Nittany Lion Wrestling Club

Zain Retherford Secures Olympic Spot for Team USA at 65kg

2024-05-18

The Nittany Lion Wrestling Club (NLWC) proudly announces that Zain Retherford has qualified for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris at the 65 kg weight class. Retherford's remarkable journey to the Olympics was cemented after a stellar performance at the Last Chance Olympic Qualifier in Istanbul, where he secured a crucial victory over Niurgun Skriabin of Belarus in his final match.

This accomplishment adds Retherford to the elite list of Penn State representatives at the upcoming Olympics, joining fellow Nittany Lion Aaron Brooks. Brooks earned his Olympic spot by defeating former Penn State wrestler David Taylor at the Olympic Team Trials for Wrestling held in the Bryce Jordan Center this past April.

Retherford's path to the Olympics has been a testament to his perseverance and skill. After triumphing in his weight class at the team trials, Retherford faced the daunting task of qualifying the weight category for the country. His journey in Istanbul began with strong victories in his first two bouts. However, a setback came in his third match, where he fell to Tulga Tumur-Ochir of Mongolia. Despite this, Retherford's Olympic dreams were reignited when Tumur-Ochir advanced to the finals, allowing Retherford to enter the repechage bracket.

In the repechage, Retherford showcased his resilience and determination. He embarked on a winning streak, defeating four consecutive opponents, culminating in his decisive victory over Skriabin. This win not only secured the 65 kg weight class for Team USA but also earned Retherford his well-deserved spot in Paris.

Retherford's qualification marks a significant achievement for Penn State wrestling, which will now have two representatives competing on the global stage at the 2024 Olympics. His success also highlights the strength and depth of the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club, which continues to produce world-class athletes capable of competing at the highest levels.

In Istanbul, Retherford was accompanied by another notable American wrestler, Spencer Lee, a former Iowa Hawkeye. Lee also secured his Olympic berth with a victory in the semifinals over Rakhat Kalzhan of Kazakhstan. Both Retherford and Lee have established themselves as key members of Team USA's freestyle wrestling squad, bringing their exceptional talents to the Olympic mat.

As the excitement builds for the upcoming Olympics, Retherford and Lee will continue their rigorous training and preparation. The men’s freestyle wrestling competition at the Olympics is set to begin on August 8, where Retherford will compete for Olympic glory and aim to bring home a medal for Team USA.

The entire Nittany Lion Wrestling Club community extends its heartfelt congratulations to Zain Retherford on his incredible achievement. His journey from collegiate wrestling standout to Olympian is an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers everywhere. The NLWC is immensely proud to have such a dedicated and talented athlete representing both the club and the country on the world stage.

Stay tuned for more updates on Retherford's road to the Olympics and other exciting news from the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club.

NLWC Puts Four on 2024 USA Olympic Team

2024-04-21

The Nittany Lion Wrestling Club will once again have a strong presence at the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024.

Zain Retherford (65kg), Kyle Dake (74kg), Aaron Brooks (86kg) and Kyle Snyder (97kg) have all made the 2024 USA Men's Freestyle Olympic Team.

Previously qualified, Roman Bravo-Young (57kg) will also be competing for the NLWC with Mexico.

Mark Hall Wins Junior World Championships!

2017-08-01

Current Penn State wrestler Mark Hall who competed under the NLWC banner when he won the U.S. Junior National Championships and the U.S. Junior World Team Trials won his second consecutive Junior World Championship today.

David Taylor and Zain Retherford Dominate at Beat the Streets!

2017-05-17

NLWC Resident Athlete David Taylor and Zain Retherford (representing the NLWC at this event) both won last evening in Times Square at the New York City "Beat the Streets" event. David won by first period fall, and Zain won a by decision, 8-2. Both David and Zain have been dominant in 2017. David was undefeated at the World Cup where he defeated three Olympic Medalists and recently won the U.S. Open. He's currently ranked 6th in the World at 189 lbs. Zain won his second NCAA title in March, and earned the Hodge Trophy.

David Taylor wins U.S. Open National Freestyle Championship

2017-04-30

David Taylor wins U.S. Open National Freestyle Championship/Earns Outstanding Wrestler Award and Mark Hall wins Junior Freestyle National Championship/Earns Outstanding Wrestler Award

NLWC Resident Athlete David Taylor dominated the 86 kg/189 lbs. weight class on his way to a National Title and Outstanding Wrestler award. David defeated Richard Perry in the finals with a 10-0 technical fall. He won by technical fall or pin over each of his 5 opponents. With his victories this weekend, David has now won 16 consecutive matches at the Senior level.

Frank Molinaro and Franklin Gomez compete in RIO!

2016-08-10

Can get up to date info at www.themat.com and www.flowrestling.org

Olympic Schedule at the Link below

http://www.flowrestling.org/article/44434-2016-olympic-wrestling-schedule

US Open Preview!

2015-12-16

U.S. Senior National Championships/Olympic Trials Qualifier

The U.S. Senior National Championships which is also a 2016 Olympic Trials qualifier will take place this weekend in Las Vegas. The top 7 place finishers in each of the six freestyle weight classes will qualify for the Olympic Trials in April. The NLWC Regional Training Center will be represented by five Resident Athletes and 2 U.S. Army WCAP Athletes.

2016 State College Youth Tournament-Feb 28, 2016

2015-12-15

The 2016 State College Youth Tournament will take place on Sunday, Feb 28! Click HERE for details.

2015 US Open Results

2015-05-10

David Taylor earned 1st place at 74 kg (163 lbs.) at the U.S. Open National Championships. David had a superb tournament defeating Richard McCarty (Gator) by fall in 0:27, Jacob Butenhoff (Columbia Bason Wrestling) by fall in 0:23, Nestor Taffur (Princeton Amateur Wr) by technical fall 10-0, Tyler Caldwell (Sunkist Kids Wrestling) by technical fall 12-2 in the semi finals, and Andrew Howe (NYAC) by decision 2-0 in the finals .

2015 Dave Schultz Memorial

2015-01-26

Quentin Wright (86kg) will be representing the NLWC at this weekends Dave Schultz Memorial Tournament on Friday, January 30, 2015. Follow results at www.trackwrestling.com. Click on "Trackwrestling Events" and then "Popular Tournaments". Search for the 2015 Dave Schultz Memorial Touranment and click on to view results.