Now a two-time national champion, Roman Bravo-Young doesn’t have much left to prove.
After earning his second national title in as many years on Saturday, though, the senior Nittany Lion now says he’s at least considering a comeback for one more go-around.
“I have nothing left to prove. How about Penn State wrestling, 2022 national team champs? What if I make that three and become another one?” Bravo-Young said in his post-bout press conference. “It’s definitely going to be in my mind, but I’m not really too worried about that.”
Bravo-Young, now a four-time All-American, made it clear that he’ll need to take some time to think about his future more carefully. Although he’s ready to graduate in May, he could still use another year of eligibility — an extra one granted by the NCAA during the COVID-19 pandemic — to embark on one last ride.
Above all else, Bravo-Young’s collegiate goals might already be fulfilled. He achieved a lifelong dream in 2021 when he became a 133-pound national champion and followed that up with another title this weekend. Bravo-Young also noted that he battled some injuries this year and will take his health into account while weighing his options.
“Me winning now definitely makes me want to [come back] ’cause three sounds good, right?” Bravo-Young said. “Might be in the moment. I gotta see if I want to. You gotta be dialed in, and it’s a long process. As of right now, I’m satisfied. I feel like I don’t owe anyone anything. I graduate in May, and I’ll take it slow after that.”
Before the 2021-22 campaign began, Bravo-Young emphasized staying loose ahead of what was thought to be his final season. Now, he may spend the initial part of his offseason considering his future more carefully.
“My goal is just to go out there and have fun,” Bravo-Young said in November. “I already got a monkey off my back by winning last year, so I just want to go out there and be the best me and enjoy it. It’s my last year…so I’m just going to go out there and just have fun every match and just let it fly. Try to get those highlight reels like I always do.”
No matter how Bravo-Young chooses to move forward, a decision will likely take some time. For now, he and his teammates can head home from Detroit proud of another extraordinary weekend representing college wrestling.
With Bravo-Young’s help, Penn State captured a national title this weekend — its 10th in program history and ninth in 11 years. Five Nittany Lions, including Bravo-Young earned individual championships in their respective weight classes.
