Beau Bartlett of Penn State has been named the American Freestyle and Folkstyle Wrestler of the Year
Beau Bartlett has been named the American Freestyle and Folkstyle Wrestler of the Year, a significant accomplishment for both himself and Penn State wrestling. This joint honour recognises Bartlett’s excellent performance on the mat in two categories, cementing his place as one of the most versatile and dominant wrestlers in the country.
Bartlett, a 149-pound star, has been an integral part of Cael Sanderson’s dominant Penn State team. His combination of technical accuracy, explosive athleticism, and unwavering drive has propelled him to the pinnacle of college wrestling. In folkstyle, Bartlett’s 2025 season was nothing short of outstanding. He finished unbeaten, won the NCAA Championship in his weight class, and helped lead Penn State to another team national title. His ability to control matches from start to finish, along with his unparalleled mat awareness, made him a nightmare for opponents all season.
Bartlett’s domination on national and international stages continued as he easily transitioned from folkstyle to freestyle. Representing the United States in numerous freestyle championships, he demonstrated his adaptability and technical refinement by winning multiple titles, including the famous U.S. Open. His accomplishment at the World Team Trials solidified his reputation, earning him a berth on the United States Senior National Team, where he competed against and defeated some of the world’s top wrestlers.
Bartlett’s success reflects not only his exceptional talent, but also his rigorous work ethic and dedication to improvement. Bartlett is known for his rigid training program and meticulous attention to detail, and his wrestling style has changed over time, integrating folkstyle’s conventional skills with the dynamic flair of freestyle. His ability to transition between styles with easily has set him distinctive in a sport where specialisation is common.
Bartlett has served as a leader and role model in the Penn State wrestling community, in addition to his athletic accomplishments. His sportsmanship, perseverance, and humble approach to achievement have earned him the admiration of teammates, coaches, and fans. As he continues to wrestle for Penn State and the United States, Bartlett cements his legacy as one of the most accomplished and inspiring wrestlers of his generation.
Beau Bartlett’s recent successes have not only enhanced his personal career, but have also added credibility to Penn State’s illustrious wrestling program. The wrestling world is excited to see what this amazing athlete has in store for future competitions, including potential Olympic aspirations.