All-American Drew Hildebrandt’s name added to Penn State wrestling’s roster at 125 pounds
Penn State wrestling may have an answer for one of the lingering questions in its lineup: 125 pounds.
After much speculation and rumors, Central Michigan transfer Drew Hildebrandt’s name appeared on Penn State’s official roster on Wednesday. Penn State has not yet responded to a request for comment and confirmation.
Hildebrandt placed fourth at last season’s NCAA Championships to earn All-American status. He went 14-2 last season, with his two losses coming at NCAAs. One of his losses was an 11-0 major decision to would-be champion, Iowa’s Spencer Lee. Lee was a co-winner of the Hodge Trophy as the nation’s best collegiate wrestler.
Hildebrandt, of Granger, Indiana, has a career record of 83-33.
The addition of the sixth-year senior would give some much-needed stability to the 125-pound weight class, where Penn State has been struggling to find a solution since last year’s starter Robert Howard has been out recovering from offseason surgery. So far this season, Penn State has been rotating between Penns Valley grad Baylor Shunk (3-3) and Bucknell transfer Jake Campbell (0-4) at the weight class.
If Hildebrandt earns the starting job, he’ll be the sixth All-American in Penn State’s lineup, joining Roman Bravo-Young, Nick Lee, Carter Starocci, Aaron Brooks, Max Dean and Greg Kerkvliet, and seventh on the roster, with Michael Beard.
The 8-0 Nittany Lions will be back in action as a team on Jan. 7 when they travel to Maryland to open their Big Ten slate.
