CLEVELAND ― Levi Haines has etched his name in Penn State wrestling lore with yet another championship triumph.
The Biglerville High alumnus wrapped up an undefeated season by clinching his second NCAA title, this time at 174 pounds, in the Rocket Arena. His victory over Nebraska's Christopher Minto marked their third showdown in just two months.
Haines secured a gritty 2-1 win through sheer strength, unyielding defense, and relentless determination. It was clear from the outset that Haines was on a mission, and nothing was going to stand in his way.
With a perfect 26-0 season, Haines became the second Nittany Lion to claim a national title on Saturday night, following Mitchell Mesenbrink's victory at 165 pounds. This contributed to yet another record-setting performance for the team, as they clinched their fifth consecutive team championship and edged closer to breaking their own NCAA record for team points.
In a nail-biter against Minto, Haines once again proved his mettle. Their previous encounters this season had been equally tight, with Haines emerging victorious in both an 8-6 and another 2-1 decision.
Haines concludes his college career with an impressive 99-4 record, capturing four Big Ten Championships and national titles across different weight classes, having previously won at 157 pounds in the 2023-24 season.
Joining the elite company of Ed Ruth, Aaron Brooks, and David Taylor, Haines is one of only four Nittany Lions to secure four league titles. Taylor, his mentor and now the coach of Oklahoma State, has been a significant influence on his journey.
Remarkably, Haines gave up his senior year of high school, without the certainty of a Penn State scholarship, to train in State College with Taylor, coach Cael Sanderson, and a host of current and former Lions.
Reflecting on his journey after winning the Big Ten's two weeks ago, Haines expressed gratitude for his experiences. "I'm super grateful for my time here and I don’t focus too much on the four-title thing," he shared. "I hope that PIAA wrestlers who watch me compete see I compete hard and just appreciate the sport and are just willing to dream big.
"For a small-town kid, sometimes the hardest part is being willing to put it on the line and bet on yourself."