Even though Penn State is still on its winter break, 11 wrestlers took to the mats this weekend at the Southern Scuffle in Chattanooga, Tenn., and the Edinboro Open.
Four Nittany Lions were able to earn titles at their respective tournaments — three alone at the prestigious Southern Scuffle.
Zack Ryder (184 pounds), Connor Mirasola (197) and Cole Mirasola (285) were the winners in Tennessee. Cael Nasdeo (141) stayed close to home and got the crown in Edinboro.
Connor Pierce (149) reached the finals at the Southern Scuffle as Sam Becket (174) was in the finals at the Edinboro Open. Kurt McHenry (5th, 125) was another placewinner for Penn State in Tennessee.
The Nittany Lions finished tied for second with the Oklahoma team at the Southern Scuffle with 126.5 points. Army West Point won the team title with 132.5 points.
Ryder and the Mirasolas each cruised to the semifinals.
Ryder outscored his opponents, 32-6. In the semifinals, he pinned Virginia Tech’s TJ Stewart, who is ranked No. 25, in 4:06. Ryder controlled his finals match with Northern Colorado’s AJ Heeg to a 6-1 win.