Is Penn State wrestler's weight gain tactic a game changer or a desperate move?

In the United States, Penn State wrestler Josh Barr found himself in a challenging situation during the current college wrestling season. Faced with the return of his superstar teammate Carter Starocci, who moved up to the 184-pound weight class for his final year, Barr was presented with a decision: remain at 184 pounds as a backup or move up to 197 pounds and compete against teammate Lucas Cochran. After careful consideration, Barr opted to transition to the 197-pound class, recognizing the potential for growth and competition at this new weight. To facilitate this change and bulk up for his new division, Barr turned to a resourceful solution suggested by teammate Tyler Kasak, whose family owns a farm in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Barr took the bold step of purchasing a cow from Kasak’s family in a bid to increase his weight by an additional 10 to 15 pounds. This unconventional strategy appears to be effective, as Barr reported cutting a few pounds to meet the 197-pound limit. Recently, he demonstrated his competitive edge by defeating Lucas Cochran 10-1 in the finals of the Army Black Knight Invitational. Barr's next challenge awaits against in-state rival Lehigh, where he will compete against Michael Beard, a seasoned sixth-year senior and two-time All-American who began his career at Penn State. Barr’s journey highlights not only the physical demands of collegiate wrestling but also the innovative approaches athletes take to achieve their goals and adapt to their circumstances.