UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; May 2, 2022 – Several members of the Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team and Penn State's Olympic RTC excelled at the 2022 U.S. Open in Las Vegas this past weekend. True freshman Alex Facundo (Essexville, Mich.) led the way by winning the U20 National Freestyle Championship 74 kg title and was named the tournament's Outstanding Wrestler for his efforts.
Facundo went 7-0 by scores of 11-0, 10-0, 14-4, 8-1, 11-0 and 9-0 to win the crown and earn O.W. honors. Facundo was one of four current Nittany Lions competing at the event. Sophomore Robbie Howard (Cranford, N.J.) lost his first match at 57 kg and then stormed the consolation bracket, picking up an amazing eight straight wins to place third, winning the bronze medal with an 8-1 mark. True freshman Gary Steen (Hermitage, Pa.) went 7-2 in the U20 57 kg bracket to place seventh as well, a strong performance for the first year Nittany Lion. True freshman Lucas Cochran (Perry, Utah) wrestled in the U20 86 kg bracket and, while not placing, had a strong showing with a 3-2 record.
Three members of the Penn State Olympic RTC also competed in the Senior Freestyle National Championship, with each bringing home medals. Former Nittany Lion Jason Nolf dominated the 74 kg weight class, going 5-0 to win the 2022 title. He won by scores of 10-0, 10-0, 7-0, 10- and 11-0. The RTC's Josh Rodriguez went 4-1 at 61 kg to bring home the silver medal. Jenn Page-Rogers brought home silver at 62 kg, dropping a tough match to Kayla Miracle in the gold medal bout.
Three former Nittany Lions competed at the event as well. Former Nittany Lion Nico Megaludis won the Senior Freestyle 61 kg title with a hard-fought 3-1 win over Rodriguez in the finals. Former Lion Mark Hall also won an individual title, rolling to the 86 kg championship. Former Penn Stater Vincenzo Joseph took home the silver medal at 79 kg.
Penn State is coming off winning its ninth NCAA team title in the last 11 years under head coach Cael Sanderson, crowning five NCAA Champions and six All-Americans in the process. The Nittany Lions went 17-0 during the dual meet season and won the 2022 Big Ten Regular Season Championship with an 8-0 conference mark.
The 2021-22 Penn State Wrestling season is presented by the Family Clothesline. Penn State Fans are encouraged to follow Penn State wrestling via twitter at @pennstateWREST, on Penn State Wrestling's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pennstatewrestling and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/pennstatewrest. This is PENN STATE. WRESTLING lives here.
