Mitchell Mesenbrink Secures Second NCAA Title for Penn State Wrestling Mitchell Mesenbrink added his second NCAA championship to his resume Saturday night, capturing the 165-pound title at the Rocket Arena in Cleveland. The Penn State junior, known for his relentless, fast-paced style, dominated his opponent Mikey Caliendo with a 20-4 technical fall, extending his career record to 80-1. The victory marked the Nittany Lions’ first national title of the weekend, following Shayne Van Ness’ upset win at 149 pounds, and solidified Penn State’s path to a fifth consecutive team championship. Mesenbrink’s performance was marked by his signature intensity. Despite sustaining a cut above his eye, he executed four takedowns in the first period alone, showcasing his ability to control the pace of the match. The win also underscored his status as one of the most dominant wrestlers in Penn State history, with a career winning percentage of 98.8—the highest in school history for athletes with at least 50 matches. His 27-0 record this season, including a perfect 24-0 start with bonus points, has positioned him as a top contender for the Hodge Trophy, awarded to the nation’s best wrestler. The victory was particularly meaningful for Mesenbrink, who had previously faced Caliendo in the Big Ten Championships and the 2023 NCAA finals. His ability to overcome the same opponent repeatedly highlights his consistency and mental toughness. The win also brought him closer to tying the NCAA record for most career victories, with only a handful of wrestlers in Penn State history surpassing his achievements. Mesenbrink’s journey to success was anything but straightforward. Growing up in Wisconsin as a devoted Penn State wrestling fan, he lacked the credentials to earn a scholarship from the Nittany Lions during high school.#penn_state #rocket_arena #shayne_van_ness #mitchell_mesenbrink #nittany_lions
