Penn State wrestling picks up new commitment from four-time PIAA medalist
Penn State wrestling picked up a new commitment on Tuesday night.
Connor Pierce, who was a four-time PIAA medalist and 138-pounder at Harbor Creek High, announced that he would take the mat next for head coach Cael Sanderson’s Nittany Lions.
“After a long journey, I am excited to announce that I will be furthering my academic and athletic career at The Pennsylvania State University,” Pierce wrote on social media. “I would like to thank everyone who helped me along the way.”
Pierce is the second senior to announce that he would join the Penn State wrestling program ahead of the 2022-2023 season. Levi Haines, who was 100-5 in high school and a PIAA state champ in 2021, will also be in the room this fall. He forewent his senior prep season and instead wrestled well in open tournaments while preparing for his State College arrival. However, Pierce took a different track, of course. And, he accomplished quite a bit.
Tracing Connor Pierce’s high school career
Pierce is certainly no stranger to success at the high school level.
The latest Penn State commit finished his prep career with a mark of 139-18 at the Class 2A level in Pennsylvania. That includes a 37-1 senior season that led him to a second-place finish at the GIANT Center in Hershey during the recently completed state championships back in March. He lost the title match to now two-time state champ Ryan Crookham of Saucon Valley by decision, 5-1. But, he did so with a mindset that Penn State wrestling fans will appreciate.
“I didn’t really feel the pressure of (the match) being a state final,” Pierce told GoErie.com.
“I was just waiting to put it on the line, just like any other match.”
All told, Pierce finished seventh, seventh, fourth, and second at states. He also was a three-time district and regional champ. Per PA-Wrestling.com, he racked up 82 falls and 12 technical falls over four seasons. And, 14 of his 18 losses came only by decision.
It’s unclear which other schools were in play besides the Lions.
How will Pierce fit in at Penn State?
Penn State has many accomplished Pennsylvania natives on its roster. Pierce is the latest.
Considering the fact that he wrestled at 138 pounds in high school, it’s likely that Pierce will either drop to 133 pounds or bump up slightly to 141 pounds in college.
All told, Pierce is another quality addition for the Nittany Lions as Sanderson continues to add talent to his room.
