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Mount Horeb Today
By the People, for the People
Penn State Signees Shine at Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic
Future Nittany Lions Elijah Brown and Jayden James win their bouts against top-ranked opponents
Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:57pm
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Penn State wrestling signees Elijah Brown and Jayden James both won their matches at the 52nd annual Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic. Brown, a two-time PIAA state champion from Belle Vernon, defeated the #7 ranked 215-pounder Kal-El Fluckiger by technical fall. James, a two-time New Jersey state champion from Delbarton School, came back to beat #13 ranked Reagan Milheim 17-10 in the 160-pound bout. The annual all-star event featured top high school wrestlers from across the country competing for Team USA and Team Pennsylvania.
Why it matters
The Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic is a prestigious event that showcases some of the nation's top high school wrestling talent. Penn State has built a strong wrestling program in recent years, and the performances of Brown and James demonstrate the caliber of recruits the Nittany Lions are bringing in. These results bode well for the future of Penn State wrestling as the program continues to attract elite talent.
The details
In the 215-pound bout, Elijah Brown wasted no time, taking down Arizona State commit Kal-El Fluckiger just a minute into the match and then tilting him for four near-fall points three times to win by technical fall, 15-0, in 1:12. In the 160-pound match, Jayden James led Reagan Milheim of Warrior Run 6-5 after one period and 9-7 after two. Milheim tied the bout at 10 with 1:19 left, but James quickly escaped to retake the lead 11-10 and then used a late six-point throw to win 17-10.
- The 52nd annual Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic took place on March 29, 2026.
The players
Elijah Brown
A two-time PIAA state champion from Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania who has signed to wrestle for Penn State University.
Jayden James
A two-time New Jersey state champion from Delbarton School who has signed to wrestle for Penn State University.
Kal-El Fluckiger
A #7 ranked 215-pound wrestler who has committed to wrestle for Arizona State University.
Reagan Milheim
A #13 ranked 160-pound wrestler from Warrior Run High School who has committed to wrestle for American University.
What’s next
The Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic serves as an important showcase for top high school wrestling talent. Penn State will be closely monitoring the performances of Elijah Brown and Jayden James as they prepare to join the Nittany Lions' wrestling program in the coming years.
The takeaway
Penn State's wrestling program continues to attract elite talent, as demonstrated by the strong showings of future Nittany Lions Elijah Brown and Jayden James at the prestigious Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic. These results highlight the program's ability to recruit and develop top-tier wrestlers, boding well for Penn State's continued success on the mat.
