Penn State Wrestling Sweeps Big Ten Individual Awards
After clinching its second straight Big Ten team title and five individual titles, Penn State wrestling swept individual conference awards.
Four-time Big Ten Champion Aaron Brooks was named the Big Ten Wrestler of the Year, Mitchell Mesenbrink was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and Cael Sanderson was honored as the Big Ten Coach of the Year.
Brooks secured his fourth conference title and became the third Nittany Lion to reach that feat and fourth in conference history.
The 197-pound wrestler emerged victorious over No. 3-seeded Zach Glazier of Iowa with a 19-3 triumph to remain unbeaten.
Mesenbrink, a redshirt freshman, transferred from Cal Baptist after going 2-0 as a Lancer.
The Hartland, Wisconsin, native clinched the individual title at 165 pounds following a six-point comeback and four-second near fall. Mesenbrink pulled off a 13-11 upset decision to win his first Big Ten title and conference distinction.
WHAT A COMEBACK.
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) March 10, 2024pic.twitter.com/rWpS2HgptL
Sanderson, the Big Ten Coach of the Year, has led the Nittany Lions to eight conference championships in his 14 years at the helm of the blue and white.
A program-record five wrestlers sealed Big Ten titles along with four additional All-Americans to boast Sanderson’s All-American-coaching total to 107.
The Nittany Lions will continue their unbeaten season at the NCAA Championships in Kansas City, Missouri. The first session of action will begin at noon on Thursday, March 21.
Your ad blocker is on.
Please choose an option below.
Purchase a Subscription!
About the Author
Penn State Women’s Volleyball Leaning On Experience Heading Into NCAA Tournament
“I see what they do on a daily basis, and I know they’re putting in the time and effort and doing the right things off the court. I’m really confident in them.”
The Beaver Bowl: An Open Letter For More Football At Beaver Stadium
Let’s show the world some Happy Valley Hospitality!
The W’REC’king Crew: Penn State Volleyball’s Famous Student Section
The student group’s mission is to build community and foster a love for volleyball on campus.
It’s Porch Time Somewhere: Keeley Lamm’s Senior Column
“Find your porch and fill it with the people you love. That’s what it’s all about.”