Robert Howard (wrestler, born 2002)

Robert Howard
Howard (on top of the podium) at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics
Personal information
Born (2002-03-01) 1 March 2002 (age 22)
Cranford, New Jersey, U.S.
Sport
CountryUnited States
SportAmateur wrestling
Weight class125 lbs
Event(s)Freestyle and Folkstyle
College teamPenn State Nittany Lions
ClubNittany Lion Wrestling Club
Medal record
Men's freestyle wrestling
Representing the  United States
Youth Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place 2018 Buenos Aires 55 kg

Robert Howard (born 1 March 2002) is an American freestyle and folkstyle wrestler who competes collegiately at 125 pounds.[1] In freestyle, he claimed the 2018 Youth Summer Olympic gold medal and is a three–time US Cadet World Team Member.[2] In college, Howard is a sophomore at 125 pounds for the Penn State Nittany Lions.[3]

Folkstyle career

High school

Howard, a native from Cranford, New Jersey, competed in high school wrestling out of Bergen Catholic High School, where he was the team captain and a four–time letterman. He went on to compile 133 victories to 10 defeats, claimed two NJSIAA state titles while making the finals four times and led the team to three team state championships before graduating.[3][4]

College

A high school junior, Howard committed to Cael Sanderson and the Penn State Nittany Lions to attend the Pennsylvania State University.[5]

2020–2021

As a freshman, Howard did not find much success and went 7–6 overall and 2–2 at the NCAAs, with the biggest win being Ohio State's Malik Heinselman.[6]

2021–2022

Howard redshirted his next season.[7]

Freestyle career

Age–group level

As a cadet, Howard claimed the 2018 Youth Summer Olympic gold medal at 55 kilograms for the United States of America.[8] He also made three US Cadet World Teams from 2017 to 2019, placing 13th, 9th and 5th at the Cadet World Championships.[9]

NCAA record

NCAA Division I Record
Res. Record Opponent Score Date Event
Start of 2022–2023 Season (sophomore year)
End of 2020–2021 Season (freshman year)
2021 NCAA Championships DNP at 125 lbs
Loss 7–6 Patrick McKee Fall March 18–20, 2021 2021 NCAA Division I National Championships
Win 7–5 Fabian Gutierrez 9–7
Loss 6–5 Taylor Lamont 1–2
Win 6–4 Malik Heinselman 6–4
2021 Big Ten Conference 6th at 125 lbs
Loss 5–4 Michael DeAugustino 2–4 March 6–7, 2021 2021 Big Ten Conference Championships
Loss 5–3 Malik Heinselman 2–5
Win 5–2 Dylan Ragusin SV–1 3–1
Win 4–2 Dylan Shawver MD 10–1
Win 3–2 Zach Spence MD 16–4
Loss 2–2 Eric Barnett 2–3
Win 2–1 Zach Spence 10–4 February 21, 2021 Maryland - Penn State Dual
Loss 1–1 Malik Heinselman 2–5 February 19, 2021 Penn State - Ohio State Dual
Win 1–0 Jack Medley 6–5 February 14, 2021 Penn State - Michigan Dual
Start of 2020-2021 Season (freshman year)

Stats

Season Year School Rank Weigh Class Record Win Bonus
2021 Freshman Penn State University #23 125 7–6 53.85% 23.08%
Career 7–6 53.85% 23.08%

[7]

References

  1. ^ Collegian, Jake Aferiat | The Daily (5 March 2021). "Is freshman Robbie Howard Penn State wrestling's answer at 125 pounds?". The Daily Collegian. Retrieved 2021-05-12.
  2. ^ "Robert Howard". Team USA. Archived from the original on October 1, 2020.
  3. ^ a b "Robert Howard - Wrestling". Penn State University Athletics. Retrieved 2021-05-12.
  4. ^ "Robert Howard". Bergen Catholic. 2020-06-09. Retrieved 2021-05-12.
  5. ^ "Bergen Catholic's Robert Howard commits to Penn State wrestling". North Jersey Media Group. Retrieved 2021-05-12.
  6. ^ "Penn State Perfect In the NCAA Finals!". Penn State University Athletics. Retrieved 2021-05-12.
  7. ^ a b "Robert Howard (Penn State) Profile | WrestleStat". www.wrestlestat.com. Retrieved 2021-05-12.
  8. ^ NJ.com, Patrick Lanni | NJ Advance Media for (2018-10-15). "BC wrestler Robert Howard turns disappointment into Youth Olympic gold". nj. Retrieved 2021-05-12.
  9. ^ "Howard makes third Cadet World Team, Mendez wins Outstanding Wrestler at UWW Cadet Nationals". teamusa.org. June 2, 2019. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021.