Sad news as Penn State officially announced the departure of two wrestlers few minutes ago due to…
In a recent announcement, Penn State’s wrestling program confirmed the departure of two athletes, marking significant changes for the team. The first is veteran 165-pounder Terrell Barraclough, who entered the transfer portal in April 2024 after five seasons with the Nittany Lions. Despite his tenure, Barraclough had one year of eligibility remaining due to the 2020 COVID season. His decision was influenced by the team’s depth in his weight class and his desire for more competitive opportunities. citeturn0search3
The second departure involves Mason Gibson, a star from Bishop McCourt High School, who withdrew his commitment from Penn State in April 2024. Gibson had initially committed to Cornell but later chose Penn State. However, he announced his decision to reopen his recruitment, thanking Penn State for their understanding and ending the process on good terms. citeturn0search4
These departures are part of a series of changes affecting Penn State’s wrestling program. Notably, David Taylor, a legendary figure in the sport, left Penn State to become the head coach at Oklahoma State. This move prompted reactions from current wrestlers, including Carter Starocci, who expressed concerns about Taylor’s loyalty to the program. citeturn0search6 Additionally, Greg Kerkvliet, the 2024 NCAA champion at 285 pounds, has expressed interest in transitioning to professional MMA, indicating potential shifts in the team’s lineup. citeturn0search11
These developments underscore the dynamic nature of collegiate wrestling, with athletes and coaches making decisions that significantly impact team compositions and future prospects.
