Michigan State University’s wrestling team faced a challenging start to their Big Ten season, losing 55-0 to the top-ranked Penn State at Rec Hall on Friday night. The Spartans’ lineup included several athletes making their season dual debut, with some moving up weight classes due to injuries.
The loss puts Michigan State at 2-2 overall and 0-1 in the Big Ten for the season. They will host Maryland at Jenison Field House on Sunday, with matches beginning at 1:00 p.m. Fans can watch live via B1G+.
Notable debuts included redshirt sophomore Nick Corday at 125 pounds, redshirt junior Ryan Boucher, and true freshman Cory Thomas. For Thomas, it was also his career dual debut for Michigan State. Both Boucher and Thomas moved up a weight class as the team dealt with challenges.
Penn State dominated each match, starting with Greg Kerkvliet pinning Max Vanadia in just 56 seconds. Luke Lilledahl and Braeden Davis both achieved technical falls over their opponents, while Beau Bartlett secured a major decision victory.
Other significant victories for Penn State included Shane Van Ness pinning Clayton Jones and Tyler Kasak defeating Braden Stauffenberg by fall. Mitchell Mesenbrink added another technical fall win against Jay Nivison.
Levi Haines continued Penn State’s strong performance by pinning Ceasar Garza, followed by Carter Starocci who pinned Ryan Boucher. The evening concluded with Josh Barr securing a pin against Cory Thomas.
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