Penn State wrestling: Mitchell Mesenbrink open to changing weight for 2025 season

Both on and off the mat, Mitchell Mesenbrink quickly became a fan favorite in his first season with the Penn State wrestling program. A firecracker of energy with a plucky attitude, the rising redshirt sophomore will be a staple of the Nittany Lions lineup for years to come. But exactly where in the lineup the National Runner-Up at 165 pounds falls may look a little a different next year. Following U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Mesenbrink talked about putting his weight in the hands of Cael Sanderson and the Penn State coaching staff and his experience battling for a spot on the National Team.

Positive approach endears Mesenbrink to Penn State wrestling faithful

Mitchell Mesenbrink burst onto the scene in 2024 after transferring in from Cal Baptist last offseason. During his redshirt freshman season, the budding Penn State wrestling superstar finished with a 26-1 record, including a Big Ten Championship and NCAA Finals appearance at 165 pounds. With a twitchy style and some thrilling comebacks, Mesenbrink quickly established himself as one of the most electrifying wrestlers in the country.

But Mesenbrink’s appeal extends beyond the mat. The Hartland, Wisconsin, native has become a fan favorite for an upbeat spirit that extends beyond the wins and losses. Even after a crushing defeat in the National Championship, the young Nittany Lion saw value in his effort and took pride in the success of his teammates.

Mitchell Mesenbrink will compete wherever the Penn State wrestling staff tells him to

A prime example of the culture Cael Sanderson has built in the Penn State wrestling room, Mitchell Mesenbrink has displayed selflessness and is willing to put the team over his own personal achievements. That was evident during the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in April, when reporters tried to gauge what weight class Mesenbrink will wrestling at next season.

Levi Haines won the National Championship at 157 pounds in 2024. But it hasn’t exactly been a secret that the sophomore has struggled to cut weight. Mesenbrink, who was listed as 157/165 on the 2023-24 Penn State wrestling roster, was asked about possibly bumping down a weight class for next season.

“That’s a long time from now, I have no clue,” Mesenbrink said with a smile. “That’s [Haines] my best buddy, so I have no clue.”

Ultimately, Mitchell Mesenbrink says it is a team-first mentality in Rec Hall, and the decision is up to Cael Sanderson and the Penn State wrestling coaching staff.

“It goes past just what we want to do,” he said. “It’s about doing what is best for the team; we are the best team in the world for a reason. Wherever the best coaches in the world tell me I should go and go sic ’em, I’ll do it.”

You can watch Mitchell Mesenbrink’s full remarks on the Basic Blues Nation YouTube Channel.

Process over result

Mitchell Mesenbrink didn’t win the U.S. Olympic Team Trial title at 74 kg, but his growth mindset is what he is taking away from the experience. The NCAA Runner-Up was asked how important it was for him to finish third and make the U.S. National Team.

“I don’t know, not too much,” he said. “I’ve talked about it a lot, [it’s about the] process over outcome. So what there is to gain from wins and losses is a lot more important than getting access or getting money.”

Mesenbrink’s match with Jordan Burroughs was a hot talking point within the wrestling community, as it got a little chippy down the stretch. It resulted in the most decorated American wrestler of all time getting booed while leaving the Bryce Jordan Center.

Even in defeat, Mesenbrink talked about how a match against a formidable opponent was crucial for his growth moving forward.

Jordan Burroughs is booed out of the BJC after punching the back of Mitchell Mesenbrink’s head late in their semifinal match. Mesenbrink had some words for the top seed and wouldn’t shake his hand after the match #WeAre #PSUwr #WrestlingTrials24 pic.twitter.com/vkp8KnXs7d

— Basic Blues Nation (@BasicBlues) April 19, 2024

“Things that I had to experience and were necessary for my growth and development as a wrestler and as a man, too. I appreciated the battle, and I loved it; it was a lot of fun,” he said of the experience.

This is a common mindset within the Penn State wrestling room. Cael Sanderson has established a culture that is centered on personal growth in addition to achievements on the mat. At the end of the day, wrestling is a sport, and the focus on keeping it fun has allowed the Nittany Lions to excel in some of the most pressure-packed situations.

About something greater for young Nittany Lion

Olympic wrestlers are awarded $250,000 if they take home the Gold Medal, $50,000 for Silver, and $25,000 for Bronze. The World Championships are a little less lucrative, with $50,000 awarded for Gold, $25,000 for Silver, and $15,000 for Bronze. These stipends are funded by the Living the Dream Medal Fund.

However, it isn’t about the money for Mitchell Mesenbrink, who made it clear that dollars shouldn’t be the driving factor.

“If you are doing something for the money, you are probably not making the right decision,” he said.

This is a simple statement that is often difficult for many to follow in all walks of life. However, there is some real money within the sport of wrestling these days. Fellow NLWC member Kyle Snyder has made $530,000 so far during his international career.

But for Mesenbrink, who faces a long and potentially prosperous career on the international stage, it’s all about the here and now. And the only way to take care of the future is by focusing on getting better every single day.

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation, the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlet. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. Also, be sure to check out our new site shop. It’s due to your support that we can proudly claim a readership of over 3.5 million in our first year of operation.