Wyoming Wrestlers Battle Hard But Fall to Top-Ranked Penn State

The University of Wyoming wrestling team faced a formidable challenge on Sunday at the Bryce Jordan Center, where they took on No. 1-ranked Penn State.

Despite their efforts, the Cowboys fell 54-0 to the defending NCAA champions.

The loss dropped Wyoming’s season record to 2-3, while Penn State improved to 3-0. The Cowboys, grappling with injuries, fielded a lineup featuring several backup wrestlers and others competing in higher weight classes than usual. This uphill battle against a powerhouse opponent was made steeper by Penn State’s roster, which included four No. 1-ranked wrestlers in their respective weight classes, along with two ranked No. 2 and others ranked within the top 7.

Although the final scoreline was lopsided, Wyoming’s wrestlers showed determination in several key matchups. No. 19 Jared Hill (157 lbs) fought hard but ultimately fell by major decision, 16-3, to Penn State’s No. 1 Tyler Kasak. At 149 lbs, No. 20 Gabe Willochell showed early promise, holding a 4-3 lead against No. 2 Shayne Van Ness in the first period before being pinned in the second period.

Other Wyoming wrestlers faced steep competition from Penn State’s elite squad. Jack Braman (125 lbs) was bested by No. 6 Luke Lilledahl via technical fall, 20-5. Stockton O’Brien (133 lbs) met a similar fate, falling to No. 7 Braeden Davis, 18-3. Penn State’s dominance continued through the heavier weight classes, as Wyoming’s Cole Brooks (141 lbs), Riley Davis (174 lbs), Ethan Ducca (184 lbs), Brant Whitaker (197 lbs), and Kevin Zimmer (HWT) all faced off against top-10 ranked opponents.

Penn State’s performance was commanding, with bonus-point wins in every bout. The Nittany Lions tallied five pins, four technical falls, and one major decision. This effort was highlighted by quick pins from Beau Bartlett (141 lbs) and Levi Haines (174 lbs), as well as a dominant technical fall from Mitchell Mesenbrink (165 lbs), who secured a 15-0 victory in just 3:17.

Here’s a breakdown of the match results:

• 125 lbs: No. 6 Luke Lilledahl (Penn State) def. Jack Braman (Wyoming), 20-5 (technical fall)
• 133 lbs: No. 7 Braeden Davis (Penn State) def. Stockton O’Brien (Wyoming), 18-3 (technical fall)
• 141 lbs: No. 3 Beau Bartlett (Penn State) def. Cole Brooks (Wyoming), fall (0:47)
• 149 lbs: No. 2 Shayne Van Ness (Penn State) def. No. 20 Gabe Willochell (Wyoming), fall (4:27)
• 157 lbs: No. 1 Tyler Kasak (Penn State) def. No. 19 Jared Hill (Wyoming), 16-3 (major decision)
• 165 lbs: No. 1 Mitchell Mesenbrink (Penn State) def. Cooper Voorhees (Wyoming), 15-0 (technical fall)
• 174 lbs: No. 1 Levi Haines (Penn State) def. Riley Davis (Wyoming), fall (2:25)
• 184 lbs: No. 1 Carter Starocci (Penn State) def. Ethan Ducca (Wyoming), fall (1:38)
• 197 lbs: No. 7 Josh Barr (Penn State) def. Brant Whitaker (Wyoming), fall (1:48)
• HWT: No. 2 Greg Kerkvliet (Penn State) def. Kevin Zimmer (Wyoming), 20-3 (technical fall)

While the outcome was not what Wyoming had hoped for, the Cowboys’ wrestlers gained valuable experience against the nation’s top-ranked program. Their schedule continues as a select group of Wyoming wrestlers will compete in the Reno Tournament of Champions on December 22 at the Reno Events Center.

University of Wyoming Athletics and  Penn State Nittany Lions contributed to this report.