In a remarkable turn of events at the NCAA Wrestling Championships on March 22, 2025, Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Hendrickson achieved a stunning upset by defeating Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson to clinch the heavyweight title. The victory was not only a testament to Hendrickson’s exceptional skill and determination but also became a focal point of national attention due to his post-match salute to President Donald Trump, who was in attendance.
The Journey to the Championship
Hailing from Newton, Kansas, Wyatt Hendrickson’s wrestling journey began at Newton High School, where he was a four-time All-American in both freestyle and Greco-Roman categories and a two-time state champion. His impressive high school record made him one of the top recruits in his weight class nationally. Opting for a path that combined athletic excellence with service to his country, Hendrickson enrolled at the United States Air Force Academy.
During his tenure with the Air Force Falcons, Hendrickson compiled an outstanding record of 103–11 and became a two-time All-American. His achievements included winning the Big 12 Conference championship and finishing third at the NCAA Championships in consecutive seasons. However, due to NCAA eligibility rules and the academy’s policies, Hendrickson transferred to Oklahoma State University for his final year of eligibility, made possible by the World Class Athlete Program, which allows service members to delay active duty to pursue athletic endeavors.
The Championship Match: Hendrickson vs. Steveson
The heavyweight final at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center was highly anticipated, featuring Hendrickson against Minnesota’s Gable Steveson, a two-time national champion and the 2020 Olympic gold medalist in the men’s freestyle 125kg class. Steveson entered the match with a 70-match winning streak, making Hendrickson the clear underdog.
The bout was intensely competitive. Steveson secured an early lead, but Hendrickson remained resilient. With just 25 seconds remaining and Steveson ahead 3-2, Hendrickson executed a decisive move, gaining control of Steveson’s right leg and completing a three-point takedown near the edge of the mat. This maneuver secured a 5-3 victory for Hendrickson, culminating in one of the most significant upsets in NCAA wrestling history.
A Salute to the Commander-in-Chief
The presence of President Donald Trump at the championship added a unique dimension to the event. Following his victory, Hendrickson, draped in the American flag, approached the President and rendered a salute, a gesture that resonated with the crowd, which erupted into chants of “USA, USA.” The President responded with a handshake and a brief embrace, expressing pride in Hendrickson’s accomplishment.
Reflecting on the moment, Hendrickson stated, “He said he was very proud of me. He came here to support his troops; I put on a show for him. I wanted that national title.” As a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, Hendrickson’s salute symbolized respect and acknowledgment of the President’s role as Commander-in-Chief.
Reactions and Significance
The unexpected victory and subsequent salute garnered widespread attention. Commentators and fans alike were astonished by the outcome. Former Oklahoma State wrestler and commentator Daniel Cormier exclaimed during the broadcast, “Oh, my gosh! Can you believe this? This could be it—the biggest upset in the history of the NCAA!”
Hendrickson’s triumph is being compared to historic NCAA wrestling upsets, such as Larry Owings’ defeat of Dan Gable in 1970. Ron Good, longtime editor of Amateur Wrestling News, remarked, “It’s definitely one for the ages.”
Beyond the wrestling community, the event highlighted the growing prominence of collegiate wrestling. Hendrickson noted, “The fact that [President Trump] was there supporting the great sport of wrestling is just an attribute to how awesome a sport this is and it’s growing.”
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Hendrickson plans to pursue a spot in the 2028 Olympics while continuing his training in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Upon concluding his wrestling career, he intends to fulfill his five-year commitment to the Air Force, aiming to make a lasting impact both on and off the mat.
Hendrickson’s journey exemplifies dedication, resilience, and patriotism. His NCAA championship victory and the salute to President Trump underscore a remarkable chapter in collegiate athletics, inspiring many and highlighting the profound connection between sports and service.
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