Mitchell Mesenbrink amazement thread

[Psalm 1 guy]

I just re-watched and studied Mitch's Finals match against Caliendo. That was one of the most amazing wrestling performances I have ever seen. The combination of pace, aggression and technical proficiency was a thing of beauty to behold. Mitchell didn't give Caliendo any time to get to his offense or even to compose himself after getting scored against. The deep level changes, head and shoulder fakes and crisp/deep shots just never stopped. There wasn't more than a few seconds where Mitchell wasn't bringing it to Caliendo. Mitchell was absolutely smothering him with his activity on his feet and he put a brutal and demoralizing ride on him. If Mitchell could bottle up that performance for future matches it would be downright cruel to his competitors.

It is interesting to compare Mitchell's performance here to his Finals match against Carr two years ago. I realize Carr was a better opponent than Caliendo, but this current version of Mitchell is so much improved. From a technique standpoint, Mitchell is much crisper on his shots and his finishes are cleaner. Mitchell also seems to have found the proper balance between pace/aggression and not putting himself in bad positions with ill-advised shots. Even though he is as active and offensively aggressive as he has ever been, I no longer see him have those moments where his approach was almost frenetic and reckless. Mitchell is also much better on bottom now than his redshirt freshman season. A crucial part of Carr beating Mitchell was his ability to ride him so long, ultimately gaining the match-winning riding time point.

I have a hard time quite understanding how Mitchell can so easily get to his opponents' legs. I think a big part of it is he is able to proficiently attack either leg. As has been mentioned, his outside step is a thing of beauty. And as I mentioned above, his constant level changes and head and shoulder fakes never give his opponents a clean target. He is also constantly using his hands to pepper the head and upper body of his opponents. I loved how on the broadcast they described Mitchell as an "aggressive pest." It can't be fun to wrestle him.

We wrestling fans in general, and Penn State fans in particular, are privileged to be able to witness such an amazing wrestler. I have no doubt that when Mitchell's college wrestling career is over he will be talked about as one of the greatest college wrestlers ever. And the best thing is we still get to watch Mitchell for one more college season.

 

[psufan07]

My favorite wrestler ever. It’s a treat to watch him wrestle.

 

[WV lion]

Not taking anything away from mesenbrink, but caliendo went into that making knowing he didn't have a chance unless he caught mesenbrink. What amazes me, is some how he doesn't let people stall and slow the match. No other PSU wrestlers has found a way to do that consistently.

 

[CTStall]

I think Mitch and Nolf were the most creative wrestlers Penn State ever had. They created action differently. Mitch actually takes far shots and gets buried sometimes but can still finish with his long arms. Nolf would literally give up his leg and counter off of his opponents attempted shot.On numerous occasion he would give up 2 and just create scoring from down position.

 

[Cstroke]

I would like to see Caliendo vs. Carr..

 

[PSU-75-DB]

Mitch is at a whole other level than anyone else. That's for sure. Better get the Hodge....

 

[BobPSU92]

Mesenbrink is an animal. Automatic.

 

[vhsalum]

Mitchell's willingness and lack of fear of being extended is his greatest weapon. We've never seen anyone like this.

He finishes when he's extended, and if he doesn't, he doesn't get scored on from go-behinds. And it never tires him out, whether he finishes or not. Amazing wrestler.

 

[BaccaFarmer]

Mitchell's willingness and lack of fear of being extended is his greatest weapon. We've never seen anyone like this.

He finishes when he's extended, and if he doesn't he doesn't get scored on from go-behinds. And it never tires him out, whether he finishes or not. Amazing wrestler.

Nolf was simply phenomenal. Never thought I’d see better. MM has gotten better each year and has been totally entertaining throughout. What will next year bring?

 

[vhsalum]

Nolf was simply phenomenal. Never thought I’d see better. MM has gotten better each year and has been totally entertaining throughout. What will next year bring?

The ono experiment is what I am most interested in for you guys. How good will he be at finishing in folkstyle.

Oh. and a gassed up Duke is going to be scary whenever he goes. I made a suggestion that Duke shouldn't have wrestled tOSU and princeton. Would have given him 4 weeks off, and maybe that would have helped. Dude was a big 157 and it definitely hurt him.

 

[SRATH]

I never wrestled nor coached wrestling. I was only fan before there was……..never mind.

JB isn’t a fan of MM, but was highly complementary of the technical prowess MM was showing. Normal fans see a take down…… but there can be so much more going on, only folks at the very highest level of the sport see.

MM keeps getting better. The version JB beat a few years ago no longer exists…….and JB was acknowledging the transformation.

 

[Headlock]

MM is the personification of controlled aggression. As aptly pointed out, he gives his opponent no chance to have a game plan. Once the opponent is completely focused on escape and survival, the only thing to be determined is the final score. Imagine the mindset of the opponent...utter fear and frustration. I'm trying to fend off a move that already occurred and Mitch is moving to another. He truly has taken his approach to a level that belies a reasonable defense. Time always provides perspective and we will look back on his career as one of the best of all times.

 

[AgSurfer]

I would like to see Caliendo vs. Carr..

I think they did meet in the CyHawk dual and Carr beat him pretty badly. Someone should see if there's a record out there somewhere.

 

[Bosco2]

My son told me that Caliendo basically ignored MM when tried to shake his hand at the podium. Anyone have a pic or video of this?

 

[mydome88]

I think they did meet in the CyHawk dual and Carr beat him pretty badly. Someone should see if there's a record out there somewhere.

Carr with the major decision 16-4, I believe him and Mitch are the only wrestlers with bonus against Caliendo.

 

[Cstroke]

Carr with the major decision 16-4, I believe him and Mitch are the only wrestlers with bonus against Caliendo.

In 2023, curious to see it now...

 

[mydome88]

My son told me that Caliendo basically ignored MM when tried to shake his hand at the podium. Anyone have a pic or video of this?

 

[Dixi]

My son told me that Caliendo basically ignored MM when tried to shake his hand at the podium. Anyone have a pic or video of this?

Yes that happened, and yes it was a bad look for Caliendo who I'm guessing will come to regret it. But Caliendo seems like a good guy and after a career 0-9 in that matchup that is an understandable reaction for a young man and outstanding wrestler. Bo Nickal already defended him. That's good enough for me. Props to MM for acknowledging his opponents when being recognized. That's the ultimate lesson here.

 

[Tri-Power65]

MM pissed in Mikey's cereal. 9 times.

 

[AgSurfer]

Thanks for posting the video P1. What a beatdown! FYI - if you go to ~10:20, you'll see about 3 seconds showing TnT walking out with Caliendo. It looks like Caliendo is having a hard time keeping his emotions in check. You really have to feel for him here. I think he just wanted to get out of there and go home. It would certainly explain his recalcitrance on the podium.

 

[Sir Pin Alot]

Were those MC holds legal? Looked like MMA choke holds.

 

[tullfan68]

Not taking anything away from mesenbrink, but caliendo went into that making knowing he didn't have a chance unless he caught mesenbrink. What amazes me, is some how he doesn't let people stall and slow the match. No other PSU wrestlers has found a way to do that consistently.

did you see Caliendo interview he thought he was going to win as he should!guess he forgot who he was wrestling!!

 

[tullfan68]

Caliendo and Sorenson both would have won 2 tittles if they didn't have PSU guys in the way!

 

[WEAREPSU_LI]

The ono experiment is what I am most interested in for you guys. How good will he be at finishing in folkstyle.

Oh. and a gassed up Duke is going to be scary whenever he goes. I made a suggestion that Duke shouldn't have wrestled tOSU and princeton. Would have given him 4 weeks off, and maybe that would have helped. Dude was a big 157 and it definitely hurt him.

Talk of Duke going up and MM going to 174. I don't see PJ red-shirting for 165, but that's another option since Henckel is ready to go for 174.

 

[AgSurfer]

Were those MC holds legal? Looked like MMA choke holds.

He was reaching underneath MM's right arm when he locked his hands. That's a legal move. The ref was standing right there and would have called it if it had been otherwise. That was a desperation attempt by Caliendo. He knew that if MM go loose, he was going to get beat again on his feet.

 

[WIP2001]

How does he convert bad shots like nobody else? Especially early in matches before his opponent is tired. Is it simply long arms? Crazy grip strength? Is there more to the setups than meets the eye?

I’ve never seen someone convert stuffed shots at a higher rate.

 

[vhsalum]

Talk of Duke going up and MM going to 174. I don't see PJ red-shirting for 165, but that's another option since Henckel is ready to go for 174.

I just don't see MM going up to 174. I think he beats Carr for the 74 spot this summer. To me, it looked like Ben's health issues hurt MM more than he was willing to admit.

 

[WEAREPSU_LI]

I just don't see MM going up to 174. I think he beats Carr for the 74 spot this summer. To me, it looked like Ben's health issues hurt MM more than he was willing to admit.

Yeah I don't either, which is why the Duke RS makes a lot of sense, if he's willing to do it. Also I 100% agree with the Ben stuff affecting MM. How could it not. I was thinking the same thing when watching him last year as it was going on.

 

[vhsalum]

How does he convert bad shots like nobody else? Especially early in matches before his opponent is tired. Is it simply long arms? Crazy grip strength? Is there more to the setups than meets the eye?

I’ve never seen someone convert stuffed shots at a higher rate.

1. he has a great pull (which honestly, all d1 guys have)

but where he's different is his willingness to change finishes/head positions/legs. Yianni and KemDawg used to do it - they would shoot head outside/inside but then switch the finish to inside/outside. MM does the same, but can do it multiple times, and change legs if need be.

 

[a_mshaffer]

1. he has a great pull (which honestly, all d1 guys have)

but where he's different is his willingness to change finishes/head positions/legs. Yianni and KemDawg used to do it - they would shoot head outside/inside but then switch the finish to inside/outside. MM does the same, but can do it multiple times, and change legs if need be.

yep - depends what his opponent does and he responds. His scrambling is unreal. Against the UNC kid when he was up in the air hanging on to ankles - he had the ankle one way and as soon as the UNC guy started to favor one leg he set himself up to grab the leg inside out. Pretty fun watching him preparing to 'adjust'

 

[Nitlion1986]

I just re-watched and studied Mitch's Finals match against Caliendo. That was one of the most amazing wrestling performances I have ever seen. The combination of pace, aggression and technical proficiency was a thing of beauty to behold. Mitchell didn't give Caliendo any time to get to his offense or even to compose himself after getting scored against. The deep level changes, head and shoulder fakes and crisp/deep shots just never stopped. There wasn't more than a few seconds where Mitchell wasn't bringing it to Caliendo. Mitchell was absolutely smothering him with his activity on his feet and he put a brutal and demoralizing ride on him. If Mitchell could bottle up that performance for future matches it would be downright cruel to his competitors.

It is interesting to compare Mitchell's performance here to his Finals match against Carr two years ago. I realize Carr was a better opponent than Caliendo, but this current version of Mitchell is so much improved. From a technique standpoint, Mitchell is much crisper on his shots and his finishes are cleaner. Mitchell also seems to have found the proper balance between pace/aggression and not putting himself in bad positions with ill-advised shots. Even though he is as active and offensively aggressive as he has ever been, I no longer see him have those moments where his approach was almost frenetic and reckless. Mitchell is also much better on bottom now than his redshirt freshman season. A crucial part of Carr beating Mitchell was his ability to ride him so long, ultimately gaining the match-winning riding time point.

I have a hard time quite understanding how Mitchell can so easily get to his opponents' legs. I think a big part of it is he is able to proficiently attack either leg. As has been mentioned, his outside step is a thing of beauty. And as I mentioned above, his constant level changes and head and shoulder fakes never give his opponents a clean target. He is also constantly using his hands to pepper the head and upper body of his opponents. I loved how on the broadcast they described Mitchell as an "aggressive pest." It can't be fun to wrestle him.

We wrestling fans in general, and Penn State fans in particular, are privileged to be able to witness such an amazing wrestler. I have no doubt that when Mitchell's college wrestling career is over he will be talked about as one of the greatest college wrestlers ever. And the best thing is we still get to watch Mitchell for one more college season.

Great summary. Something else i noticed later in the season and then especially this past weekend is his shots no longer appear to be a quick 2 step process of to the leg and then up and in. It is now one continuous movement. In with an immediate up into the ribs and attack the finish while his opponent is trying to not fall on his asss instead of defending the attack.
Some clown around here suggested (prior to the finals loss) Mendez deserved the Hodge because of the greater improvement. Messenbrink of course was already good, but my God the distinct improvement in this year's model compared to last year's is astonishing and scary.

 

[Nitlion1986]

Thanks for posting the video P1. What a beatdown! FYI - if you go to ~10:20, you'll see about 3 seconds showing TnT walking out with Caliendo. It looks like Caliendo is having a hard time keeping his emotions in check. You really have to feel for him here. I think he just wanted to get out of there and go home. It would certainly explain his recalcitrance on the podium.

Gotta give Brands some credit (ouch). From a psychological and emotional stand point I am certain Brands had Caliendo believing in his heart Saturday night was the one time he was going to beat Messenbrink, and the beating he took was about as through a beating as a first year backup might have to absorb against a head of the pack muktiple time AA veteran and Caliendo received it on national TV.
The podium medal presentation is a celebration of success for athletes who are being recognized for achieving All-American status. I have no doubt that 15 minutes after suffering through that particular beat down Caliendo wanted to be on that stand, but he enough understanding of the situation that he showed up to get his medal. He had enough understanding of the situation to know his "fuuck you Mitch" moment would reflect poorly on him. So let it reflect properly, but it would be silly to let it define him. Yep, he got his asss kicked, but unlike most guys wrestling in a disadvantaged position he did it from the middle of the mat. That is more defining than the singular butt hurt moment.

 

[Nitlion1986]

He was reaching underneath MM's right arm when he locked his hands. That's a legal move. The ref was standing right there and would have called it if it had been otherwise. That was a desperation attempt by Caliendo. He knew that if MM go loose, he was going to get beat again on his feet.

Not only was the ref looking carefully but so were Casey and Cael.

 

[a_mshaffer]

Gotta give Brands some credit (ouch). From a psychological and emotional stand point I am certain Brands had Caliendo believing in his heart Saturday night was the one time he was going to beat Messenbrink, and the beating he took was about as through a beating as a first year backup might have to absorb against a middle of the pack veteran and Caliendo received it on national TV.
The podium medal presentation is a celebration of success for athletes who are being recognized for achieving All-American status. I have no doubt that 15 minutes after suffering through that particular beat down Caliendo wanted to be on that stand, but he enough understanding of the situation that he showed up to get his medal. He had enough understanding of the situation to know his "fuuck you Mitch" moment would reflect poorly on him. So let it reflect properly, but it would be silly to let it define him. Yep, he got his asss kicked, but unlike most guys wrestling in a disadvantaged position he did it from the middle of the mat. That is more defining than the singular butt hurt moment.

Brands did have comments after the Big10s regarding the match and how mental and chain wrestling needed to improve/be worked on... but then cut it short and didn't elaborate. So they definetly were game planning (again)!

 

[watoos]

I posted a couple of times that PJ Duke wrestles mean, say what you want about his motor, his pressure, Mitchel Mesenbrink also wrestles mean.

 

[PaWrestlingFan7]

Not only was the ref looking carefully but so were Casey and Cael.

It's a version of a darce choke in MMA and illegal by application in wrestling, even with an arm included because it puts pressure on the carotid. The first time he did it the ref stopped it immediately for potentially dangerous and you could hear on the broadcast, he told MC "don't do it again, that's illegal".

 

[Psalm 1 guy]

Not taking anything away from mesenbrink, but caliendo went into that making knowing he didn't have a chance unless he caught mesenbrink. What amazes me, is some how he doesn't let people stall and slow the match. No other PSU wrestlers has found a way to do that consistently.

Definitely. I think a big reason for that is Mitchell rarely lets his opponents tie up his fingers. His constant level changes and side-to-side movement make that possible. A big difficulty PJ had against Robideau and in his first match with Taylor is he is pushing into his opponents with his arms extended out with too few level changes and side-to-side movement. This allows his opponents to interlock fingers, especially on his left had. And that is a big problem for him since so much of his offense comes from him being able to attack his opponents from his left side.

 

[Aardvark86]

For me, it's how mitch just constantly creates new angles with his motion. sooner or later, responding to it creates a gap

 

[Psalm 1 guy]

It's a version of a darce choke in MMA and illegal by application in wrestling, even with an arm included because it puts pressure on the carotid. The first time he did it the ref stopped it immediately for potentially dangerous and you could hear on the broadcast, he told MC "don't do it again, that's illegal".

That was pretty funny. It was the right thing to do when the referee stopped it when Caliendo was on top, but I actually think Caliendo would have pinned himself trying to crank Mitchell over. With that direct pressure against the neck rather than the upper arm, that move has great potential for injury. I have it queued up below: It was also funny to hear Casey tell Mitchell to just take his one when he was on bottom leading by 14. Mitchell said to himself, "Nope. I'm gonna' jump over him for the reversal." : )

 

[El_Jefe]

It's a version of a darce choke in MMA and illegal by application in wrestling, even with an arm included because it puts pressure on the carotid. The first time he did it the ref stopped it immediately for potentially dangerous and you could hear on the broadcast, he told MC "don't do it again, that's illegal".

To clarify: side headlock with near arm trapped is OK -- that's part of the merkel.

Problem was Caliendo coming from underneath and applying pressure across the carotid.