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Real American Freestyle to hold its second event at Penn State

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 4th 2025 at 16:41 GMT by Penn Live
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Real American Freestyle Returns to Penn State for a Second‑Time Showcase

In the fall of 2025, Penn State’s campus buzzed with the roar of grappling mats and the clink of championship belts as Real American Freestyle (RAF) staged the second of its signature freestyle wrestling events at the university. The 25‑year‑old NCAA power‑house—home to some of the country’s most respected wrestlers—offered an ideal backdrop for a showcase that blends grassroots enthusiasm with elite competition.

The event, held on Monday, September 14th in the university’s newly renovated Dorney Field House, drew a record 68 competitors from across the Mid‑Atlantic and beyond. The program, run by local sports entrepreneur and former collegiate wrestler Mike “Mighty” Daniels, aimed to give high‑school wrestlers, club athletes, and even seasoned college seniors a taste of high‑level freestyle competition without the bureaucratic hurdles of a traditional tournament.

The first RAF event in 2024 had taken place at the University of Maryland’s Muir Hall, and it was widely hailed as “a breath of fresh air” by local media. In that inaugural tournament, 45 athletes competed in 12 weight classes, and the event was praised for its family‑friendly atmosphere, free admission, and the fact that all proceeds were donated to youth wrestling scholarships. That success convinced Daniels that Penn State, with its deep wrestling pedigree, was a natural fit for a second outing.

The Big Night

At 2:30 p.m., the crowd filled the 4,200‑seat arena, with Penn State fans and local community members alike. The event opened with an introductory speech by Dr. Emily Carver, the university’s Director of Athletics, who highlighted the importance of cross‑disciplinary partnerships. “We’re thrilled to host Real American Freestyle,” she said, “because they’re creating an inclusive space that supports both the sport’s tradition and its future growth.”

The tournament featured 12 weight categories ranging from 125 lbs to 285 lbs. The opening bouts were dominated by local high‑school talent. In the 125‑lb bracket, Jack Reynolds of Abington Senior High took a 4‑0 decision over Kevin Patel of Northampton, while in the 285‑lb division, the senior‑class hero Dylan “The Titan” Thompson of Harrisburg’s Central High dominated his opponent with a 10‑0 technical fall.

The evening’s most surprising outcome came in the 145‑lb bracket, where Nina “Nimble” Kim, a 16‑year‑old from a nearby public school, upset the 18‑year‑old favorite Luis Torres of St. Joseph’s Prep. Kim’s swift takedown in the second period and her strategic use of exposure points earned her a 5‑1 win, earning her a podium spot and a promise of a scholarship for the following season.

A Community‑Built Event

Unlike most collegiate tournaments, RAF’s event is intentionally low‑cost. While the university covers the venue, the organizers provide all the mats, mats rental, and technical staff. Daniels explained that the goal was to “lower the barrier for young athletes.” “We want kids who are passionate about wrestling, but don’t have the resources to attend a traditional college tournament, to have an unforgettable experience,” he told the post‑tournament press briefing.

The event also featured a “Meet the Coaches” area where parents and fans could talk to coaches from Penn State’s wrestling team, including current head coach Brian Johnson and assistant Lori McMahon. Johnson lauded RAF’s approach, saying, “Their format encourages a healthy competitive spirit and showcases wrestling’s artistry. I encourage any student wrestler to consider participating.”

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Daniels announced that RAF plans to hold a third event at a different Mid‑Atlantic campus within the next 12 months. “We’re in talks with the University of Delaware, Syracuse, and even a high school in Baltimore,” he said. He also hinted at a potential partnership with the United States Wrestling Federation to organize a national-level showcase later in the year.

Penn State officials are equally excited about the long‑term impact. Dr. Carver remarked, “These events serve as a pipeline, connecting community talent to collegiate opportunities. We’ll be monitoring how many participants pursue collegiate scholarships, and we hope to formalize a partnership that nurtures that progression.”

The event concluded with a closing ceremony, where the winners were awarded trophies engraved with the RAF logo and a Penn State pennant. A video montage highlighted moments of dramatic pins and technical submissions, underscoring the event’s commitment to celebrating wrestling’s dynamic nature.

Community Impact

Beyond the competition, the night was a testament to the growing popularity of freestyle wrestling in the United States. The event’s free admission policy and partnership with local schools helped draw families who might otherwise have remained unaware of the sport. According to Nina Kim’s parents, who had never attended a wrestling event before, the evening provided a new avenue for their daughter to pursue her passion. “It was amazing to see her compete against some of the best wrestlers in the state,” her mother said. “And the fact that she can keep doing this without worrying about costs is a huge relief.”

The success of the second event demonstrates that real‑world, community‑oriented tournaments can thrive on university campuses, especially when they align with both institutional values and the broader goals of local sports organizations. As the wrestling community continues to grow, Real American Freestyle’s model could well become a staple of the collegiate sports calendar, bringing together tradition, talent, and opportunity under one roof.