In an electrifying display of dominance, Penn State's Mitchell Mesenbrink triumphed at the NCAA Championships on Saturday night, March 22, 2025, solidifying his place among college wrestling's elite. The redshirt sophomore claimed his first national title by defeating Iowa's Mikey Caliendo 8-2 in the finals held at Philadelphia's Wells Fargo Center.
Mesenbrink's victory not only capped a perfect season with an impressive 27-0 record, but it also marked a significant milestone in his wrestling career as he improved his overall record to 54-1, with his only loss occurring in last year's finals. Demonstrating his exceptional talent, Mesenbrink posted a staggering bonus percentage of 92.31% this season, the highest in the nation, showcasing his ability to dominate opponents.
After the match, Mesenbrink expressed gratitude to those who supported him in his journey. He credited head coach Cael Sanderson, his father and high school coach John Mesenbrink, and wrestling legend Ben Askren, with whom he trained at the Askren Wrestling Academy. “Like Nick Lee said after his first championship, it’s chop wood, carry water,” Mesenbrink remarked, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement. “Process over outcome. Keep on getting better. That’s what this is all about.”
More than just a victory for Mesenbrink, his win contributed to a historic performance by the Penn State wrestling team, which amassed a record-breaking 177 points over the weekend. This achievement marked the team's 13th national championship and fourth consecutive title, reinforcing Penn State's dominance in collegiate wrestling.
Carter Starocci, also a standout for Penn State, joined Mesenbrink in the spotlight by winning his fifth NCAA championship, becoming the first wrestler in history to achieve this feat. Starocci’s victory in the 184-pound finals marked another high point for the Nittany Lions, further bolstering their status as a powerhouse in the sport.
Mesenbrink's victory was especially meaningful as it was the sixth time he has beaten Caliendo in their two-year rivalry. Known for his fast-paced, aggressive style, he showcased his ability to apply pressure throughout the match, securing takedowns at crucial moments. His performance left fans and teammates applauding, and he displayed remarkable poise in what was his second NCAA finals appearance.
Mesenbrink, reflecting on the match and his approach to wrestling, stated, “There was this thing that I heard before this, and it was about how joy is a verb, and you’re finding enjoyment through the process of things to reach an end goal. That’s really, you know, the end goal. There is only one end goal that’s promised, and that’s death.” He added, “If I go out there and win, but I don’t bring it, I would rather bring it and lose, which sounds insane.”
These insights reveal Mesenbrink's depth as an athlete and person, valuing the journey over mere victory. His enthusiasm and passion for wrestling resonate not only with fans but also with fellow competitors who respect his commitment.
The Nittany Lions demonstrated exceptional teamwork throughout the championships, with other wrestlers also achieving a range of placements in their respective weight classes. For example, Luke Lilledahl finished third at 125 pounds, and Beau Bartlett secured a third-place spot at 141 pounds, showcasing the depth of talent that Penn State possesses.
As for Mesenbrink, the focus now shifts to future competitions, where he will aim to defend his title while continuing to evolve as a wrestler. His aspirations reflect an ongoing dedication to excellence, and his championship win is a testament to the hours of hard work and perseverance that he and his team have invested.
Meanwhile, with the NCAA wrestling season coming to a close, the upcoming offseason will present Mesenbrink and his teammates with opportunities to reflect, recover, and prepare for another challenging year ahead. The Nittany Lions’ historical achievements this season, highlighted by Mesenbrink's title and Starocci's record-breaking fifth championship, set a remarkable precedent for future competitions.
In the aftermath of the championships, wrestling enthusiasts across the nation celebrated an exhilarating weekend in Philadelphia that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Penn State's remarkable achievements will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the collegiate wrestling landscape.
Mesenbrink’s journey through the 2024-2025 season has been one filled with challenges and triumphs, but as he now tastes victory, he remains focused on the road ahead. With a mindset dedicated to improvement and a commitment to the sport, the future looks bright for this rising wrestling star.
