Josh Barr, a four-time Michigan state champion with a 131-1 career record, thought he would weigh 174 pounds when he arrived to Penn State in the fall of 2023.
Barr thought he could be comfortable in terms of weight, but he wasn’t definitely a starter since someone named Carter Starocci had that class figured out.
He was competing in several competitions as a true freshman during that time, weighing in at 184 pounds. It lasted for roughly two months. After a year, he’s losing a few pounds to reach 197.
Holy cow is the only thing that can be said. And that’s because he really purchased a cow from the father of teammate Tyler Kasak, and he began consuming red meat, eggs, potatoes, and rice while wrestling, lifting weights, and consuming a lot of protein.
Tyler and I have a close friendship. When I was in high school, I would come up here and stay with Tyler after I was able to enter the regional training center (RTC) for a few practices and other activities, Barr said.
When I moved here, I discovered that his dad would want to simply drive up beef, so I thought, “Hey, I just bought a cow, and it’s all good.” I also became good friends with him and knew that he had a farm back home (in Doylestown).
Barr said he felt fine at 184, but the weight gain felt even better. Barr is scheduled to start against Lehigh at 2 p.m. Sunday at Allentown’s PPL Center against former Penn State All-America Michael Beard.
Although Penn State coach Cael Sanderson stated on Monday that there will be more wrestle-offs at two or three weights, Barr’s victory over Lucas Cochran in the Army Black Knight Invitational finals on November 24 would give the coaches an opportunity to observe how he handles the weight class.
Barr stated, “I feel stronger at this weight class and I don’t think cutting weight really helps anybody.” I would advise small children not to lose weight. Since the players are a little more exhausted at 197 than I would say at 184, I believe the strategy has slightly changed, but it’s actually easier.
In actuality, the strategies are identical. It’s just always a hard wrestle. Making 197 is not too horrible, but making 184 would no longer be the funniest cut.
The fact that Barr works out with Mr. Starocci, a four-time NCAA champion who calls Barr a beast, doesn’t hurt him.
Barr remarked of Penn State’s sixth-year senior, “He’s done everything that college wrestling has to offer.” As a four-time national champion aiming for his fifth, that record is unlikely to be surpassed. With the exception of winning the Hodge, he has accomplished everything possible in collegiate wrestling. Additionally, he competes with extreme vigor. He is the most diligent worker I have ever encountered.
But when you get to watch him wrestle and compete, you can see what hard training does for him. The most important lesson I took away from Carter was to work hard; if you keep pushing yourself each day, everything will work itself out, Barr continued.
Instead of taking somebody down and letting them up, the Davison, Michigan, native stated Monday that he has developed his skills from the top position and now enjoys both top and bottom positions. He added that he has made progress in taking more calculated shots rather than just jumping in headfirst and figuring it out in high school.
When you’re wrestling big, strong people, especially in here, that doesn’t work. I so had to spend a considerable amount of time learning my lesson the hard way. Although I’ve made progress in all areas, those are arguably the two main ones.
Barr claimed that although he didn’t enjoy playing against Cochran and Connor Mirasola, two of his colleagues, in the Army event, he had a nice weekend and is prepared to get better all season long.
Barr stated, “We don’t do all of this for nothing,” according to Coach Cael. Our goal is to compete, and our daily efforts here are evident outside. I’m just pleased to demonstrate my abilities and somewhat expose myself to the areas in which I need to improve. I’m thankful for those opportunities because we don’t work so hard here for nothing.
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