Nittany Lions are well represented on world stage this summer

It’s Penn State wrestling’s world, we’re just living in it. With a sweeping performance at U20 Nationals this weekend, the Nittany Lions now have 11 wrestlers competing internationally this summer.

It was not the best showing from the Nittany Lions at the U23 World Team Trials, with only Lucas Cochran (86 kg; 2nd) and Aaron Nagao (61 kg; 6th) placing this weekend.

But Penn State will still have representation at the U23 World Championships in Albania in October. Mitchell Mesenbrink qualified at 74 kg with his performance at Olympic Trials in April. Blaze will also compete at 57 kg.

And, of course, the Blue and White will have plenty of wrestlers flying their nation’s flags at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Penn State wrestling alumni Aaron Brooks and Zain Retherford will both represent America for the first time, while Roman Bravo-Young will compete for Team Mexico.

NLWC members Kyle Dake and Kyle Snyder make their returns to the Olympic stage this summer, as well.

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