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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xml:lang="en"> <title>Black Shoe Diaries - All Posts</title> <subtitle>DOMINATE THE STATE</subtitle> <icon>https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47529/blackshoediaries_fave.png</icon> <updated>2024-05-03T14:55:48-04:00</updated> <id>http://www.blackshoediaries.com/rss/current/</id> <link type="text/html" href="https://www.blackshoediaries.com/" rel="alternate"/> <entry> <published>2024-05-03T14:55:48-04:00</published> <updated>2024-05-03T14:55:48-04:00</updated> <title>Spring Sports Update: Lacrosse Blows Out Terps, Advances to Big Ten Title Game</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pfDauS9zxJAtSaAizu95lym35YI=/170x0:1858x1125/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73325665/Mullins_Chase_24_MD_SJW__0091_GqHyZ.0.png" /> <figcaption>Steven Walter- Penn State Athletics</figcaption> </figure> <p>Men’s volleyball falls in NCAA tournament, softball swept by Michigan</p> <p id="B9oGjH"><strong>Men’s Lacrosse</strong></p><p id="w2iIjf">The men’s lacrosse team exacted revenge on Maryland in last night’s Big Ten semifinal with a commanding 19-9 victory. Much like the teams’ regular season meeting, Penn State jumped out to an early advantage, taking a 7-1 lead midway through the second quarter. But this time, the Lions continued to pressure the Terrapins’ defense in the second half, adding eight goals after the intermission. <a href="https://gopsusports.com/sports/mens-lacrosse/roster/matt-traynor/14715">Matt Traynor</a> scored five goals, including four unanswered goals in the second half. <a href="https://gopsusports.com/sports/mens-lacrosse/roster/tj-malone/14695">TJ Malone</a> and <a href="https://gopsusports.com/sports/mens-lacrosse/roster/mac-costin/14681">Mac Costin</a> chipped in with a hat trick each, giving the Lions a terrifying offensive trio entering the NCAA tournament. </p><p id="jUjMgF">Penn State will face Michigan in the tournament championship on Saturday at 8pm. The game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network. The NCAA Tournament selection show will air Sunday night at 9:30pm on ESPN2. Penn State would clinch an automatic bid should it win tomorrow against Michigan, but the Lions are locked into the field. </p><p id="W4ORzE"><strong>Men’s Volleyball</strong></p><p id="gkMGlE">The men’s volleyball team was swept by UC Irvine in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament on Tuesday. EIVA Player of the Year <a href="https://gopsusports.com/sports/mens-volleyball/roster/john-kerr/15238">John Kerr</a> did all he could for the offense, recording 14 kills, but it was tough sledding all afternoon for the Lions’ attack, as the team hit just .188% as a team. Despite the loss, it was another solid season for Mark Pavlik’s squad with the EIVA regular season and tournament titles.</p><p id="279DIa"><strong>Softball</strong></p><p id="ZnmBwt">The softball team hit a rut last weekend, losing all three games against Michigan. Penn State’s offense scored only five runs in all three games combined. It was a huge missed opportunity for the Lions to seal up an NCAA tournament bid, as the Wolverines rank No. 37 in the NCAA RPI. Nonetheless, Penn State ranks No. 34 in the RPI entering the final regular season series at <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com">Rutgers</a>, putting the team in solid position to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. </p><p id="J8fnDk"><em>Upcoming Games: </em>Friday (3pm on Big Ten Plus), Saturday (3pm on Big Ten Plus), and Sunday (1pm on Big Ten Plus) at Rutgers</p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2024/5/3/24148288/penn-state-nittany-lions-mens-womens-lacrosse-volleyball-softball"/> <id>https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2024/5/3/24148288/penn-state-nittany-lions-mens-womens-lacrosse-volleyball-softball</id> <author> <name>Colin_Murphy</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-05-02T15:01:25-04:00</published> <updated>2024-05-02T15:01:25-04:00</updated> <title>Portal Purge: Several Nittany Lions Enter The Transfer Portal</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="Penn State Nittany Lion players sing their alma-mater following the conclusion of the Blue White spring game at Beaver Stadium. The White team defeated the Blue team 27-0.&amp;nbsp;" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PcZe5DGEk41vROiEnJaY6XoZ-0g=/0x0:4637x3091/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73323359/usa_today_23017523.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption> </figure> <p>That’s one way to get to 85!</p> <p id="YfaJQT">For those of you who had been keeping track, the <a href="https://www.blackshoediaries.com">Penn State Nittany Lions</a> were a number of scholarships over the 85 limit. That particular conundrum has been solved with the revelation of several entries into the transfer portal at the end of the spring window.</p><p id="iechBM">Safety King Mack, running backs David Kency and London Montgomery, offensive lineman Golden Israel-Achumba, and wide receiver Malik McClain have all officially entered the transfer portal, who, along with KeAndre Lambert-Smith and some creative NIL solutions, put Penn State within the scholarship limit of 85 per academic year.</p><p id="mSOT2C">Of the new departures, it’s easy to see that many, if not all of the outgoing players figured to be depth pieces, so in the grand scheme of things, the Lions will be in no worse position than they were prior to these entries, and, if the contributions of any these players became necessary in 2024, we probably have much bigger issues to be concerned with in the first place.</p><p id="VDsuCd">That of course is not to disparage the contributions each player has made to the team. But, as with any program that hopes to compete at the pinnacle of the sport, this type of attrition is to be expected.</p><p id="Z94BJx">We wish nothin but the best for each outgoing player, and hopefully they have great careers where they end up!</p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2024/5/2/24147450/penn-state-football-several-nittany-lions-enter-spring-window-transfer-portal-psu-2024"/> <id>https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2024/5/2/24147450/penn-state-football-several-nittany-lions-enter-spring-window-transfer-portal-psu-2024</id> <author> <name>misdreavus79</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-05-02T08:04:00-04:00</published> <updated>2024-05-02T08:04:00-04:00</updated> <title>SWH is Trying Not to Think about 2025 Already</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="NFL: NFL Draft" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NyFqOPyxJbnr65TyLgovu6TfgV4=/0x0:8640x5760/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73322173/usa_today_23147627.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption> </figure> <p>Let’s live in the moment.</p> <p id="BTMjHf">Here’s a recap of a <a href="https://247sports.com/college/penn-state/longformarticle/2024-nfl-draft-recap-penn-state-class-olu-fashanu-chop-robinson-caedan-wallace-theo-johnson-kalen-king-hunter-nourzad-adisa-isaac-daequan-hardy-230984247/">very successful</a> <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> weekend, including where <a href="https://www.statecollege.com/articles/penn-state-football/where-former-penn-state-players-are-headed-after-2024-nfl-draft/">three additional Nittany Lions</a> are going as UDFA’s.</p><p id="vKgvF3">In shocking news, people have already started a list for <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5453191%2F2024%2F04%2F30%2Fpenn-state-nfl-draft-mock-2025%2F&amp;referrer=sbnation.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blackshoediaries.com%2F2024%2F5%2F2%2F24146148%2Fblackshoe-diaries-swh-is-not-thinking-about-the-future-nfl-draft-football-basketball-hockey" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">top 2025 draft prospects</a>, and you may recognize a few names.</p><p id="GC1sCI">How about the current squad? Let’s look at the <a href="https://www.si.com/college/pennstate/news/penn-state-football-2024-forecast-quarterbacks">quarterback situation</a>.</p><p id="IPJHQK">Mr. Rojas is going to be a <a href="https://nittanylionswire.usatoday.com/2024/04/30/penn-states-young-linebacker-continues-to-get-buzz-after-spring-practices/">good one</a>.</p><p id="v9fe6N">The Penn State women’s hockey team has found a <a href="https://triblive.com/sports/robert-morris-penn-state-mercyhurst-hockey-teams-join-new-conference/">new conference</a>.</p><p id="TkqQwX">Wondering about the future of a <a href="https://www.statecollege.com/articles/penn-state-basketball/penn-state-mens-basketball-baldwin-decision-should-be-clear-soon/">certain men’s basketball player</a>? All should become clear soon.</p><p id="wEU7xy">Finally, do you think Beaver Stadium should <a href="https://onwardstate.com/2024/05/01/penn-state-should-hold-more-concerts-at-beaver-stadium/">have more concerts</a>?</p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2024/5/2/24146148/blackshoe-diaries-swh-is-not-thinking-about-the-future-nfl-draft-football-basketball-hockey"/> <id>https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2024/5/2/24146148/blackshoe-diaries-swh-is-not-thinking-about-the-future-nfl-draft-football-basketball-hockey</id> <author> <name>LndoBSD</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-05-01T23:09:04-04:00</published> <updated>2024-05-01T23:09:04-04:00</updated> <title>Carter Starocci Returning To Penn State For 2024-25 Season</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="2023 NCAA Division I Men’s Wrestling Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vuqGIFEBuMdZI7LOTLWOjQAAQqg=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73321696/1248589554.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Shane Bevel/NCAA Photos via Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>He’s baaaaaaaack.</p> <p id="DShnm2">Penn State wrestling received some fantastic news late on Wednesday night as four-time NCAA champion Carter Starocci announced he is returning to Happy Valley for a fifth and final season.</p><div id="8qyFC3"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Build a legacy that won’t be touched EVER. Penn State, Stand Up. Onward and Upward <br><br>5️⃣ <a href="https://t.co/UuI1eA1XbV">pic.twitter.com/UuI1eA1XbV</a></p>— Carter Starocci (@carterstarocci) <a href="https://twitter.com/carterstarocci/status/1785859064380928070?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2024</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><p id="GQopqn">Starocci has the chance to become the first — and unless some rules are changed or we go through another global pandemic, only — five-time NCAA champion in the sport’s history. No surprise, but all expectations will be that Starocci repeats as NCAA champion.</p><p id="XFpknU">At weight class does he do it? Well, that remains to be seen. Starocci is a big 174-pounder so a move up in weight class to 184 (or even 197 *eyes emoji*) seems like it could make some sense for all parties, despite Josh Barr coming off an impressive 15-0 redshirt season for the Nittany Lions at 184 pounds.</p><p id="j5ZISg">Regardless of what weight Starocci ends up wrestling at, this is obviously a huge boost to Penn State’s ever-continuing quest of just dominating the sport of wrestling. A look at what the lineup could be if Starocci jumps up to 184...</p><p id="Keji2M">125: Braeden Davis<br>133: Aaron Nagao<br>141: Beau Bartlett<br>149: Shayne Van Ness <br>157: Levi Haines<br>165: Mitchell Mesenbrink<br>174: Alex Facundo<br>184: Carter Starocci<br>197: Connor Mirasola<br>285: Greg Kerkvliet (TBD)</p><p id="mEe2xZ">Pretty good, Cael, pretty good.</p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2024/5/1/24146921/carter-starocci-returning-to-penn-state-wrestling-for-2024-25-season-cael-sanderson-bsd"/> <id>https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2024/5/1/24146921/carter-starocci-returning-to-penn-state-wrestling-for-2024-25-season-cael-sanderson-bsd</id> <author> <name>Patrick Koerbler</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-05-01T14:18:50-04:00</published> <updated>2024-05-01T14:18:50-04:00</updated> <title>Big Ten Announces Basketball Opponents</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="NCAA Basketball: Big Ten Conference Tournament Second Round-Penn State vs Indiana" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vkEaiZgsFcU39fzJxOPAMyitEjs=/0x0:2738x1825/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73320783/usa_today_22779023.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption> </figure> <p>The new schedule means the Lions will face only three teams for home-and-home matchups</p> <p id="14Fp9H">The Big Ten announced <a href="https://gopsusports.com/news/2024/5/1/mens-basketball-big-ten-announces-mens-basketball-2024-25-home-and-away-opponents.aspx">matchups </a>for its 2024-25 mens basketball conference season on Wednesday.</p><p id="luxKLI">Penn State, and all other conference teams, will play 20 in-league games. Those games feature seven opponents only at home, seven only on the road, and home-and-home series with three teams.</p><p id="WqbUfn">The Nittany Lions will play home and away against Indiana, Minnesota, and Rutgers. Penn State was competitive against that group last year, going 3-3. The Golden Gophers rallied from big deficits twice for a pair of wins, while the Lions throttled Rutgers on the road. Meanwhile, Penn State knocked off Indiana twice in the regular season, but lost a tough 61-59 game against the Hoosiers in the Big Ten Tournament.</p><p id="OUKBuN">For the road only portion, Penn State will play in Los Angeles twice, taking on both USC and UCLA. They’ll also be at Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State and Wisconsin.</p><p id="fC1EDm">In the BJC, you can see the Lions against conference newcomers Oregon and Washington. They’ll also play host to Maryland, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, and defending national runner-up Purdue.</p><p id="clU6oY">The actual dates and times of those games will be announced in the future, though it would seem based on the trip to Los Angeles that the Big Ten is doing a modified version of its travel partner schedule that existed prior to Penn State joining the conference back in 1992-93.</p><p id="NcQrVB"></p><p id="ZGX03p"></p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2024/5/1/24146550/big-ten-announces-basketball-opponents-2024"/> <id>https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2024/5/1/24146550/big-ten-announces-basketball-opponents-2024</id> <author> <name>Bennett765</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-04-29T06:52:00-04:00</published> <updated>2024-04-29T06:52:00-04:00</updated> <title>MMQB - And Now We Wait</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="Penn State Spring Football Game" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/N5Yb2mg-qz6M5rO4qj0gzW-lQX8=/0x0:6000x4000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73314559/2149461804.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>At least the weather is nice</p> <p id="Ev00jM">Spring practice is over.</p><p id="800Q8W">The Blue-White Game has been played.</p><p id="3LiUwp">The <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> has been held.</p><p id="x8EP2G">We’re officially into the dead zone for college football that spans from April to August, with naught but morsels fed to us about transfer portal rumblings and off-season workout highlight videos to keep us satiated.</p><p id="9Ji9L3">But at least the weather is nice!</p><p id="N53pWW">Well, sorta. We did just have a frost the other night, inexplicably sandwiched between a couple 80-plus-degree days.</p><p id="gGoMHH">For now, though, we get to “enjoy” other “sports” such as the NBA and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl-playoffs">NHL playoffs</a>, with golf, horse racing, and the MLB regular season to tide us over.</p><p id="x4ZhbL">I’m a <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com">Lakers</a> fan (sad face), Devils fan (really sad face), and <a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a> fan (angry face), so ya know, I’ll be staring off into the middle distance for the next few months. But the rest of you, I hope you have a good time of it. </p><p id="u2sJMS">I’m not jealous, like, at all.</p><p id="jPc3Mv"></p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2024/4/29/24141613/mmqb-and-now-we-wait-bsd-penn-state-nittany-lions-football-tom-allen-andy-kotelnicki"/> <id>https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2024/4/29/24141613/mmqb-and-now-we-wait-bsd-penn-state-nittany-lions-football-tom-allen-andy-kotelnicki</id> <author> <name>Chris Lucia</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-04-28T15:40:19-04:00</published> <updated>2024-04-28T15:40:19-04:00</updated> <title>USA Wrestling Olympic Trials: 10,000ft Postview</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="Top-left to bottom-right: USA Wrestling’s Rich Bender, Head Coach Bill Zaddick, Aaron Brooks, Kyle Snyder, Mason Parris, USA Wrestling’s Joe Russell, USA Wrestling’s President Bruce Baumgartner, Spencer Lee, Zain Retherford, &amp;amp; Kyle Dake" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DOdh8LvLqRZ_ETXXYo_SgRadhQw=/316x0:2901x1723/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73313914/team.7.jpg" /> <figcaption>Top-left to bottom-right: USA Wrestling’s Rich Bender, Head Coach Bill Zaddick, Aaron Brooks, Kyle Snyder, Mason Parris, USA Wrestling’s Joe Russell, USA Wrestling’s President Bruce Baumgartner, Spencer Lee, Zain Retherford, &amp; Kyle Dake | Nathaniel Rasmussen, Black Shoe Diaries</figcaption> </figure> <p>A showcase of the nation’s best wrestlers ended with 4 Nittany Lions earning a slot on the Olympic team</p> <p id="wtz13N"><em>USA Wrestling’s Olympic Team Trials were hosted at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College, PA on April 19th &amp; 20th, and the three U.S. Olympic Teams have been selected for a week now. I had planned on posting this much sooner, but alas, the callings of real life came at me faster than expected, so here we are. </em></p><p id="DvweJO">After many hours of soaking it all in, from before the doors opened on the concourse to the bitter end of the final session, the weekend’s experience left me feeling drained of energy—and even a will to reflect all that much—after watching so many aspiring Olympians confront the harsh reality that their dream was now out of reach. I now understand why USA Wrestling’s Executive Director Rich Bender introduced the opening press conference with the notion that this specific tournament is both his favorite and least favorite event they have the fortune of pulling together every 4 years.</p><p id="pEO6Yw">The tournament did not disappoint, of course. There was a never-ending parade of intriguing matchups, long-simmering storylines pulled into sharp relief, and enough jaw-dropping action to thrill even the most novice wrestling fan’s gullet. </p><p id="TSqY1y">With BSDWrestle’s professional photographer Scott Pilutik out of town for the weekend, please indulge my amateur cell phone photography as I reflect on what transpired.</p><h2 id="L0KbWr">The Action</h2><h3 id="DVv6GK">57Kg</h3><p id="nlrFBN">One of the weight classes with the most intrigue, 57Kg did not disappoint—with 3 high-schoolers vying to take 3rd (in light of early withdrawls from Daton Fix, Nick Suriano, and Zane Richards), and the long-awaited showdown between Spencer Lee and Thomas Gilman rounding out the action.</p><div id="vgbnJu"><div data-anthem-component="table:12319025"></div></div><p id="8CHRM2">Nico may have gone 0-2, but after falling behind 8-0 early to Lee, he continued to attack and connect with Spencer’s legs again and again—he just wasn’t able to solve the puzzle in terms of finishing. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6HbPIaug6q/?img_index=1">In a heartelt instagram post</a>, Nico revealed his plans to marry this summer, and left open the possibility that he’ll continue competing. </p><div id="igMVm7"><div data-anthem-component="table:12319030"></div></div><p id="Dg4BNc">Lilledahl represents the youth movement at this weight class, beating some savvy vets, and dropping a close one to fellow high-schooler, Marcus Blaze (they’ve traded bouts lately). The future is bright for Luke and the Nittany Lions at the lower weights.</p><div id="Dada5y"><div data-anthem-component="table:12319033"></div></div> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="Thomas Gilman works a front headlock vs Jax Forrest" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/v_OSQ0I183k86OkLXiClkSgHMnU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25424604/TG.jpg"> <cite>Nathaniel Rasmussen, Black Shoe Diaries</cite> <figcaption>Thomas Gilman works a front headlock vs Jax Forrest</figcaption> </figure><p id="uoaU4V">After giving up a sweet slide-by takedown to high-school talent Forrest, Gilman took command of his side of the bracket doing what he does best—digging underhooks and taking ground with crisp leg attacks. That continued in the best-of-3 finals vs Lee, but twice he faltered when in a scrambling situation, conceding the takedown and ensuing exposure points. </p><p id="fhgEY9">The long-anticipated Spencer Lee takeover of this weight class appears to have commenced on the national scene. But because the U.S. both failed to place Top-5 at last year’s World Championships and Top-1 at this past February’s Pan Am Qualifier (at both 57kg and 65kg), our country has not yet qualified to even be allowed to compete at the Olympics. As such, Spencer will have to take 3rd or higher at the Last Chance Olympic Qualifier in Istanbul on May 11, if he hopes to show his mettle in the Paris Games.</p><div id="REmGcl"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Spencer Lee pins Thomas Gilman to win the series 2-0 and become a National Champion! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WrestlingTrials24?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WrestlingTrials24</a> <br><br> <a href="https://twitter.com/peacock?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@peacock</a> <a href="https://t.co/6Q9HBVmI1y">pic.twitter.com/6Q9HBVmI1y</a></p>— NBC Olympics &amp; Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCOlympics/status/1781732339640303893?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2024</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-EbwGoFma2J3qFaFVdJgHN5AX8o=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25423902/57kg_OTT_bracket.jpg"> <figcaption>57kg bracket for the Challenge Tournament portion of the 2024 USAW Olympic Team Trials, <a class="ql-link" href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/opentournaments/VerifyPassword.jsp?tournamentId=853157132" target="_blank">via Trackwrestling</a>.</figcaption> </figure><h3 id="Ty3hze">65Kg</h3><p id="Ew1pn5">This weight class appeared wide open. 2023 141-pound NCAA Champ Andrew Alirez sat out the Folkstyle season to hone his considerable Freestyle game, perennial threat Yianni Diakomihalis appeared ready to rebound from a challenging year, and more-recent NCAA Champ Jesse Mendez seemed ready to prove he belongs in the conversation. </p><p id="0FdLLc">At the same time, an almost inevitable clash between Nittany Lion pals, 2023 World-teamer Nick Lee &amp; 2023 70Kg World Champ Zain Retherford seemed more than possible.</p><div id="WXrhQN"><div data-anthem-component="table:12319037"></div></div> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="Beau Bartlett squares off against Andrew Alirez" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vH25btx9NgrIxm4L9OqxFOEyBko=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25424605/Beau.jpg"> <cite>Nathaniel Rasmussen, Black Shoe Diaries</cite> <figcaption>Beau Bartlett squares off against Andrew Alirez</figcaption> </figure><p id="tP8fkI">Beau opened his tourney out-classing a longtime mainstay of the 61Kg class, Nahshon Garrett, before repeating his Senior Nationals loss to Alirez, and dropping a close bout to the always dangerous McKenna in the consis.</p><div id="wkid6w"><div data-anthem-component="table:12319038"></div></div> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="Zain Retherford &amp;amp; Nick Lee embrace after each won their semifinal to face-off in the finals against each other." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Z3oZPWT6vzA2vItE9uSSH-QWxvY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25424607/NandZ.jpg"> <cite>Nathaniel Rasmussen, Black Shoe Diaries</cite> <figcaption>Zain Retherford &amp; Nick Lee embrace after each won their semifinal to face-off in the finals against each other.</figcaption> </figure><p id="U4fFUi">Pantaleo may have had the most challenging weight cut of the tournament, so it wasn’t too surprising he struggled facing the US World Team rep fresh off the scale. Nick continued rolling though, putting up a surprising volume of offense (takedown, gut-wrench, and a 4pt chest-wrap included) against the stingy Alirez, before facing off with his warrior-brother, Retherford.</p><div id="EVvv8S"><div data-anthem-component="table:12319042"></div></div> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6OBoWrZ8N73VQSnPcSzFpLLxN_4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25424014/Nick.jpg"> <cite>Nathaniel Rasmussen, Black Shoe Diaries</cite> <figcaption>Nick Lee and Zain Retherford embrace after Zain defeats Nick in the best-of-three final.</figcaption> </figure><p id="E6QvH7">Defending World Champion at 70Kg, Zain Retherford had the luxury of sitting out to the tournament’s semifinals. There he manged to beat a red-hot Jesse Mendez (who had, in turn, beaten Joey McKenna, James Green and Yianni Diakomihalis) fresh of the scale after a notoriously difficult weight cut. Zain then went to battle against his friend and teammate, Nick Lee—with the initial bout a tight 2-1 affair, and later (and further off the scale) opened it up to a 5-0 victory that left both with bloody head-wraps, and gratitude in their hearts. </p><p id="UwTmdC">Like Spencer Lee, Zain must now place top-3 at the Last Chance Olympic Qualifier in Istanbul May 11 to secure a slot for the U.S. in the Paris Games 65Kg bracket.</p><div id="cdOlQV"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Zain Retherford becomes a National Champion with the Round 2 victory! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WrestlingTrials24?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WrestlingTrials24</a> <br><br> <a href="https://twitter.com/peacock?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@peacock</a> <a href="https://t.co/F0Tl9MeDQx">pic.twitter.com/F0Tl9MeDQx</a></p>— NBC Olympics &amp; Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCOlympics/status/1781737228273586474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2024</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><div id="y6VAO5"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Become a National Champion ✅<br>Sign autographs for your home crowd ✅ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WrestlingTrials24?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WrestlingTrials24</a> <br><br> <a href="https://twitter.com/peacock?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@peacock</a> <a href="https://t.co/MedsET2n3Q">pic.twitter.com/MedsET2n3Q</a></p>— NBC Olympics &amp; Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCOlympics/status/1781740368456814724?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2024</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><div id="TXXIWU"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E2_G2P1W_g8?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kFh3kgMxF5nybYISwdtmSrFtlNk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25423939/65kg_OTT_bracket_upper.jpg"> <figcaption>65kg upper bracket for the Challenge Tournament portion of the 2024 USAW Olympic Team Trials, <a class="ql-link" href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/opentournaments/VerifyPassword.jsp?tournamentId=853157132" target="_blank">via Trackwrestling</a>.</figcaption> </figure> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/n-qSKuW6TqUSEjUuIy1GtSPeYno=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25423942/65kg_OTT_bracket_consi.jpg"> <figcaption>65kg consi bracket for the Challenge Tournament portion of the 2024 USAW Olympic Team Trials, <a class="ql-link" href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/opentournaments/VerifyPassword.jsp?tournamentId=853157132" target="_blank">via Trackwrestling</a>.</figcaption> </figure><h3 id="QtNbyP">74Kg</h3><p id="6WR9pS">This weight class it typically one of the most competitive nationally and worldwide. With 6 current and former Nittany Lions in the bracket, it would surely bring a mix of highs and lows to fans and competitors alike. With 2 world champs in the bracket (and one of them the focus of some <a href="https://x.com/carterstarocci/status/1774202917668454707">online beefing</a>), there would be no lack of drama to behold.</p><div id="J6NJZ2"><div data-anthem-component="table:12319047"></div></div> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mJSHu-BynAM2vCQ70Z_v1nwnMBs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25424024/Mitch.jpg"> <cite>Nathaniel Rasmussen, Black Shoe Diaries</cite> <figcaption>Mitchell Mesenbrink reaches for Quincy Monday’s ankle</figcaption> </figure><p id="yF66B2">Even in a bracket of seasoned killers, it’s pretty danged hard to ignore Mitchell Mesenbrink.</p><p id="wDxmRz">Mitch’s semifinal loss to Jordan Burroughs was the most talked-about match of the entire weekend. It doesn’t matter who you are—The kid will get in your face and make you wrestle his (insane) pace. From the start, Burroughs repeatedly chose to use his “patented” sock-pull (which in previous iterations meant, “Look out, I’m about to blast through your chest for 2/4”) to buy him extra seconds of breath between the action—which the crowd realized would potentially limit the impact of Mesenbrink’s pace. But with borderline tactics of aggression of his own, Mitch also got under the legend’s skin. Burroughs and his college coach Mark Manning took exception (with Burroughs conceding a point for post-whistle activity, and Manning fanning the crescendo of boos from the PSU crowd after the match). </p><p id="ozDVe6">In the end, Mitchell dominated the rest of the guys he faced and wound up placing true 2nd and became a member of the team as 2nd alternate.</p><div id="r9KzJK"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T_yKjnxYheM?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div><div id="B9pe4R"><div data-anthem-component="table:12319052"></div></div> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/x3R5eZx1tjuTNTm6l6SwX3-QKzA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25424090/Facundo.jpg"> <cite>Nathaniel Rasmussen, Black Shoe Diaries</cite> <figcaption>Alex Facundo faces teammate, Levi Haines</figcaption> </figure><p id="XqZTLb">We’ve not seen much of Facundo lately. This past college season, he used the NCAA Olympic Redshirt his pair of U17 World Bronzes earned him so he could focus on Freestyle. </p><p id="UOFFkQ">In spite of his record in this tourney, Alex demonstrated remarkable improvement—easily beating recent NCAA champ Levi Haines, and getting the only takedown in his matchup with Burroughs. It looked like he’s learned how to create angles to set up his offense, to pair with his truly 1st-rate defense—and I think we can expect to see that difference pointedly when the NCAA season resumes in November. </p><div id="SIuNrD"><div data-anthem-component="table:12319054"></div></div><p id="GVtV4o">It was so cool catching Levi in the <a href="https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2024/4/18/24134344/usa-wrestling-olympic-team-trials-press-event">pre-tourney press conference</a> speaking about his gratitude for the role of David Taylor in his life as coach and mentor. It was similarly difficult to see Levi go winless in trials. </p><p id="VSdrlB">Many accounts have Levi moving up a weight class or two before he takes the mat for Penn State again—if so, he’ll need to take some time to gain strength along with the weight, as his super-power at a lower weight-class seemed to be lacking against larger opponents.</p><div id="AIKc2D"><div data-anthem-component="table:12319058"></div></div><p id="26RI1s">Cenzo had a frustrating 1st round loss to youngster Jacques. Coming off the mat after the criteria loss, he quite visibly didn’t want his ASU coaches even touching him. We can only speculate, but can assume the challenge of making 74Kg again the next day is what led him to drop out of the tournament.</p><div id="OdcchB"><div data-anthem-component="table:12319062"></div></div> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/07WDBE3RPCj7oqpP8Oe5tZnYvAQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25424096/BoJason.jpg"> <cite>Nathaniel Rasmussen, Black Shoe Diaries</cite> <figcaption>Bo Nickal celebrates Jason Nolf’s semifinal victory over Jordan Burroughs with a big embrace.</figcaption> </figure><p id="VzE4UE">If you want a model for the duality of highs and lows this tournament uniquely brings to the sport, you need look no further than Jason Nolf’s experience. </p><p id="XcXL4r">Nolf looked dominant in his early-round wins, and the heat from the PSU crowd for his semifinal with Burroughs was palpable. When Jason hit JB’s signature blast double-leg on him to open the 2nd period with a takedown, it truly was a “changing of the guard” moment, even as he shifted tactics to a patient defense in preventing a 10,000th Burroughs comeback victory. In a joyful embrace of Nolf afterward, Bo Nickal—who cornered Jason all weekend—further demonstrated what the victory meant.</p><p id="G2WwCa">(A) member(s) of the crowd, wound up on a (presumably drunken) mixture of schadenfreude and defense-of-turf after the Mesenbrink match, had some unfortunate words for and with Burroughs as he exited the arena—which took the focus of the wrestling world off of Nolf’s incredible win against one of the greatest wrestlers in USA history.</p><p id="pEGByy">Jason then had to face Kyle Dake in a best-of-three series, and, <a href="https://youtube.com/shorts/RXwELAU6kTw?si=NM8vhucmhQDylU6G">according to Nickal</a>, do so at less than 100%. Nolf was unable to break Dake’s other-wordly positioning to score, and lost the series in two matches, in heartbreaking fashion.</p><div id="eWArJP"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jason Nolf puts up 7 points FAST at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WrestlingTrials24?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WrestlingTrials24</a><br><br> <a href="https://twitter.com/peacock?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@peacock</a> <a href="https://t.co/pLrVXBGeL3">pic.twitter.com/pLrVXBGeL3</a></p>— NBC Olympics &amp; Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCOlympics/status/1781364573473251728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><div id="Vy11BF"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jason Nolf takes down the legend Jordan Burroughs for the men’s 74kg Challenge Tournament final win! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WrestlingTrials24?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WrestlingTrials24</a> <a href="https://t.co/IPuqYshNSQ">pic.twitter.com/IPuqYshNSQ</a></p>— NBC Olympics &amp; Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCOlympics/status/1781500334940004538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2024</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><div id="g4sNXt"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Home crowd on their feet for Jason Nolf <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WrestlingTrials24?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WrestlingTrials24</a> <a href="https://t.co/rH920L63jz">pic.twitter.com/rH920L63jz</a></p>— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSports/status/1781505345514275001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2024</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><div id="NvNfnd"><div data-anthem-component="table:12319067"></div></div> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pPf7CYVbeXUDUxb4r9guqxIQ7Hg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25424009/dake.png"> <cite>Nathaniel Rasmussen, Black Shoe Diaries</cite> <figcaption>Kyle Dake prepares to take on Jason Nolf in the first of their best-of-three Final matches.</figcaption> </figure><p id="PYh8Fe">Kyle Dake has been one of the very best wrestlers in the world for a good while now. Just a week after <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5yYmKDLO5G/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==">sharing the heartache of the loss of his father</a>, Dake was able to stay focused and dispatch another great wrestler in the world in Jason Nolf with seeming ease. Afterward, Dake opened up to the media about the pain of his loss while achieving his 2nd Olympic Team. </p><p id="2fypSI">To me, the performance not only wrung my heart of what drops of compassion I had left—but illustrated just how good Russia’s Zaurbek Sidakov must be to have beaten Kyle at last year’s World Championships. Assuming Sidakov is allowed to compete despite the ongoing Ukrainian war, this matchup is already in full focus for Team USA and the world.</p><div id="oZ6wmy"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YVC78W5MURg?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div><div id="ZcuugV"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2xg4TY-H24g?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uI4RY59t-YMl1WxGIADlHBoOfQE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25423959/74kg_OTT_bracket.jpg"> <figcaption>74kg bracket for the Challenge Tournament portion of the 2024 USAW Olympic Team Trials, <a class="ql-link" href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/opentournaments/VerifyPassword.jsp?tournamentId=853157132" target="_blank">via Trackwrestling</a>.</figcaption> </figure><h3 id="2nEwSG">86Kg</h3><p id="v9HeTh">Another weight class boasting numerous (6) future, current, and past Lions—86kg included heavy hitters like World Bronze Medalist at 92Kg Zahid Valencia and Alex Dieringer. But it seemed likely two Lions would again square off for the right to rep the USA in Paris.</p><div id="aCYoeW"><div data-anthem-component="table:12319073"></div></div> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8vbA3B_lAEmqf8WrC6nYbihoFcg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25424005/IMG_6351.jpg"> <cite>Nathaniel Rasmussen, Black Shoe Diaries</cite> <figcaption>Connor Mirasola after his Quarterfinal loss to Aaron Brooks</figcaption> </figure><p id="tzBIje">The weekend at times was very much about the youth movement in wrestling. Kids are better earlier, and can hang with some goliaths at the senior level. Yep, High School Senior Connor Mirasola did something no one had done in an entire NCAA season when he took Aaron Brooks down. He continued to scrap and hold his own against Brooks (after shutting out the very dangerous McFadden). </p><p id="XHtWQz">Penn State fans can take comfort in knowing the future of the 197lb weight class will be in extremely capable hands, whether that be in the 2025 or 2026 tourney seasons.</p><div id="u7DkKa"><div data-anthem-component="table:12319076"></div></div><p id="td4SNT">Max had an up and down tournament—but he was able to avenge his Senior Nationals loss to Mirasola by tech fall, showing the savvy that was so typical of his Folkstyle wrestling on a Freestyle mat.</p><div id="mc5iWa"><div data-anthem-component="table:12319077"></div></div> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OrCpSHQ0egALN9OuFp4HNEA8IR8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25424098/Mark.jpg"> <cite>Nathaniel Rasmussen, Black Shoe Diaries</cite> <figcaption>Mark Hall faces Max Dean</figcaption> </figure><p id="tUbVj9">One of the most beloved PSU competitors of this epic run under Cael Sanderson, Mark Hall found himself in both a difficult, but perfect place at the Senior Level. </p><p id="Up3DNd">Difficult, because Mark’s size just didn’t seem to gel with the available weight classes. The 74Kg of his U20 world titles out of reach, even 79Kg became a stretch. His extreme skill kept bouts close against the Big Strong Men of 86Kg, but often not close enough to secure career-defining wins. So it was this weekend, where Mark battled against some of the most powerful wrestlers USA has in Dieringer and Hidlay. He was in those bouts—and he scored one more beautiful cement mixer in front of PSU fans—but he wasn’t able to climb the mountain to victory.</p><p id="9YOi1r">Perfect, because Hall is by all accounts a selfless giver of himself. His ability to coach UPenn wrestlers, be a skilled and adaptable training partner for Burroughs and McFadden, and a friend to longtime coach Brandon Slay and Brian Pearsall gave him a wrestling family that supported his pursuits on and off the mat. </p><p id="efBIh7">Mark’s understated retirement from wrestling (<a href="https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2024/4/28/24136497/usa-wrestling-olympic-trials-10000ft-postview#qcdRcV">more on that below)</a> after dropping the bout vs Hidlay was similarly perfect. He afterward said he didn’t want to draw too much attention to himself, that he just needed to take his wrestling shoes off, leave them on the edge of the raised platform, and move on with his life. Thankfully, some in the crowd noticed, and Hall got at least part of the ovation he deserves for his contributions to the sport and to the PSU juggernaut. We wish you well in all your future pursuits, Mark!</p><div id="kLvLsE"><div data-anthem-component="table:12319082"></div></div><p id="d3JHoZ">From his injury just prior to the NCAA Championships, to his gutting-out a 4th Natty-Daddy on a bad knee, and through his late-hour weight-class reversal from 74Kg to 86Kg for Olympic Trials, Carter Starocci has above all else stayed true to his core: singularly tough competitiveness. I had a hard time picturing Carter being competitive against the nation’s best at 189.6lbs just a week or two removed from his nearly successful attempt to reach 163.1lbs. </p><p id="82Zgfx">Silly me. Carter initially had a game opponent in Downey, but Carter’s gas tank proved to be swimming-pools larger. He then gave NCAA 197lb juggernaut Trent Hidlay (who likely would have won the Hodge trophy, save for Aaron Brooks) a very tough match where it was clear that horsepower would not be an issue. Hidlay prevailed, but with Carter hinting his return to the PSU lineup at 197lbs, it doesn’t seem likely he will have any similar obstacle at that weight in a college setting.</p><div id="MUKjqM"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Carter Starocci with a HUGE second period comeback at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WrestlingTrials24?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WrestlingTrials24</a> <br><br> <a href="https://twitter.com/peacock?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@peacock</a> <a href="https://t.co/lX08x3XhRd">pic.twitter.com/lX08x3XhRd</a></p>— NBC Olympics &amp; Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCOlympics/status/1781335292491845980?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><div id="RK0s6p"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Carter Starocci On Bump To 86kg, Potential Return Next Season To Penn State Lineup <a href="https://t.co/rcJRidX9Kr">pic.twitter.com/rcJRidX9Kr</a></p>— FloWrestling (@FloWrestling) <a href="https://twitter.com/FloWrestling/status/1781092043265081815?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2024</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><div id="9y9oRf"><div data-anthem-component="table:12319087"></div></div><p id="ALQlGi">The #1 pound-for-pound wrestler in the world lost in two straight matches to his Tokyo Games training partner. </p><p id="RdOO13">I only have questions, and no answers. </p><p id="CKC9eG">Was it a permanent passing-of-the-torch? Was David a step slower, or lacking the strength to finish on the hulking Brooks? Did he get his bell rung on an attempted Brooks throw early in match 1? Have the many wonderful happenings in DT’s life (businesses, proteges, family, farm-life) started to consume his passion to compete? Time may tell to all of these questions. I can only admit my sadness to see this inevitable day come a bit earlier than expected, and feel deep gratitude for everything David had done, and will continue to do for the Penn State and State College community.</p><div id="LUr4EZ"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr"> <a href="https://t.co/MiQYgrs9Vv">pic.twitter.com/MiQYgrs9Vv</a></p>— Penn State WRESTLING (@pennstateWREST) <a href="https://twitter.com/pennstateWREST/status/1781863694474870791?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2024</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><div id="864Per"><div data-anthem-component="table:12319084"></div></div> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rstrq39FcYnHv1_xkhXTMsnK3gU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25424011/brooks.png"> <cite>Nathaniel Rasmussen, Black Shoe Diaries</cite> <figcaption>Aaron Brooks gets to David Taylor’s leg in the 1st of their best-of-three final</figcaption> </figure><p id="X1MHHm">I remember what I felt the first time I saw an Aaron Brooks wrestling match (I could be wrong on which match, but I think it was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-M1RHY48dA4">this one vs Trent Hidlay at Fargo</a>): This guy is <em>HIM</em>. Not much has changed. What are the qualities of the most elite of elite wrestlers? Skill/Technique: ✓, Positioning: ✓,Pace: ✓, Pressure: ✓, Competitive Drive: ✓, Speed: ✓, Strength: ✓, Stamina: ✓. AB is the complete package, and he once again let his wrestling do the talking this weekend. </p><p id="32TqkK">Clear from reports the preceding night was that while Brooks had competed most of his NCAA career at 184lbs, making 86Kg as a newly-minted 197lb Champ was going to be a new kind of challenge. This image from David Carr’s Instagram story supported it:</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="David Carr and Roman Bravo Young sitting on the mats in lorenzo with a figure (presumed to be Brooks) fully under a bed sheet." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8_3__eyVkiz2j3khbpYOelpPLDg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25423847/IMG_6435.PNG"> <cite>David Carr, Instagram</cite> </figure><p id="BYPOLU">The severity of the cut, per Brooks’ post-finals interview, was a full 12 pounds. He had to lose that after defeating Valencia at 10:45pm Friday and before 8am weigh-ins on Saturday. That cut may explain to some degree the closeness of his first match with Mirasola. But Aaron is a young man and he recovered quickly enough to come from behind and defeat Dieringer, then Valencia, both in dramatic fashion. </p><p id="a6yNoB">Then it was time to face the reigning World Champ Taylor in the best-of-three final. </p><p id="bvJzos">Aaron showed incredible defense against the Magic Man—he was able to stuff Taylor’s head and maintain balance to avoid conceding a single takedown in the series. He also demonstrated remarkable horsepower—throwing DT to his head early in the first, and forcing his considerable underhook game on the guy who’d defended underhooks the most successfully on earth in recent years. In the end, Brooks was clearly the best wrestler of bracket, and stands poised to bring home serious hardware from Paris.</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3NudrmvyZL7ofqNZ5xkkK-orNRU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25424013/Carter.jpg"> <cite>Nathaniel Rasmussen, Black Shoe Diaries</cite> <figcaption>Carter Starocci emotionally watches teammate Aaron Brooks square off for an Olympic Spot vs David Taylor</figcaption> </figure><div id="JdsnRk"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wC4yiVfPf8M?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div><div id="1eiRmc"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/obp0qC7CCQo?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-L-ciuVK5FjQsXdT2GLMCXPcCSI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25423978/86kg_OTT_bracket_upper.jpg"> <figcaption>86kg upper bracket for the Challenge Tournament portion of the 2024 USAW Olympic Team Trials, <a class="ql-link" href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/opentournaments/VerifyPassword.jsp?tournamentId=853157132" target="_blank">via Trackwrestling</a>.</figcaption> </figure> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aIgBe_t1Y49vu5NCWPDtShqjMmw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25423986/86kg_OTT_bracket_consi.jpg"> <figcaption>86kg consi bracket for the Challenge Tournament portion of the 2024 USAW Olympic Team Trials, <a class="ql-link" href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/opentournaments/VerifyPassword.jsp?tournamentId=853157132" target="_blank">via Trackwrestling</a>.</figcaption> </figure><h3 id="ZE6HUi">97Kg</h3><p id="WI523y">While intrigue has fluttered around the weight class since J’Den Cox announced his ascent to 97kg a few years ago—Kyle Snyder has stood tall among the challengers for almost a decade. Cox, former Snyder Buckeye teammate Kollin Moore, and Nate Jackson, among others, all wanted to flip the script. But Snyder is as consistent as they come.</p><div id="oynhuC"><div data-anthem-component="table:12319090"></div></div> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Jyydvg7O3nxofDJbUzazZ_EutQo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25424198/Snyder.jpg"> <cite>Nathaniel Rasmussen, Black Shoe Diaries</cite> <figcaption>Kyle Snyder walks away from the raised platform after clinching his place on his 3rd straight Olympic Team.</figcaption> </figure><p id="oThZA3">Kyle proved too much for the field once again. </p><p id="j3cqS3">Cox left his shoes on the mat, and NC-State’s Olympic-redshirting Trumble raised eyebrows in handling Moore. But at the end of the day, Kyle Sndyer brought too much to bring to bear on the field and he won two matches easily over the Wolfpack wrestler. </p><p id="rrf39u">Snyder spoke afterwards about how this competition is trying to find ways to replicate the success Bahrain’s Akhmed Tazhudinov used in chest-wrapping Kyle for big scores on his leg attacks—and how he’s having to adapt his style to meet them. Snyder should get another crack at Tazhudinov, in hopes of bringing home his 10th Olympic/World medal in his 10th attempt. What incredible consistency from the 28-year-old!</p><div id="ckDzS3"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g6Qt2mTzcYI?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div><div id="OYj49n"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XR207jZcY6U?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NkPabE49_njkHAbAl_jUhrjw_0U=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25423989/97kg_OTT_bracket.jpg"> <figcaption>97kg bracket for the Challenge Tournament portion of the 2024 USAW Olympic Team Trials, <a class="ql-link" href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/opentournaments/VerifyPassword.jsp?tournamentId=853157132" target="_blank">via Trackwrestling</a>.</figcaption> </figure><h3 id="TgUfKu">125Kg</h3><p id="fvdvMQ">Mason Parris’ world Bronze in 2023 parked him in the best-of-three finals in a field that included Penn State’s new NCAA Heavyweight Champ Greg Kerkvliet, prior world medalist Nick Gwiazdowski, and world-team rep Hayden Zilmer, among others.</p><div id="uMze6R"><div data-anthem-component="table:12319091"></div></div><p id="elvmJB">Kerkvliet is surely disappointed, but he remains to me one of the most exciting prospects for team USA at this weight class. He was out-savvied by two of the most experienced dudes we have in this bracket in Gwiz &amp; Bradley, and Greg’s physical gifts remain on the upswing. He’s very close to top of this ladder, and has time on his side.</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7ZlESlAr88Q7t_UohS0JSkoWUn0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25423996/125kg_OTT_bracket.jpg"> <figcaption>125kg bracket for the Challenge Tournament portion of the 2024 USAW Olympic Team Trials, <a class="ql-link" href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/opentournaments/VerifyPassword.jsp?tournamentId=853157132" target="_blank">via Trackwrestling</a>.</figcaption> </figure><h2 id="GFKsdm">The Takery - On OTT’s Multiheaded Monster of Purpose</h2><p id="j45Mut">The wrestling on display was 2nd-to-none in the world—so I can’t complain about anything, really. And ultimately, we have selected the best team possible to compete for gold in Paris. But I think experiencing it all first hand has raised some questions for me.</p><h3 id="y26HbX">Showcase: Home Team, or Team USA?</h3><p id="3c8bvJ">You put the best wrestling product in the nation on in front of the most used-to-success wrestling crowd in the nation, and I think there’s bound to be some tensions. </p><p id="wreDCD">At its peak, the crowd could be electrifying (the 2nd match between DT and AB comes to mind)—but it was always partisan, and at times completely disinterested. It was clear that a good portion of the wrestling media felt that sending USA legend Jordan Burroughs into the tunnel after what could possibly be his final match to a cascade of boo’s and boorish commentary was less than ideal. </p><p id="NMwN1I">If this event is supposed to showcase the best of USA, I think there may be a real question of hosting it in a very partisan location. Surely the competition held up its end of the bargain—and fans did what fans do (you can’t really find fault with that, in the aggregate). But I don’t think it’s reasonable to expect both to coexist in harmony. If an arena could be filled in Las Vegas, or Fort Worth, perhaps that would be ideal—can it though?</p><h3 id="05yVXy">Showcase: Fan-inviting Format, or Forced Exposure to Less-popular Styles?</h3><p id="7D37Lc">This event was looong. </p><p id="KM47il">The evening sessions were close to 5 hours. And much of that time, fans were asked to invest themselves as new fans of Greco-Roman wrestling, or of challengers to many of the Stars of Women’s Freestyle they knew little about. It’s another tension of purpose here that seems difficult to solve. </p><p id="ZRg8Ab">In spite of popular American opinion, Greco isn’t likely to be going anywhere on the world stage. Separating that competition, and possibly the Women’s Freestyle would surely create a more digestible product for the masses. But doing so would also further relegate those styles, and diminish their impact on inspiring tomorrow’s stars of those disciplines. I don’t have an answer here—this is a tall and possibly impossible balance to strike. But I found the number of fans I witnessed saying they won’t be attending anything like this in the future if the format holds alarming.</p><h3 id="qcdRcV">Showcase: The End of Beloved Careers?</h3><p id="f2vCp3">Another use of this biggest platform is to honor the remarkable journey that is a top-level wrestling career. From furtive dads sacrificing so much, to wild success at nearly every level, to a moment in time, your life-long dream recently crushed, when you realize your time on the mat has reached an end. </p><p id="i1ITbs">Many chose this peak of US competition the right place to announce this dramatic shift:</p><div id="d5PYsZ"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Forever Penn State WRESTLING.<br><br>Always our <a href="https://twitter.com/BaybeeMarky_PSU?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BaybeeMarky_PSU</a> .<br><br>Thank you for coming home to say goodbye.<br><br>Mark Hall...Nittany Lion Wrestler.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSUwr?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSUwr</a> <a href="https://t.co/8OKRaG34XE">pic.twitter.com/8OKRaG34XE</a></p>— Penn State WRESTLING (@pennstateWREST) <a href="https://twitter.com/pennstateWREST/status/1781791161373339768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2024</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><div id="gwCPG8"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E11nyxgcfoU?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div><div id="aekygl"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A standing ovation for a wrestling legend. <br><br>2016 Olympic bronze medalist J’Den Cox leaves his shoes on the mat. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WrestlingTrials24?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WrestlingTrials24</a> <a href="https://t.co/jmUEbUX67m">pic.twitter.com/jmUEbUX67m</a></p>— NBC Olympics &amp; Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCOlympics/status/1781471189577158685?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><div id="OBWnxb"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">2016 Olympic bronze medalist J'Den Cox explains his decision to retire at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WrestlingTrials24?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WrestlingTrials24</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/MATrix_8692?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MATrix_8692</a> <a href="https://t.co/gWvqqqphMM">pic.twitter.com/gWvqqqphMM</a></p>— NBC Olympics &amp; Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCOlympics/status/1781473135813878045?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2024</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><p id="kh7jxe">Other announcements trickled in after the competitor left the arena:</p><div id="eyWI1N"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hawkeye Alex Marinelli has announced his retirement from competition; will be going into coaching full-time. <a href="https://t.co/qmfptsHJUX">pic.twitter.com/qmfptsHJUX</a></p>— Justin Basch (@JustinJBasch) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinJBasch/status/1781817955447124169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2024</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><div id="g1iLo8"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">3x NCAA All-American Tyler Berger <a href="https://twitter.com/husker_157?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@husker_157</a>, currently with the <a href="https://twitter.com/pennsylvaniartc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pennsylvaniartc</a>, has announced he's retiring from wrestling and will be transitioning into MMA. <a href="https://t.co/u0O519cqdV">pic.twitter.com/u0O519cqdV</a></p>— Justin Basch (@JustinJBasch) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinJBasch/status/1784222043312955404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2024</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><div id="C6f2Nn"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dom Bradley is officially retiring at 35. <a href="https://twitter.com/DomBradley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DomBradley</a> has been a staple in the heavyweight field for a long time, 8x National Team Member! <br><br>He spoke with <a href="https://twitter.com/zzsmiller?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@zzsmiller</a> on his retirement, this past weekend, and more on <a href="https://twitter.com/GOhioCasts?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GOhioCasts</a> yesterday: <a href="https://t.co/vd0aIpXXUu">https://t.co/vd0aIpXXUu</a> <a href="https://t.co/7b04tMg94k">pic.twitter.com/7b04tMg94k</a></p>— Justin Basch (@JustinJBasch) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinJBasch/status/1783842043720257691?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2024</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><p id="zMyuEh">Still others remain an open question. Will Jordan Burroughs lace up his shoes again? Will David Taylor? </p><p id="ODwamR">Time will inform. </p><p id="N4LbpJ">I like the tradition of leaving shoes on the mat—but this sport is a ultimately deeply personal one, and I think many probably feel that right after defeat is not the time to make or announce such a decision. So I suppose it’s great for those who want to, and fine for those who choose another way.</p><h3 id="yS53kH">Focus on the Corner</h3><div id="vMKUXN"><div data-anthem-component="gallery:12320073"></div></div><p id="arGWnK">I’m fascinated how the PSU/NLWC coaches handle the very tricky but inevitable Lion-on-Lion crime in tournaments such as this. Pulling this into focus most perhaps, was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nyz77SPsCwY">the bitter end of Iowa Hawkeye’s Tony Ramos’ career</a> in Iowa city after 2016’s trials. Team PSU just seems to handle these difficult situations as well as any team can hope.</p><p id="jO3DOs">So here’s a quick glimpse into who cornered whom over the weekend (please note this isn’t 100% accurate—I thought I was being thorough in my notes, but missed 3 matches—I will update if/when I get a chance to double-check those):</p><div id="UqHRzd"><div data-anthem-component="table:12319943"></div></div><p id="SyddMb">I’m not sure there are any real surprises with this quick glimpse at the data. Guys have some favorites—but I in particular noted that Casey Cunningham was not to be seen during the DT/AB battles. That makes good sense—I think Casey is a beloved coach of both. Otherwise, things broke down how you might expect—especially with so many simultaneous PSU matches going on. </p><p id="KKNp4t">I may do a deeper statistical dive into the PSU performance at trials as a follow-up piece—let me know if that would be of value. A look into types/frequency of scores, etc.</p><h3 id="hvZJbH">Final Thoughts</h3><div id="fSoC0g"><div data-anthem-component="gallery:12319981"></div></div><p id="FUCMpg">I’ve admitted this weekend was emotionally grueling and physically taxing to take in to the extent that I did. But in the same spirit of those competitors’ hugs of appreciation with each other in the photos above, I must share my deep gratitude for my ability to be there for the BSD community. I will never forget my experiences, and I’m very grateful for JP and the gang for including me in this opportunity. Thanks fam!</p><p id="a3OHMJ"></p><p id="xcbplO"></p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2024/4/28/24136497/usa-wrestling-olympic-trials-10000ft-postview"/> <id>https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2024/4/28/24136497/usa-wrestling-olympic-trials-10000ft-postview</id> <author> <name>Nathaniel.Rasmussen</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-04-27T19:26:26-04:00</published> <updated>2024-04-27T19:26:26-04:00</updated> <title>Kalen King Selected by Green Bay Packers in Seventh Round</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: JAN 02 Rose Bowl Game" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/H-JSbLvh5y8hjwi0qPsmcSJZQeQ=/0x0:6290x4193/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73312462/1246003660.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>Welcome to the Frozen Tundra, Kalen!</p> <p id="s7XKxN">Cornerback Kalen King was selected by the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> in the seventh round of the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> on Saturday. King will join one of the youngest rosters in the NFL after being drafted as the No. 255 overall pick. </p><div id="4dzVK8"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Happy Valley → Green Bay<a href="https://twitter.com/KalenKing21__?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KalenKing21__</a> is joining the Packers <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAre?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAre</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/packers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Packers</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLDraft?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLDraft</a> <a href="https://t.co/IQMTZCnQH7">pic.twitter.com/IQMTZCnQH7</a></p>— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) <a href="https://twitter.com/PennStateFball/status/1784360133260136798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2024</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><p id="TtMqgu">King struggled in the 2023 season but is the eighth and final Penn State player to be selected in this year’s draft. He did not have an interception in 2023 but did have an impressive 2022 season, and if he can bounce back over the summer, he could be in play for a spot on the Packers’ depth chart.</p><p id="dbf4gV">Best of luck to Kalen in Green Bay! </p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2024/4/27/24143185/penn-state-nittany-lions-football-nfl-draft-kalen-king-green-bay-packers"/> <id>https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2024/4/27/24143185/penn-state-nittany-lions-football-nfl-draft-kalen-king-green-bay-packers</id> <author> <name>Colin_Murphy</name> </author> </entry></feed> If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:
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