Cael Sanderson doesn’t usually make fashion statements at the podium, but this week, he broke tradition - and turned heads - by showing up to his weekly media availability in a t-shirt featuring none other than Mitchell Mesenbrink.
Yes, that Mitchell Mesenbrink - the high-octane, bonus-point machine who’s quickly become one of the most electrifying wrestlers in the country. The shirt wasn’t just a nod; it was a statement. And if you’ve been paying attention to what Mesenbrink’s doing on the mat, it’s easy to see why his coach is all in.
Let’s start with the numbers. Mesenbrink is off to a scorching start this season, winning all eight of his matches - and not just winning, but dominating.
Every single bout has ended with bonus points in his favor. That’s a 100% bonus rate, a stat that’s as rare as it is impressive.
For context, that kind of consistency in scoring extra points isn’t just about winning - it’s about overwhelming opponents, imposing your will, and leaving no doubt.
And this isn’t some overnight success story. Mesenbrink arrived at Penn State with serious pedigree.
After beginning his collegiate career at Cal Baptist in 2022-23, the Hartland, Wisconsin native made the jump to Happy Valley and immediately turned heads. Over his first two seasons in a Nittany Lion singlet, he racked up a 53-1 record.
His only loss? A hard-fought battle in the 2024 national finals against Iowa State legend David Carr.
Since then, he’s only leveled up. In Penn State’s four dual meets this season, Mesenbrink has scored at least 15 points in three of them.
In the fourth? A first-period pin.
That’s what makes him so dangerous - he can pour on the points or end things early. Either way, he’s walking off the mat with his hand raised and the crowd buzzing.
But Mesenbrink isn’t just winning matches - he’s winning over fans. His style is aggressive, relentless, and fun to watch.
He’s got a motor that doesn’t quit and a mindset built around scoring, scoring, and scoring some more. He doesn’t just wrestle to win - he wrestles to dominate.
And no one knows that better than his coach. Back in March 2024, Sanderson summed it up perfectly: “Mitchell’s a beast.
He’s just the same person every second of the day. He loves wrestling and he loves scoring points.
He’s a blessing.”
Then came the nickname: “Missile Mesenbrink.”
It fits. He’s explosive, unpredictable, and always moving forward.
The guy’s a walking highlight reel, full of energy, gratitude, and an unmistakable joy for the sport. It’s no wonder Sanderson’s wearing his face on a t-shirt - how could you not root for a guy like that?
Mesenbrink is firmly in the conversation for the Dan Hodge Trophy - college wrestling’s version of the Heisman. If he pulls it off, he’d be the second Penn State wrestler to win it in the last three seasons, joining Aaron Brooks, who took home the honor in 2024.
With the way Mesenbrink is wrestling right now, that’s not just a possibility - it’s a very real threat. And if you ask Sanderson, he’s probably got a closet full of t-shirts ready to go.