Penn State Wrestlers Chase Gold at U23 World Championships in Serbia

Two Penn State wrestlers are competing for medals at the U23 World Wrestling Championships. The event is happening this weekend in Novi Sad, Serbia. Mitchell Mesenbrink and Josh Barr represented Team USA on Friday. Three more Nittany Lions begin their tournaments on Saturday.

Their performances are critical for the United States’ medal count. This prestigious event showcases the next generation of international wrestling talent.

Mesenbrink Dominates Path to Gold Medal Match

Mitchell Mesenbrink will wrestle for a gold medal on Saturday. He earned his spot in the 74-kilogram final with a dramatic semifinal win. He defeated Japan’s Yoshinosuke Aoyagi by a score of 7-4.

The match was tied with only 20 seconds remaining. Mesenbrink secured a late takedown to clinch the victory. His aggressive style and conditioning were the difference makers.

He was dominant throughout the day. Mesenbrink won his first three matches by technical fall or pin. He outscored those opponents by a combined 22-2.

His opponent in the final is Turkey’s Muhammed Ozmus. Mesenbrink enters the gold medal match as the heavy favorite. According to Reuters’ sports desk, his relentless pace makes him a difficult matchup for any competitor.

Barr’s Bronze Medal Chance Hinges on Injury Status

Penn State’s Josh Barr also competed at 92 kilograms. He won his first match by technical fall. His tournament then took a difficult turn in the quarterfinals.

Barr faced a tough loss to Iran’s Mohammad Mobin Azimi. He appeared to sustain an injury late in the match. The extent of the injury is currently unclear.

Because Azimi advanced to the gold medal match, Barr is eligible for the repechage round. This gives him a chance to wrestle back for a bronze medal. His ability to compete on Saturday is uncertain.

Team USA medical staff will evaluate him overnight. A decision on his status is expected before the session begins. This situation is important for both Team USA and Penn State’s upcoming collegiate season.

Three More Nittany Lions Set for Day 2 Action

The tournament continues Saturday with three more Penn State athletes. Luke Lilledahl, PJ Duke, and Levi Haines will all begin their competitions. They are all considered strong contenders for medals.

Lilledahl is a favorite at 57 kilograms. He has already won world titles at younger age levels. His quest for another gold begins against a wrestler from China.

PJ Duke and Levi Haines face challenging paths. Haines has a particularly difficult first-round match against a defending Iranian champion. These matches will test the Nittany Lions’ elite training.

The performances at the U23 World Championships underscore Penn State’s status as a wrestling powerhouse. Their success on the international stage continues to build a formidable legacy for the program.

Info at your fingertips

What time are the medal matches?

The medal matches are scheduled to begin at Noon Eastern Time. They will be streamed live on the official UWW broadcasting platform.

Is Josh Barr wrestling for bronze?

Josh Barr is eligible for the repechage and a bronze medal, but his status is unclear due to an injury sustained during his quarterfinal match. A final decision will be made by medical staff.

How many Penn State wrestlers are competing?

Five Penn State wrestlers are representing Team USA at the U23 World Championships. Mitchell Mesenbrink and Josh wrestled Friday, while three others compete Saturday.

Who is Mitchell Mesenbrink’s finals opponent?

Mesenbrink will face Muhammed Ozmus of Turkey for the 74-kilogram gold medal. Ozmus advanced to the final through the opposite side of the bracket.

Where can I watch the matches?

All matches are streamed live on the United World Wrestling website and its associated apps. A subscription may be required to access the live stream.