Rella, who went 21-13 as a rookie at 165 this year, took the crown at 74 kg pounds after downing Ryan Patrovich of the New York Athletic Club 3-2, 1-0 in the finals. Rella was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Wrestler for his efforts. Classmate Jenkins, who went 23-12 and was a national qualifier at 157 as a rookie, took the title at 70 kg with a 3-0, 2-2, 4-1 win over Matt Ballweg of the Hawkeye Wrestling Club.
Three other Nittany Lions earned places at the event as well. Freshman Eric Caschera (South Williamsport, Pa.) placed fourth at 50 kg and red-shirt freshman Mike Ward (Mayfield, Ohio) finished sixth at 79 kg. Heavyweight Stefan Tighe (Erie, Pa.), wrestling at the event for the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club, finished third at 120 kg.
Current Penn State Director of Wrestling Operations Adam Smith placed fifth at 55 kg in the ASICS U.S. National Championships, which was held concurrently with junior nationals. Former Nittany Lion All-American Pat Cummins was seventh at 120 kg as well.
Penn State's two Junior National Champions have qualified for the Pan Am Junior games later this summer. Wrestlers finishing in the top six are now eligible to attend camp in Colorado in May and can participate final team trials for the FILA Junior World Team.
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