Penn State wrestling notes: Aaron Nagao's injury status, the plans for 125, Mitchell Mesenbrink, and more
Penn State wrestling coach Cael Sanderson held his first media availability ahead of the 2023-2024 season on Wednesday. The Nittany Lions open this season’s slate with a trip to the Journeymen Classic, which is an individual tournament, on Sunday in the Lehigh Valley. It then goes to the Army Black Knight Invitational on Nov. 19. The team returns multiple national champs and All-Americans and aims to win Big Tens and nationals again.
“I think we have a really solid room right now. And, a lot of good guys throughout the lineup, and just more depth than we’ve probably had, which is nice,” Sanderson said. “I just think it’s kind of the natural direction with the new rules and the way things are. I think a lot of the top programs are going to be a little bit stronger and thicker throughout [the lineup].”
Here are our top takeaways from the Lorenzo Wrestling Complex.
What is the latest on Aaron Nagao?
Former Minnesota All-American Aaron Nagao joined the Lions this offseason. The program wanted him to fill the void left by multi-time NCAA champion Roman Bravo-Young at 133 pounds. Social media rumors started to circulate in October that Nagao suffered an injury that could possibly jeopardize his time on the mat this year. Where do things stand now that the season is here? Nagao won’t wrestle at the Journeymen Classic this weekend. But he is expected to go at at Army Black Knight Invitational in two weeks. Sanderson said the rumors did not circulate until almost two months after the setback occurred.
“It’s been great,” Nagao said of his recovery. “I’m wrestling this month and practicing every day and working every day. The recovery has been awesome.”
What is the Penn State plan for Mitchell Mesenbrink?
Let’s move on to a heavier transfer. Penn State brought former Wisconsin prep star Mitchell Mesenbrink on board following just one season, and two wins, at Cal Baptist. He has had International success this offseason, which makes an Olympic redshirt a possibility. The Lions list him on the roster as either a 157- or 165-pound competitor. So, what’s the plan for the newcomer?
“Just keep getting better, wrestle, get matches; he’s very motivated, driven, and talented,” Sanderson said. “All those things will play out here in the next month.”
That said, Mesenbrink should stick at 165.
How will the Lions handle 125 pounds?
Penn State fans have been hoping that fourth-year Nittany Lion Robbie Howard would finally be healthy this season and return to the mat after missing the last two years due to injury. He competes at 125 pounds. Other wrestlers on the roster at that weight include returners Gary Steen and Marco Vespa, plus newcomers Kurt McHenry, who is a Michigan transfer, plus Braedan Davis and Brendan Wentzel, who are both freshmen. How will Sanderson and co., approach things in this weight class?
“It’s the same as every year: We’re going to wrestle through at least this first month and try to establish our lineup. But, Robert looks great. He’s healthy, his weight’s good, and he’s ready to rock. He’s shown a lot of patience, has been hurt pretty much since he’s been here, but he’s worked very hard to get back to wrestle.”
Most of the names listed above will be at Journeymen. Howard said he was cleared to wrestle over the summer and has been ready to go ever since.
