Current, future Penn State wrestlers win titles at U20 Pan-Am Championships
A pair of Penn State connections competed at the U20 Pan-Am Championships in Santiago, Chile. And, both walked away with individual freestyle titles. Class of 2024 commit Luke Lilledahl won the 57 kilogram (125 pounds) title. Incoming transfer Mitchell Mesenbrink took the gold medal at 74 kilograms (163 pounds).
Both the current and future Nittany Lion dominated every opponent they faced. Lilledahl won his four matches en route to a title by a combined score of 36-0.
“Lilledahl opened his finals match against scrappy Adrian De Jesus of Puerto Rico, with a pair of first-period takedowns to lead 4-0 at the break,” USA Wrestling writes. “In the second period, he added a second takedown and received a point when De Jesus, did not score on the shot clock.
“Lilledahl, a 2022 U17 World champion and 2021 U17 World silver medalist, won his third career Pan American Championships title, to go along with 2021 U17 Pan American golds in both styles.”
The future Penn State wrestler spoke about his title with FloWrestling.
“It felt pretty good,” Lilledahl said.
“I think it’s rolling with the punches and being patient and staying healthy in those situations. And not getting too flustered and keeping your mind on the task at hand and not getting caught up in all the stuff that can go wrong.”
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Mesenbrink, meanwhile, won his three matches by a combined score of 32-0. He won his bracket with ease.
“Mesenbrink blitzed his finals opponent, Amaan Gulacha of Canada, in a 10-0 technical fall,” USA Wrestling writes. Mesenbrink scored three straight takedowns, then closed it out after the third takedown with a pair of trapped arm gut wrenches. [He] beat all three opponents by technical fall.”
Messenbrink, who transferred in this offseason from Cal Baptist, also spoke with Flo.
“Lately I’ve been really focused on closing gaps and stuff,” Messenbrink said. “Since I got to Penn State, I’ve really been trying to do that. And the longer the match goes, the better it is for me. I need to remember, especially at the high level, to use all your skills and then assess. Coach Cunningham is like, relax, and I need to relax a little bit. That’s a flaw I’m pointing at and trying to fix.
“Seeing the holes that are in you armor and making sure you can go back, and I’m grateful for AWA and Penn State, because they’re two places I can seal those holes up. They’re going to help me get ready for the world championships. The medals and stuff are cool to look at one day. But, all they do now is make you think people want to take you out, and I want it ot be the opposite. I’m coming out to get everybody.”
