Very good interview, the dude epitomizes the Penn State mentality.
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Thank you for sharing.He says he believes he is levels above where he was when he won U20 Silver because he knows he did all the right things the last year. Even if he goes 0-1 BBQ at worlds because of draw and whatever, he isn't worried, it's about the process and enjoying it. Says as a freshman, he did the "put your goals on a wall" (he wrote 4x WI champ) thing and he fell short so now he doesn't do that anymore.
Calls Penn State the best place in the world to train, wanted to go there since he was 8. Talks about gratitude for being at PSU. He is not remotely worried about where he fits in the folk lineup. His goal obviously is to start and win but that is everyone's goals. Says there are wrestlers that aren't starting who would place at NCAAs. But if he doesn't or is redshirting, he's at peace having the chance to train with Dake. Also pointed out even if he isn't the folk starter, he can still focus fully on freestyle, like he is doing right now for worlds. He is rooming with Aaron Nagao.
He says he could go 174 one day but would need to get bigger but has the frame (talks about Cassar/DT adding muscle) Seemed most excited about the prospect of 165 because of competition and cited Keegan. Says coaches haven't remotely talked to him about weight yet, just focus on worlds. Dake likes Mesenbrink as a Sidakov simulation
FIFYgreat interview. It seems like he didn't have theconfidenceopportunity at that time to go to PSU, obviously, he acquired it shortly after that based on his interview and results.
great interview. It seems like he didn't have the confidence at that time to go to PSU, obviously, he acquired it shortly after that based on his interview and results.
A lot of people are taking a "wait and see" approach with him, which is understandable. He really did come out of nowhere. Mesenbrink himself said he can't say for certain if he's a podium level guy or even the starter yet. One thing is though, a lot of people said Mesenbrink might just be better at free but forgot he DNPed Fargo in 2021 also. I think he just made a jump, period.But seriously, Mesenbrink's rise as a top recruit might be the greatest senior year jump ever. He finished in 7th place at Super 32 his senior year... wrestles a Wisconsin schedule.. and then boom.. he's beating top recruits and wins a world silver medal.
Askren talked about his jump on Flo a bit, and he said the biggest thing was getting Mitchell to handfight more, not just think that he was going to score from only outside shots. It really is a testament to the Askren's system.
Tell that to Mark Hall.Mitch,
State College is not in the 'mid-west'.
Sincerely,
All of Us
Let’s remember that Nolf went from putting up Beckman-like scores to turning into one of the most inventive, dangerous wrestlers in the past several decades - all in about 18 months.A lot of people are taking a "wait and see" approach with him, which is understandable. He really did come out of nowhere. Mesenbrink himself said he can't say for certain if he's a podium level guy or even the starter yet. One thing is though, a lot of people said Mesenbrink might just be better at free but forgot he DNPed Fargo in 2021 also. I think he just made a jump, period.
Askren is starting to build quite a legacy. He is a sponge and has applied some of what he can glean from Cael's methods, but he clearly has a very effective Ben Askren way of doing things as well. I am thrilled he seems to have become more supportive of our program over the years. If any of his kids ask where they should go to be the best they can be, there is only one place. The Wisconsin market needs Ben and he is delivering. I hope AWA turns into a long standing pipeline to SC.
Think of the things O’Toole could’ve done in the PSU room. His style reminds me a bit of Nolf with the creativity and attacking mindset. Definitely one that got away but I think we will be okHe's never NOT been supportive/liked PSU. Every. Sure, he can troll with the best of them, but if you listen to what he actually says, and not just snippets - he's always been in amazement of what Cael and Co. do - he was just always pissed that Cael wouldn't share anything.
Fun fact: You guys should have had O'Toole - and Askren tried as hard as he could, but Facundo was the pick instead.
I have a feeling e will be seeing Keegan in the NLWC shortly. He knows who is going to take him to the next level on the world stage and Ben will be whispering in his ear as well along with Mitchell and Marisola twins. Parker K will also be here shortly.Think of the things O’Toole could’ve done in the PSU room. His style reminds me a bit of Nolf with the creativity and attacking mindset. Definitely one that got away but I think we will be ok
Damn - that’s a lot to unpack. KOT is doing just fine in Columbia. Maybe we will see him at NLWC after he graduates. Parker …. Humm …. I doubt he is an upgrade, but, I do have to admit that his coaches don’t seem to have developed him much over the last year. The guy is good, but, he lives in a plateau. Iowa City is flat enough for Parker. Really, … just how many times do you need to go up against AB before you try a new strategy.I have a feeling e will be seeing Keegan in the NLWC shortly. He knows who is going to take him to the next level on the world stage and Ben will be whispering in his ear as well along with Mitchell and Marisola twins. Parker K will also be here shortly.
Ben and his brother are the Cael/Cody/Casey of junior and HS wrestling. They have cracked the code for early wrestler development. I think David T will rival them once he retires and devotes his full-time to M2.
I should have been clearer KOT and Parker will join the NLWC after they graduate and want to prepare for an international freestyle career.Damn - that’s a lot to unpack. KOT is doing just fine in Columbia. Maybe we will see him at NLWC after he graduates. Parker …. Humm …. I doubt he is an upgrade, but, I do have to admit that his coaches don’t seem to have developed him much over the last year. The guy is good, but, he lives in a plateau. Iowa City is flat enough for Parker. Really, … just how many times do you need to go up against AB before you try a new strategy.
DT - you on the money there!