Penn State Wrestler Snubbed After Winning National Title

Mitchell Mesenbrink's attempt at good sportsmanship was rejected by Iowa's Mikey Caliendo.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:05pm

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No. 1 Penn State wrestler Mitchell Mesenbrink earned his second individual national title on Saturday, defeating Iowa's Mikey Caliendo in the 165-pound finals. After the match, Mesenbrink went down the podium line shaking each wrestler's hand, but Caliendo refused to reciprocate, standing with his hands in his pockets and not acknowledging Mesenbrink.

Why it matters

Caliendo's unsportsmanlike behavior has drawn criticism from fans, who have pointed out his 0-9 career record against Mesenbrink. The incident highlights the competitive nature of college wrestling and the importance of good sportsmanship, even in defeat.

The details

Mesenbrink defeated Caliendo with a technical fall score of 20-4 in 5:13. On the podium, Mesenbrink shook the hands of the other wrestlers, but Caliendo remained motionless, refusing to acknowledge Mesenbrink's gesture.

  • The NCAA Division I wrestling championships took place on March 21, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio.

The players

Mitchell Mesenbrink

A wrestler for the No. 1 Penn State wrestling team who won his second individual national title.

Mikey Caliendo

A wrestler for the University of Iowa who placed second in the 165-pound weight class after losing to Mesenbrink in the finals.

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What’s next

The incident has sparked discussions about sportsmanship in college wrestling, and it remains to be seen if there will be any disciplinary action taken against Caliendo for his behavior.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder that even in the heat of competition, athletes should strive to maintain good sportsmanship and respect for their opponents. Mesenbrink's gracious behavior in victory contrasts sharply with Caliendo's petulant response, highlighting the importance of upholding the values of the sport.