On April 1, Penn State redshirt freshman Jarod Verkleeren announced on Twitter that he was leaving the wrestling program to pursue a World/Olympic dream.
Well, before Penn State fans get worried, Verkleeren isn’t going anywhere.
It was an April Fool’s joke.
After much thought and talking it over with my coaches I decided to withdraw from college and pursue my dreams of winning a World/Olympic title. My coaches think Greco is the the best route for me to take. Thanks to all the Penn State fans for the support over the past two years.
— JarodVerkleeren (@verkleeren_j) April 1, 2019
Verkleeren finished his first season with a 15-6 record at 149 pounds. He was beaten out by redshirt Brady Berge at the end of the season for the Big Ten Championships and NCAA Division I tournament.
Verkleeren, a Hempfield graduate who won a state title his senior season in 2017, does plan to compete in the Greco-Roman tournament at the U.S. Open.
Verkleeren was a 2015 Cadet World Champion.
