Calling all wrestling fans! The Big Ten Conference, known for some of the toughest and most talented wrestlers in the country, held its annual wrestling championships on March 9th and 10th, 2024. This year, the event took place at the Xfinity Center on the University of Maryland’s College Park campus.
What are the Big Ten Wrestling Championships?
Think of it like a super competition! Wrestlers from all 14 Big Ten conference schools compete in individual weight classes to see who will be crowned the Big Ten Champion at their weight. It’s a prestigious title, a stepping stone to the NCAA Championships (think national wrestling championship!), and a chance to showcase incredible wrestling skills.
Results: Penn State Dominates!
This year, Penn State proved to be a powerhouse, taking home the team championship with a whopping 136 points! Their wrestlers performed exceptionally well, with seven athletes reaching the championship finals. Michigan came in second place with 105.5 points, followed by Nebraska with 89 points.
Who Won Individual Titles?
Here are some of the champions crowned at the 2024 Big Ten Wrestling Championships:
- 125 lbs:Braeden Davis (Penn State)
- 133 lbs:Dylan Ragusin (Michigan)
- 141 lbs:Nick Suriano (Michigan)
- 149 lbs:Tyler Kasak (Penn State)
- 157 lbs:Aaron Brooks (Penn State) (Won his fourth Big Ten title!)
- 165 lbs:Mitchell Mesenbrink (Penn State)
- 174 lbs:Carter Starocci (Penn State) (Won by injury default)
- 184 lbs:Myles Amine (Michigan)
- 197 lbs:Cole Wick (Ohio State)
- 285 lbs:Gable Steveson (Minnesota)
Upsets and Surprises!
No wrestling championship is complete without some unexpected results. This year, there were a few upsets, including:
- 125 lbs:Freshman Braeden Davis (Penn State) defeated #1 seed Matt Ramos (Purdue)
- 133 lbs:#20 seed Jacob Van Dee (Nebraska) beat #10 seed Nic Bouzakis (Ohio State)
- 141 lbs:#3 seed Jesse Mendez (Ohio State) edged out #2 seed Real Woods (Iowa)
These upsets showcase the depth of talent in the Big Ten and the exciting, anything-can-happen nature of wrestling!
How Did the Matches Work?
The championships were spread over two days, with four sessions.
- Session I and II (Saturday):These sessions included the first round, quarterfinals, semifinals, and wrestleback matches (a chance for wrestlers who lost earlier to fight their way back to placing).
- Session III and IV (Sunday):These final sessions featured consolation semifinals and seventh-place matches, followed by the main event – the championship finals for first, third, and fifth place.
How Can I Watch Wrestling?
If you missed the Big Ten Championships live, don’t worry! Here are a few ways to catch up on the action:
- The Big Ten Network:The Big Ten Network and B1G+ offered live coverage of all four sessions. You might be able to find replays on their website or app.
- FloWrestling:This online subscription service often has replays of major wrestling events, including the Big Ten Championships.
- YouTube:Sometimes, you can find highlights of wrestling matches on YouTube after the event.
Stay Tuned for Next Year!
The Big Ten Wrestling Championships are an annual event, so mark your calendars for March of 2025 to see which schools and wrestlers will rise to the top! It’s sure to be another exciting display of athleticism and skill.