What does Beau Bartlett's return for another season mean for Penn State wrestling in 2024-2025?
With the blast of a single social media post, two-time Penn State All-American Beau Bartlett announced to the college wrestling world that he was returning to the Nittany Lions for one more college season. The Tempe, Ariz., native, who started his career at 149 pounds, finished third and second at 141 pounds during the last two national tournaments, respectively. He could have moved on to his post-writing life. Similarly, Bartlett could have decided to solely pursue his International freestyle career, which seems to be his favorite between it and folkstyle, which is college wrestling, of course. Instead, Bartlett is coming back to chase an elusive first title. Here are the three ways it impacts the Lions in 2024-2025.
1. The Lions have a guaranteed leader in the room
Considering the fact that eight of 10 starters from the 2023-2024 team could return, it may seem like this is not that big of a deal. But, from our perspective, it is. Depending on the stay-or-go decisions made by 174-pounder Carter Starocci and heavyweight Greg Kerkvliet, Penn State could have as many as four new starters in 2024-2025. And, based on some redshirt decisions that will face second-year 125-pound Nittany Lion Braeden Davis and 149-pound sophomore-to-be Tyler Kasak, that number could balloon even higher.
Bartlett is well respected inside and outside of the Lorenzo Wrestling Complex. He can relate to all sorts of teammates, from those who might be going on a road dual meet trip for the first time to those competing at a weight class different from their preferred one to the team’s most successful and accomplished members. His engaging personality, clear vision of what he wants to accomplish, and positive outlook will all be boons for his teammates this fall.
2. Bartlett’s return gives Penn State flexibility
Kasak started 2023-2024 as a 141-pound competitor. But, when All-American Shayne Van Ness suffered a season-ending injury in December, it led the Pa., native to bump up to 149. Is that where he, and Penn State, truly want him to be long-term? It’s hard to say at the moment. But, we know he won’t be returning to 141 for at least one more season.
That means the Lions have the flexibility to redshirt him, if they so desire, to give him a year to prepare for whatever weight they deem is best for his and the team’s future. After making a torrid run through the consolation bracket at NCAAs to finish third, it might seem odd to even suggest that a redshirt year is in his best interest. But, there’s a good chance that it is, and Bartlett’s return, along with Van Ness’ seemingly strong recovery timeline, should allow for it if that’s the path Cael Sanderson and co., think is best.
3. It never hurts to return an All-American
Six of Penn State’s eight All-Americans from 2023-2024 can return if they choose to do so. Bartlett is, of course, one who has opted to do so. It will bolster the middle of the Lions’ lineup that, as we noted above, could see some change from what it looked like last year. We’ll dive into what exactly could be moved around in the days and weeks ahead. But, no team is ever going to be disappointed about returning a multi-time place winner at nationals.
