“As the newest recipient of the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award, Marcus joins an elite group of young men whose achievements reflect the very best of our sport,” he added. “We look forward to seeing all that he will accomplish in the future as he continues to embody the values and spirit this award represents.”
Blaze is the first Penn State incoming freshman to win the honor since 2021. Now former Nittany Lion Alex Facundo (who is now at Oklahoma State) claimed it in 2021. Other Penn State wrestlers to earn the award right before starting their college careers include Mark Hall in 2016, Zain Retherford (2013), Morgan McIntosh (2011), and David Taylor (2009).
Blaze is also the award’s Midwest region and Ohio honoree this year. Fellow Class of 2025 teammate PJ Duke took the New York state honor. He is also the Northeast region award recipient.
