Mifflin County’s Trey Kibe verbally commits to Penn State Nittany Lions wrestling
A little over a week ago, Penn State wrestling received a commitment from Michigan’s Alex Facundo, who is considered the top 170-pound wrestler in the country according to Intermat and FloWrestling.
On Sunday, the Nittany Lions got a verbal commitment from the second-ranked wrestler in the weight class, as well. This one is from right in Penn State’s backyard.
Mifflin County’s Trey Kibe announced on his Instagram account that he verbally committed to the Nittany Lions. He chose Penn State over Virginia Tech, North Carolina State, Stanford and Lehigh.
“I’d say a big thing is the legacy of Penn State wrestling and all the resources they have,” Kibe told the Centre Daily Times. “I think they have some of the best coaches in the world on staff. Being part of a team like that, that I can chase my own goals of national titles and be part of a team that chases those goals.”
This is a decision that Kibe said he was just ready to make. He wanted to have his mind made up now, so he could focus on his wrestling for his senior year next season.
“I thought whenever I’m ready, I’ll be ready,” Kibe said. “I don’t need to wait any longer. I knew I wanted to go to Penn State, so I decided I’m going to Penn State.”
Kibe is 25-2 this season and has a connection to Centre County.
One of those losses came from St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy’s Tyler Stoltzfus in the illustrious Powerade Tournament in December. Stoltzfus topped Kibe 4-3 in the semifinals on the way to winning the title.
Kibe got his revenge though in the Ultimate Warrior Tournament at the end of January. Kibe topped Stoltzfus 2-1 in the finals, which still remains as the lone loss for Stoltzfus this season.
“It’s always exciting. We’ve wrestled four times and went 2-2,” Kibe said of the rivalry. “Every time it has been a good match. Every time we’ve wrestled I’ve looked forward to it and I’m sure he does to. It’s a good feeling to get the last one, too.”
Kibe continues the trend of Mifflin County High School wrestlers going to Division I schools.
Hayden Hidlay started the recent trend when he committed to North Carolina State. Penn State fans know him well as he faced off with Jason Nolf in the 2018 NCAA finals, and nearly kept Nolf from claiming his third title last year.
His younger brother Trent Hidlay committed to the Wolfpack two seasons ago. The Hidlay brothers have played a big part in N.C. State’s rise on the college wrestling scene.
“I think our guys have been doing really well, not only the Hidlays but me as well,” Kibe said of Mifflin County’s success. “There are plenty of other guys coming up. It’s just a product of the right coaches and the kids doing the right thing. All of my teammates are working hard along with me. I think there is a lot of kids that have chances to go to big places as well.”
One thing that Kibe is most excited about is being able to stay close to home. The school is only 32.5 miles away from Rec Hall, so if Kibe does sign his National Letter of Intent next season to wrestle with the Nittany Lions, friends and family don’t have to travel too far to watch him compete.
“I have had so many people just say, ‘There is going to be so many people that know you and rooting for you. If you go there, I’m getting tickets,’“ Kibe said. “It’s great to have that hometown fan base behind me. It’s really a great feeling.”
This story was originally published February 16, 2020 at 3:48 PM.
