Report: Penn State wrestling puts 5 on U.S U20 team; 2 alive for U23 spot: Full results
Penn State wrestling continues to showcase its dominance on the national stage as five of its rising stars have officially earned spots on the U.S. U20 World Team following an impressive showing at the recent trials. In addition to that standout achievement, two more Nittany Lion wrestlers remain in the hunt for positions on the U23 squad, keeping the powerhouse program well-represented across both age levels.
The U20 World Team Trials, held over the weekend, brought together the nation’s top young talent, and as expected, several Penn State wrestlers rose to the occasion with high-caliber performances. The five athletes who secured places on Team USA will now prepare to compete internationally, aiming for gold at the 2025 U20 World Championships.
### **Five Nittany Lions Cement U20 Team Spots**
Among the standout performers was **Josh Barr**, who dominated his bracket with a combination of technical precision and physicality. Barr, competing at 74kg, was flawless en route to the finals and left no doubt in the best-of-three series to lock up his place on Team USA.
**Connor Mirasola** also put on a commanding display in the 86kg category. Known for his aggressive style and mat awareness, Mirasola controlled the pace in all his matches, culminating in a decisive win in the finals.
Other Penn State wrestlers joining the U20 squad include **Meyer Shapiro** (70kg), **Zack Ryder** (79kg), and **Jim Mullen** (125kg), each showing a unique blend of speed, technique, and determination that exemplifies the program’s elite training culture under head coach Cael Sanderson.
For Shapiro and Ryder, this marks a continuation of their fast-rising reputations in freestyle wrestling. Mullen, meanwhile, continues to establish himself as a future heavyweight force, not only at the college level but on the world stage.
### **Two Still Alive in U23 Competition**
While the U20 team is now finalized, Penn State isn’t done yet. Two more wrestlers—**Levi Haines** and **Lucas Cochran**—are still alive in the U23 bracket, with the final selection event scheduled for later this summer.
Haines, who had a breakout season in NCAA competition, is widely regarded as one of the top freestyle prospects in the U.S. in his weight class. His dynamic attacks and mat IQ make him a serious contender for a U23 spot.
Cochran, wrestling up at 92kg, has quietly been building momentum. His blend of power and patience has helped him advance deep into the trials bracket, and he’s poised to make a strong run at a team berth.
### **Penn State’s Freestyle Influence Grows**
These results reinforce Penn State’s growing influence beyond folkstyle wrestling. Under Sanderson and his elite coaching staff, the Nittany Lions have cultivated a program that seamlessly transitions athletes into international freestyle success.
With five already heading to the world championships and two more aiming to join them, Penn State’s presence on Team USA looks as strong as ever. The program not only dominates the NCAA mats but now continues to feed the pipeline for American wrestling at the global level.
