The Penn State Nittany Lions solidified their dominance in collegiate wrestling, securing their 11th team National Championship under the guidance of esteemed coach Cael Sanderson at the 2024 NCAA Championships held in Kansas City’s T-Mobile Center. The Nittany Lions, amassing 172.5 points, overshadowed their competitors, with Cornell trailing by a significant 100 points for second place.
Among the standout performers was sophomore and Biglerville High School grad Levi Haines, who clinched his first NCAA title in the 157-pound category. Haines, the No. 1 seed, showcased exceptional skill and strategy, overpowering No. 2 seed Jacori Teemer of Arizona State with a decisive 5-0 victory. His triumph contributed to Penn State’s impressive tally of four individual NCAA champions at the event.
The championships also marked a historic moment for Penn State, as the team celebrated its first two four-time NCAA champions, Carter Starocci and Aaron Brooks, who won in the 174 and 197-pound categories, respectively. This achievement places them among an elite group of wrestlers in NCAA history.
Penn State’s dominance extended beyond individual titles. The team set a new NCAA record for points scored and achieved the largest margin of victory in the championship’s history. With eight All-Americans and six finalists, the Nittany Lions left an indelible mark on the tournament, underlining their unparalleled prowess and commitment to excellence in collegiate wrestling.
Details of this story first appeared on the Penn State University website.