Wrestling finishes 18th at NCWA Nationals

The Penn State Mont Alto wrestling team finished up its 2021-22 season with the National Collegiate Wrestling Association National Championships in Allen, Texas on March 10-12. Penn State Mont Alto had six qualifying wrestlers in the tournament, finishing 18th place out of 64 competing teams. 

Luke Lardarello won the program's first national championship, going a perfect 6-0 at 174 pounds. He defeated top-seeded Grigol Khochiashvili in overtime by decision, 3-2. Lardarello finished his sophomore campaign with a overall record of 34-9.

Matt Deysher competed at 133 pounds. Deysher lost via fall to Michael Hazleton (Macomb CC) in the opening round. He went on to defeat Raymond Zhuo in the consolation bracket. Deysher defeated Ethan Coyle (James Madison) by decision before ending his season via fall to Beckett Herman (UMASS). Deysher went 2-2 at nationals and finished his season with a 10-21 record.

Connor McCabe competed at 141 pounds, going 0-2 in the tournament. He lost via fall to Thomas McCane (Florida) and Ty Owens (North Texas). He finishes his season with an overall record of 3-14.

Senior Bryce Palamar finished his season going 2-2 in the national tournament at 149 pounds. He finished his season with a 9-13 overall record. He defeated Evrit Roy (Bath Iron Works) and Antonio Vaquiz (Stony Brook) over the weekend.

Ron Schilpp qualified for the NCWA tournament at 164 pounds, dropping both of his matches over the weekend. He lost to Charles Roche (Central Florida) via fall and lost a 7-5 decision to Darius Govan (East Carolina). Schilpp finished his season with a 11-16 record.

Nick Kostyak finished his season by going 2-2 at 184 pounds. He won his first two matches defeating Anthony Pina (Washington) and Jason Rehberg (Central Florida) via fall. In the sweet 16 round, he lost a 8-6 decision to Tim Saunders (USC). He lost via fall to Brent Barefoot (UNLV) in the consolation bracket. Kostyak finished his season with an overall record of 27-13.