A native of Wisconsin and a high school state champion, Philip Mueller began his collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.  

After his parents moved to North Carolina, Mueller transferred to East Carolina University, graduating in 1978. 

Mueller was a highly decorated high school and collegiate wrestler, compiling a lifetime record of 240-13.  

A four-year starter in college, Mueller was a three-time All-American, finishing second and fourth at the NAIA tournament and sixth at the USA Nationals.

He was a two-time Southern Conference champion and Most Outstanding Wrestler (1978) and a two-time North Carolina Collegiate state champion and Most Outstanding Wrestler (1977). 

Mueller also compiled a 20-0 record after college while competing with the Athletes in Action all-star team.  

He began coaching after his competition days, serving in that role for 24 seasons.  

From 1978 until 2010, Mueller was an assistant and head coach to teams in both North Carolina and Virginia.  

He started the program at Louisburg High School in 2003 and was the head coach until 2010. While at Louisburg, his teams finished in the Top 10 in the North Carolina state tournament three times. 

As an official, Mueller has called matches for 28 years in middle school, high school and college. He has refereed multiple high school state championships in North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. He has called 26 regional tournaments and the Southern Conference Tournament. 

Mueller called five University of North Carolina vs. North Carolina State dual meets during the Bob Guzzo and Bill Lam era.

Mueller has been the booking agent for the Eastern North Carolina Association and has officiated in both the Triangle and Eastern Wrestling Officiating Associations.  

Mueller retired from coaching in 2010 but, at every opportunity, still officiates and volunteers his time and expertise at various wrestling clinics and events.