Five Nittany Lions Set to Dominate U.S. Senior World Team Trials in Louisville — Final X Spots on the Line
LOUISVILLE, KY — The road to Final X and a place on Team USA heats up today as five Penn State Nittany Lions/PSU RTC wrestlers take center stage at the 2025 U.S. Senior World Team Trials. Held at the Kentucky International Convention Center, the two-day event promises fireworks as some of the nation’s most elite talent grapples for a shot at world glory.
The lineup from Happy Valley is as formidable as it is star-studded: Beau Bartlett (65 kg), Levi Haines (79 kg), Carter Starocci (86 kg), Josh Barr (92 kg), and Olympic champion Kyle Dake (86 kg) are all slated to compete—each carrying serious momentum and championship pedigree.
🔥 Beau Bartlett – 65 kg
The dynamic and ever-improving Bartlett comes in riding high off a stellar NCAA season where he earned All-American honors. Known for his cat-quick re-attacks and relentless motor, Bartlett faces a loaded bracket but is drawing praise for his refined mat strategy and technical versatility.
“I’m not just here to qualify,” Bartlett said in a pre-tournament interview. “I’m here to take over. Final X is the next step.”
🔥 Levi Haines – 79 kg
At just 20 years old, Haines has already become a household name in freestyle circles. His blend of upper-body power and mat IQ has made him one of the most feared young wrestlers in the country. He’ll face several veterans in Louisville, but insiders believe Haines’ pace and creativity could be too much to handle.
“He’s got gears other guys don’t,” PSU RTC coach Cody Sanderson said. “He’s dangerous every second of every match.”
🔥 Carter Starocci – 86 kg
Perhaps the biggest draw of the Trials, Starocci—a three-time NCAA champion—is stepping back onto the freestyle scene with a mission. Though he shares the weight class with teammate Kyle Dake, the two will not face off unless both make it to Final X, where only one can represent the U.S. at Worlds.
“There’s a difference between being good and being the best in the world,” Starocci said. “I didn’t come here for anything less.”
🔥 Josh Barr – 92 kg
One of Penn State’s newest collegiate stars, Barr will make his senior-level debut this weekend. A two-time age-group national champion, Barr enters as an underdog but not an unknown. His explosive double-leg and scrambling ability have already earned whispers of “future star.”
Don’t be surprised if Barr makes a deep run and shakes up this bracket.
🔥 Kyle Dake – 86 kg
A four-time World champion and Olympic bronze medalist, Kyle Dake is the headliner. With a resume rivaling the greatest ever in U.S. wrestling, Dake is not only expected to make Final X but also to dominate. That said, his presence creates a dramatic subplot: he and Starocci train together, push each other daily—and may soon have to battle for the lone spot on Team USA.
When asked about the looming teammate clash, Dake responded coolly: “Iron sharpens iron. If it comes to that, we’ll make history.”
🎯 What’s at Stake?
The winners in each weight class this weekend will punch their ticket to Final X in June, the final step in the U.S. World Team selection process. From there, champions will represent the United States at the 2025 Senior World Championships in Belgrade, Serbia.
The Nittany Lions are more than just contenders—they’re the nucleus of American freestyle wrestling’s future. With five elite athletes primed for the big stage, don’t be surprised if Louisville becomes yet another chapter in Penn State’s growing legacy of global wrestling dominance.
Let the Trials begin.
