WRESTLER SPOTLIGHT: PENN STATE UNIVERSITY’S CARTER STAROCCI

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As found on Penn State University’s website, below is Carter Starocci’s bio. Learn about this wrestler’s career:

Class: Sophomore

Hometown: Erie, PA

Parents: STARLA AND CHRIS STAROCCI

Major: RECREATION, PARK AND TOURISM MGMNT.

Athletic: All-American as a freshman…Named Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2021)…2021 NCAA Champion at 174…2021 Big Ten Runner-Up.

2020-21 / REDSHIRT FRESHMAN SEASON:
Season: Posted 14-2 overall record…Two majors, one tech, one pin…Big Ten Runner-Up (174)…Earned All-America honors as a freshman…2021 NCAA National Champion (174) in first trip to NCAA tournament.
Indiana/Northwestern (1/30): Went 2-1 in opening day tri-dual at Northwestern…Began day with a 18-1 tech fall (2:37) over Indiana’s Robert Detars in the extra bouts at 174, then suffered a close 10-9 upset loss to Donnell Washington in the dual meet…Took down Northwestern’s Troy Fisher 4-1 in dual victory over the Wildcats. Wisconsin (2/2): Posted 5-3 win over Jared Krattiger in Madison. Michigan (2/14): Beat #2 Logan Massa 7-1 (tb), using a four-point turn in the tie-breaker to break away for the win in Ann Arbor…Named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week (2/16). Ohio State (2/19): Used tie-breaker escape then rideout to post thrilling 2-1 (tb) win over #3 Kaleb Romero in dual at Columbus. Michigan (2/14): Majored Maryland’s Phillip Spadafora 15-6 in Rec Hall dual debut.
Big Ten Championships (3-1, 2nd, NCAA Qualifier):  Was Big Ten runner-up at 174, losing to #1 Michael Kemerer in the finals. Beat #6 Kaleb Romero and #2 Mikey Labriola to reach the finals. Went 3-1 with a pin overall. Was named 2021 Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
NCAA Championships (5-0, 1st, National Champion):  Went 5-0 in his first trip to the NCAA tournament to become the NCAA National Champion as a freshman.  Downed the #30 and #14 seeds to reach the quarterfinals. Beat #6 Andrew McNally of Kent State in the quarters and then used a ride-out and escape point to beat #2 Demetrius Romero of Utah Valley 2-0 in the semis to advance to the NCAA finals. Scored midway through extra time to beat #1 Michael Kemerer 3-1 (sv) to win the national title.

2019-20 / REDSHIRT SEASON:
Season: Wrestled unattached in open tournaments during his redshirt season…Went unbeaten during the year…Posted an 18-0 overall record with three pins, two tech falls and six majors…Won the 174-pound Southern Scuffle title.

HIGH SCHOOL / PERSONAL:
Wrestled at Cathedral Prep in Erie…Four-year letterman and four-year team captain…Rolled to a 172-10 record for the Ramblers…Won state title as a senior with a 46-0 mark…Won state title as a junior with a 50-0 mark…Took second at states as a sophomore and placed as a freshman as well…Received academic honors twice…Has two older siblings, brother, Chris and sister, Ceci.

STAROCCI MATCH-BY-MATCH

2020-21
Date      Wt.     Result         Opponent                                           Place Record
1/30      174    W, 18-1       Robert Detars, Indiana (TF; 2:37)        IU extras       1-0
1/30      174    L, 9-10        Donnell Washington, Indiana                    dual       1-1
1/30      174    W, 4-1         Troy Fisher, Northwestern                       dual       2-1
2/2        174    W, 5-3         Jared Krattiger, Wisconsin                       dual       3-1
2/14      174    W, 7-1 (tb)    #2 Logan Massa, Michigan                     dual       4-1
2/19      174    W, 2-1 (tb)    #3 Kaleb Romero, Ohio State                  dual       5-1
2/22      174    W, 15-6       Phillip Spadafora, Maryland (major)           dual       6-1
3/6        174    WBF           Phillip Spadafora, Maryland (4:47)            B1G       7-1
3/6        174    W, 2-0         #6 Kaleb Romero, Ohio State                  B1G       8-1
3/6        174    W, 3-1 (sv)    #2 Mikey Labriola, Nebraska                   B1G       9-1
3/7        174    L, 2-7          #1 Michael Kemerer, Iowa              B1G  (2nd)       9-2
3/18      174    W, 10-2       #30 Victor Marcelli, Virginia (major)         NCAA     10-2
3/18      174    W, 8-2         #14 Hayden Hastings, Wyoming            NCAA     11-2
3/19      174    W, 6-3         #6 Andrew McNally, Kent State             NCAA     12-2
3/19      174    W, 2-0         #2 Demetrius Romero, Utah Valley         NCAA     13-2
3/20      174    W, 3-1 (sv)    #1 Michael Kemerer, Iowa              NCAA (1st)     14-2

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WRESTLER SPOTLIGHT: KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY’S COLLIN WICKRAMARATNA

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As found on Kutztown University’s website, below is Collin Wickramaratna’s bio. Learn about this wrestler’s career:

  • CLASS:  Senior
  • WT. CLASS:  133
  • HOMETOWN:  Marlton, N.J.
  • HIGH SCHOOL:  Cherokee
  • PREV SCHOOL:  Ursinus
  • MAJOR:  Exploratory Studies

AWARDS & HONORS

2019-20 | SOPHOMORE

  • NWCA Division II All-American (133 lbs.)
  • NCAA Division II Super Region 1 champion (133 lbs.)
  • All-PSAC First Team (133 lbs.)

SEASON SUMMARIES

2019-20 | SOPHOMORE

  • Made an immediate impact with the Golden Bears, going 24-2 and qualifying for the NCAA Division II Championships at 133 lbs.
  • Led the team in wins, dual wins (13), dual points for (64), pins (seven) and major decisions (six)
  • Recorded a perfect 7-0 mark in dual matches against PSAC opponents
  • Opened the season with a 4-1 record and fourth-place finish at the ESU Open, Nov. 10
  • Produced a pin and four major decisions en route to winning the 133-pound bracket at the Centenary Bob Quade Cyclone Open, Dec. 8
  • Knocked off eighth-ranked Eric Bartos of Mercyhurst with a pin in 3:51, Feb. 1
  • Broke into the final NWCA regular season national rankings at No. 9, Feb. 21
  • Scored an overtime takedown of sixth-ranked Tyler Warner (Pitt-Johnstown) to win the Super Region 1 title, 4-2, Feb. 29
  • Named NWCA Division II All-American following the cancellation of the NCAA Championships due to the COVID-19 pandemic

2018-19 | FRESHMAN (URSINUS)

  • Qualified for the NCAA Division III Championships at 125 pounds as a freshman with the Division III Bears
  • Compiled 30-8 record
  • Won Centennial Conference Championship at 125 lbs.
  • Finished as NCAA Mideast Region runner-up
  • Also placed at the Messiah Invitational (second), Ursinus Fall Brawl (third) and Citrus Invite (third)
  • Won a pair of consolation matches at NCAA Championships and came a win shy of All-America status

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YOUTH WRESTLER LUKE O’CONNOR TAKES OFF IN FLORIDA LIKE A HURRICANE

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After nailing 5th place in the very tough New Jersey Youth State Championships last season, as a 4th-grader, Luke O’Connor – now in 5th grade – is poised to potenntially earn State Champ honors. But not in New Jersey this year.

O’Connor is now wrestling in a new state.

Florida.

And he is tearing up the Sunshine State. He has kicked off the season with an 11 – 1 record, nailing seven pins and three major decisions. His only loss was against a Georgia State Champ in a hard fought decision.

Wrestling out of Creeks Wrestling Club in northern Florida, alongside another powerhouse New Jersey alum – 7th grader Florida State Champ Mario Del Vecchio who Empire State News recently profiled in an article here – O’Connor just whipped through the Merritt Island IOF State Qualifier last weekend. In winning two different weight classes, 75 lbs and 80 lbs, O’Connor racked up seven wins in this tournament alone. His victories included two matches against a 2021  Florida State Champ: an 11 – 0 major decision and an 8 -2  decision.

Luke O’Connor, who has a cache of slick moves and who wrestles each match like a chess game, has launched an exceptional season in Florida. Reaching the top of the state podium this year is a definite goal–and a realistic one at that. No matter where the kid finishes this year, though, he has already made his mark in Florida.

RENAISSANCE BOY MARIO DEL VECCHIO, A STATE CHAMP WRESTLER, FILM STAR AND MORE

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A 13-year-old, very confident state champion wrestler, film star and more – who movie co-star Julie McCullough called “a little girls’ dream” in an article in New Jersey daily newspaper The Record – Mario Del Vecchio is one of the physically strongest and toughest athletes in the State of Florida and beyond. He is that one kid you want in your corner if you have a problem, as he is gifted in so many areas.

After becoming the Florida 6th Grade Wrestling State Champ (and taking 2nd place in two 8th grade state championship tournaments) last season, Del Vecchio has started this wrestling campaign by winning first place in eight straight tournaments—compiling a 24 – 0 record that encompasses an astounding 17 pins and 5 tech falls. As a 7th grader, he has beaten several older wrestlers in these tournaments, including high schoolers as old as seniors. Watch videos here, here, here, here, here, here, and here, where Del Vecchio pinned seven straight opponents in a tournament last month.

Stepping into the weight room, Del Vecchio is equally impressive. Watch here, as he incline bench presses 185 lbs for 10 easy reps—something most MEN cannot do.

Also a standout football player, Del Vecchio won Lineman of the Year for three consecutive seasons for his New Jersey football team, the Montclair Cobras (he since has re-located to Florida). Serving as the team’s captain and in capturing the team’s Hammer Award and Academic Achievement Award for having the highest grades on the team, he has been an absolute tour de force: on defense, terrorizing opposing teams’ backfields (he has led his team with 10 1/2 QB sacks) and on offense a consistent powerhouse blocker. His football highlights video tells it all.

As an accomplished, well-known professional actor, Del Vecchio already has 10 movies under his belt, two of which he played the lead role. Last Christmas, A Wrestling Christmas Miracle was released. In starring in this film, Del Vecchio was type-cast as the good-looking jock, where some of his real wrestling matches were used in scenes. Co-starring alongside Del Vecchio in A Wrestling Christmas Miracle are: “Cobra Kai” and The Karate Kid star Martin Kove, as well as Emmy nominee Gilbert Gottfried (Problem Child), Golden Globe nominee Jimmie Walker (“Good Times”), Michael Winslow (Police Academy), Todd Bridges (“Different Strokes”), and Scott Schwartz (A Christmas Story). See the movie’s trailer here.

A year earlier, Del Vecchio carried the lead male role in A Karate Christmas Miracle, a mystery/thriller. Kove again co-starred in the film, along with Academy Award nominee Eric Roberts—and A Wrestling Christmas Miracle alums Julie McCullough, Candy Fox, and Buddy Fitzpatrick. Represented by top talent agent BMG, Del Vecchio has recently auditioned for some of the industry’s bigger TV shows and movies.

If all this isn’t enough, Del Vecchio is a Straight-A student. A photographic memory has been an asset in his educational endeavors.

Doing ALL of the above is nearly impossible for a kid. But it is a reality for media-dubbed Renaissance Boy, Mario Del Vecchio. However, this young man is grounded, not at all arrogant, and generous.

Del Vecchio said, “Everybody is talented. I like seeing other people do well. I’m happy for them. I hope that others are happy for me. That’s how things work best. When people know what they’re good at and they’re confident about it, and when people recognize what others are good at and they’re genuinely happy for them. My Dad told me that a long time ago, and I’ve always felt this way.”

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WRESTLER SPOTLIGHT: INDIANA TECH UNIVERSITY’S CONNER GIMSON

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  • Class:  Junior
  • Weight Class:  133
  • Hometown:  Elkhart, Ind.
  • High School: Jimtown HS
  • Major:  Criminal Justice

2020-21: Went 8-2 as a sophomore…recorded eight two falls…NAIA National Champion at 133-lbs…WHAC Runner-Up to twin brother Matt at 133-lbs…took first place at the Adrian Invite…WHAC All-Academic Team…NWCA Scholar All-American…CoSIDA Academic All-District Team.

2019-20: Went 26-10 as a freshman…recorded eight falls, two tech falls and two major decisions…earned NAIA All-America honors with an seventh-place finish at the NAIA National Championships, defeating twin brother Matt in a match of rock-paper-scissors…Sooner Athletic Conference champion, defeating Matt in the finals…took third at the Patriot Open, Trine Invitational and Indiana Little State Championships…NWCA Scholar All-America Team selection… Selected to the Academic All-SAC Team.

High School: Four-time varsity letter winner for the Jimmies…also played football.

Major: Criminal Justice

Personal: Twin brother Matthew also wrestles for Tech.

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WRESTLER SPOTLIGHT: UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN’S CAMERON AMINE

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  • CLASS:  Redshirt Sophomore
  • POSITION:  165
  • HOMETOWN:  Brighton, Mich.
  • HIGH SCHOOL:  Detroit Catholic Central

Sophomore/Freshman (2020-21)
• Academic All-Big Ten; NWCA All-Academic Team
• U-M Athletic Academic Achievement Award
• NCAA All-American, 165 pounds
• Claimed seventh place at the NCAA Championships (March 18-20) with a 5-2 record
• First Wolverine freshman to earn All-America honors in four seasons (2017)
• Placed third at the Big Ten Championships (March 6-7) with a 4-1 mark
• Defeated Nebraska’s #19 Peyton Robb, 4-1, in the third-place match
• Shared the team wins lead with a 14-4 record, including a 5-1 mark in dual meets
• Used a third-period ride and turn to defeat Penn State’s #6 Joe Lee, 4-1 (Feb. 14)
• Beat Rutgers’ Brett Donner, 10-4, in varsity debut (Jan. 8)

Freshman (2019-20)
• Redshirted season; competed unattached in four open tournaments
• Captured the 165-pound title at the Edinboro Open (Feb. 1) with a 5-0 record
• Runner-up at the Purple Raider Open (Jan. 19) with a 2-1 mark
• Went 4-2 at the Midlands Championships (Dec. 29-30)
• Placed fifth at the Michigan State Open (Nov. 2) 4-2 record
• Defeated Northern Illinois’ Izzak Olejnik, 2-1, in collegiate debut at the MSU Open

Prep
• Graduated from Detroit Catholic Central High School (2019)
• Captured three Michigan state titles, winning at 152 pounds (2019), 145 pounds (2017) and 125 pounds (2016)
• Four-time Michigan state finalist; claimed runner-up honors at 152 pounds as a junior (2018)
• Named the MHSAA 2019 Male Wrestler of the Year
• Michigan recipient of the 2019 Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award
• Posted a career prep record of 167-15, including a 40-0 mark as a senior
• Contributed to three straight DCC Michigan team state titles (2017, ’18, ’19)
• Six-time Fargo All-American; reeled off five straight wins, outscoring his opposition, 53-2, to reach the semifinals in 2018 before an injury forced him to default out of the tournament
• Two-time Super 32 placewinner (2017, ’18), including a runner-up finish as a senior
• Honor Roll
• Ranked as the No. 17 overall recruit by FloWrestling and No. 2-ranked 152-pound wrestler

Personal
• Enrolled in the College of Literature, Science and the Arts; undeclared major
• Born on August 3, 2000
• Son of Sam and Tonya Amine; dad wrestled at Michigan (1988-90)
• Has two siblings, Jordan and Breanna; Jordan wrestled at Michigan (2015-18)
• Uncle, Mike Amine (1986-89) and cousin, Malik Amine (2016-19), also wrestled at Michigan, while cousin, Myles Amine, is currently a fifth-year senior on the Wolverine team

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WRESTLER SPOTLIGHT: OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY’S JAMIEN HOOD

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As found on Ohio State University’s website, below is Jaimen Hood’s bio. Learn about this wrestler’s career:

WEIGHT: 133

YEAR: Senior

HOMETOWN: Mason, Ohio

HIGH SCHOOL: Mason

“CAREER HONORS

  • Academic All-Big Ten (2019)
  • OSU Scholar-Athlete (2018, 2019)

YEAR-BY-YEAR

2018-19 (Redshirt Freshman)

  • Posted an overall record of 10-6 while competing in four open tournaments
  • Picked up bonus points in half of his victories with two major decision, two pins and a tech fall
  • Placed third in the Ohio Intercollegiate Open (‘White’ Division) and sixth in the Findlay Open
  • Traveled to Costa Rica for a service-learning trip collaboration between Ohio State Athletics, SASSO and Student-Athletes Abroad

2017-18 (Redshirt)

  • Earned three wins while competing in the Cleveland State Open and Purple Raider Open
  • Garnered bonus points in both triumphs at the Purple Raider Open, registering a major decision and pin

PRIOR TO OHIO STATE

  • Ohio high school state runner-up in 2017, capping a 43-5 senior season
  • Also qualified for the state tournament as a junior

PERSONAL

  • Son of Marie and Carlos Hood
  • Siblings – Chara (sister), Dasia (sister), Kiera (sister), Max (brother), Zack (brother)
  • Mechanical engineering major”

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WRESTLER SPOTLIGHT: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH’S NINO BONACCORSI

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As found on University of Pittsburgh’s website, below is Nino Bonaccorsi’s bio. Learn about this wrestler’s career:

Class: Redshirt Junior

Weight: 197

Hometown: Bethel Park, PA

High School: Bethel Park

“Career Highlights

NCAA Qualifier (2019, 2020, 2021)

ACC Champion (2021)

NWCA All-American (2020)

ACC Runner-Up (2019)

All-ACC Wrestling Team (2019)

ACC Wrestler of the Week (2/12/19, 2/2/21)

Gold Standard Teammate of the Year (2020)

 2020-21 (197): Owns a 9-1 record entering the NCAA Championships…received the No. 6 seed for nationals after a stellar first season at 197 pounds…won his first ACC title by defeating Virginia’s Jay Aiello 10-4 in Raleigh on Feb. 28…posted a 6-1 record for Pitt in duals…his only defeat came against NC State freshman Isaac Trumble…developed a reputation as one of the nation’s most attacking upperweights…averaged more than 10 points per match in his wins that went the distance…named ACC Wrestler of the Week on Feb. 2 after beating then-No. 3 Jay Aiello of Virginia by a 7-5 decision in the dual in Charlottesville.

2019-20 (184): Posted a 23-5 record and earned NWCA All-American status…placed third at the ACC Championship and qualified for his second NCAA Championships…received the No. 10 seed at 184 pounds for NCAAs…tallied 11 major decisions, one technical fall and three pins for a total of 15 bonus-point wins…beat No. 2 Hunter Bolen of Virginia Tech in the dual…went 11-3 in duals with a 4-1 ACC record…won the Michigan State Open to begin the season…selected Gold Standard Teammate of the Year by his fellow Panthers.

2018-19 (184): Went 21-8 on the season with a 13-3 record in duals and 8-5 at tournaments … Earned a runner-up finish at the ACC Championship and earned All-ACC status … Qualified for the NCAA Championships in Pittsburgh where he recorded two wins over No. 20 Will Sumner of Utah Valley and No. 4 Emery Parker of Illinois … Ranked as high as No. 10 by InterMat at 184 pounds … Recorded numerous wins over ranked opponents, including No. 3 Nick Reenan of NC State and No. 14 Chip Ness of North Carolina … Was named ACC Wrestler of the Week after his win over Reenan.

 2017-18 (184): Redshirt season … Wrestled in open tournaments unattached … Finished 19-4 in tournament competition … Competed in Clarion, Mat Town, Cleveland State and Edinboro Open as well as Midlands … Placed first at Mat Town Open after going 3-1 … Earned 12 decisions, three major decisions and two pins … Reeled off nine consecutive wins in middle of season … Pinned Rider’s Matt McKenzie in 1:34 at Mat Town Open … Pinned Virginia’s Jack Miller in 2:04 at Mat Town Open.

 HIGH SCHOOL: Finished high school with an impressive 147-21 career record at Bethel Park … Finished high school career ranked second in the country … Two-time PIAA runner-up (2016, 2017) … Two-time WPIAL Champion (2016, 2017) … Three-time Section Champion (2015, 2016, 2017) … FloNationals and PowerAde Champion in 2016 … PowerAde runner-up in 2015 … Four-time Tournament of Champions champion … Super 32 finalist in 2016 and placed third in 2015 … Winner of Dapper Dan and USA Dream Team All-Star matches.

By the Numbers

2020-21 (Pitt): 9-1 – 1st at ACC, No. 6 Seed at NCAAs

2019-20 (Pitt): 23-5 – 3rd at ACC, NWCA All-America

2018-19 (Pitt): 21-8 – 2nd at ACC, 2-2 at NCAA

2017-18 (Unattached): 23-5

Career Record: 76-19

Career Record for Pitt: 53-14

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WRESTLER SPOTLIGHT: IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY’S MARCUS COLEMAN

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As found on Iowa State University’s website, below is Marcus Coleman’s bio. Learn about this wrestler’s career:

“WEIGHT: 197

CLASS: Redshirt Junior

HOMETOWN: Ames, Iowa

HIGH SCHOOL: Ames

Awards and Honors

2021 NCAA Qualifier

2021 Big 12 Championship (Fourth Place)

2021 Second Team Academic All-Big 12

2020 NCAA Qualifier

2020 Big 12 Championship (Fifth Place)

2019 NCAA Qualifier

2019 Big 12 Championship (Fifth Place)

2020-21

2021 NCAA Qualifier… now three-time NCAA Qualifier… finished fourth at 197-pounds at the Big 12 Championship… Academic All-Big 12 Second Team… posted a 9-7 record during the 2021 season… led the team with six falls on the year… went 4-2 at the Big 12 Championship with all four wins coming by pin… led all 197-pound NCAA Qualifiers in pins… earned the starting spot midway through the year, going 2-1 in dual action… posted three wins over ranked opponents.

2019-20

Wrestled to a 16-11 record, 8-6 dual, during his redshirt sophomore season… qualified for the NCAA Championships at 184 pounds and was seeded 23rd for the national tournament before the season ended early due to the outbreak of Covid-19 virus worldwide… qualified for the NCAA Championships with a fifth-place finish at the Big 12 Championship… made the switch from 174 pounds to 184 pounds in January… compiled a 12-7 record after the weight switch… wrestled a grueling schedule, taking on 14 wrestlers ranked in the final NCAA Coaches Poll throughout the season… second on the team in total dual back points (24)… tallied 20 dual takedowns on the year… won four matches by major decision, three pins and one technical fall.

2018-19

Wrestled to a 28-14 record in his first season in the lineup for Iowa State… qualified for the 2019 NCAA Championships… took fifth place at the Big 12 Championship… tallied a 10-4 record in dual competition… tied for the team lead in dual-takedowns with 40 on the year… led the team in major decision wins with 10 and was second on the team in bonus-point wins with 16… finished sixth at the Southern Scuffle… earned a runner-up finish at the Last Chance Open and the Cyclone Open… finished fifth at the Lindenwood Open.

2017-18

Redshirted his initial season as a Cyclone… compiled an impressive 24-2 record in his first season at Iowa State… only two losses came to UNI’s Big 12 Champ, Taylor Lujan… took first place at the Duhawk Open, Pat ‘Flash’ Flanagan Open, UNI Open and Lindenwood Open… finished third at the Grand View Open and the Cyclone Open… 17 of his 24 wins came by bonus-point margin… won five matches by fall, six by technical fall and 6 by major decision.

High School

No. 78 overall recruit in the class of 2017… three-time Iowa high school state champion… Junior National Folkstyle champion… runner-up at Fargo… wrestled to a 156-16 record… competed for Ames High School

Personal

Born on March 24, 1999… son of Erica Andorf and Lamont Coleman… has one sibling, Blayke… majoring in Criminal Justice.”

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WRESTLER SPOTLIGHT: PENN STATE UNIVERSITY’S AARON BROOKS

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As found on Penn State University’s website, below is Aaron Brooks’s bio. Learn about this wrestler’s career:

CLASS: Sophomore

Hometown: Hagerston, MD

Weight: 184

“Parents: JOHN BROOKS, RANELLE BOYD,

                 ADRIENNE BROOKS

Major: RPTM

CAREER NOTES:

Athletic: All-American as a true freshman…Was the 184-pound Big Ten Champion (2020)…Named Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2020)…Was to be the #3 seed at the 2020 NCAA Championships at 184 before the NCAA cancelled the tournament… Named First Team All-American after 2020 tournament was cancelled by the NCAA in reaction to a virus.

2019-20 / TRUE FRESHMAN SEASON:

Season: Notched an impressive 15-1 overall record as at true freshman.  Went 9-1 in dual meets and then won the Big Ten Championship at 184 as a true freshman, qualifying for the NCAA Championships before the NCAA cancelled the event. He was set to be the #3 seed.  Brooks was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Penn State’s third under Cael Sanderson (David Taylor, 2011; Jason Nolf, 2016)…Named First Team All-American after 2020 tournament was cancelled by the NCAA in reaction to a virus.

Mat-Town Open (12/1): Won the 184-pound title at Lock Haven’s Mat-Town Open in first action of the year, going 3-0 with a pin. Lehigh (12/6): Made Penn State dual debut on the road, downing Chris Weiler 10-5 in Bethlehem. Penn (12/8): Made Rec Hall dual debut by rolling to a 19-4 tech fall (6:03) over Jesse Quatse. Illinois (1/10): Big Ten dual debut victory, 9-4, over Zach Braunagel in Rec Hall. Rutgers (1/19): Recorded first pin in Rec Hall over Billy Janzer at the 4:36 mark in dual meet victory. Iowa (1/31):  Impressive 7-3 victory over #6 Abe Assad of Iowa in road dual.Wisconsin (2/7): Posted 3-2 win over sixth-year senior Johnny Sebastian. Minnesota (2/9): Posted strong 13-3 major over Owen Webster in Minneapolis. Ohio State (2/15): Tallied six takedowns in lopsided 15-4 major over #12 Rocky Jordan in BJC Dual.

Big Ten Championship (3/7-8): Won Big Ten title at 184 as a true freshman after 3-0 run at Rutgers. Majored #19 Owen Webster of Minnesota 15-4 and then pinned #9 Taylor Venz of Nebraska (4:00) to avenge his only loss of the year to date, advancing to the finals. Took care of #7 Cameron Caffey of Michigan State 3-2 in the title bout to win the crowns. Honored as Big Ten Freshman of the Year after the tournament.

HIGH SCHOOL / PERSONAL:

Wrestled at North Hagerstown High School…Named 2018 National High School Coaches Association Wrestler of the Year…Became seventh wrestler to capture four NHSCA Championships at NHSCA High School Nationals…Compiled a 163-2 record at NHHS…Won four Maryland state titles…Went 22-0 as a senior, 46-0 as a junior, 43-1 as a sophomore and 45-1 as a freshman…Four-year letterman, three-year captain…Has one sister, Kaiya…Has three brothers, Isaiah, Jared and Jaden…Considering a communications major.

BROOKS MATCH-BY-MATCH

 2019-20

Date   Wt.  Result        Opponent                                                Place Record

12/1   184 WBF          Kyle Myers, West Virginia (4:50)              LHU    1-0

12/1   184 W, 11-5    Jared McGill, Pitt                                       LHU    2-0

12/1   184 W, 7-4       Kyle Inlander, Bucknell                     LHU (1st)    3-0

12/6   184 W, 10-5    Chris Weiler, Lehigh                                  dual    4-0

12/8   184 W, 19-4    Jesse Quatse, Penn (TF; 6:03)                 dual    5-0

1/10   184 W, 9-4       Zach Braunagel, Illinois                             dual    6-0

1/19   184 WBF          Billy Janzer, Rutgers (4:36)                       dual    7-0

1/24   184 L, 5-9        #8 Taylor Venz, Nebraska                         dual    7-1

1/31   184 W, 7-3       #6 Abe Assad, Iowa                                  dual    8-1

2/7     184 W, 3-2       Johnny Sebastian,  Wisconsin                  dual    9-1

2/9     184 W,  13-3   Owen Webster, Minnesota (major)           dual  10-1

2/15   184 W, 15-4    #12 Rocky Jordan, Ohio State (major)     dual  11-1

2/23   184 W, 8-5       Tanner Harvey, American                         dual  12-1

3/7     184 W,  15-4   #19 Owen Webster, Minnesota (major)   B1G  13-1

3/7     184 WBF          #9 Taylor Venz, Nebraska (4:00)             B1G  14-1

3/8     184 W, 3-2       #7 Cameron Caffey, Michigan State   B1G (1st)  15-1

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