For those passionate about wrestling, the excitement surrounding the NCAA Championship that unfolded over the weekend is certainly not lost on you. Indeed, it was an exhilarating experience, marked by numerous unexpected performances; however, one particular college stood out with undeniable dominance. As you may have anticipated, the subject at hand is Penn State.
The college has achieved its 13th national team title, marking the 12th victory under the leadership of head coach Cael Sanderson. With his guidance, the wrestlers have consistently showcased their strength, and this year proved to be no exception. The Nittany Lions achieved a remarkable feat by accumulating a record-breaking 177 points, exceeding their former tournament record established in 2024. Despite Penn State’s display of dominance in the sport, it was surprising to see that the crowd’s focus was elsewhere. Who emerged as the center of attention? It was Wyatt Hendrickson.
In a stunning turn of events, the Oklahoma State wrestler triumphed over Olympic champion Gable Steveson, securing the NCAA title. It was rather unexpected, and UFC great Bo Nickal wasn’t pleased with the audience’s response. It’s worth noting his straightforwardness on social media. Recently, on X, Nickal commented on the situation at Penn State, saying, “Pretty crazy the wrestling world isn’t really talking about PSU scoring 177, I repeat 177, team points. 8 guys top 3, all 10 top 6. A boring amount of domination.”
Who were the individuals from Penn State that claimed the title? It was indeed Carter Starocci and Mitchell Mesenbrink who were involved. Starocci has etched his name in history by clinching his fifth NCAA title, a feat that had never been accomplished before. Recall Sanderson’s remarks after Starocci’s triumph? “I mean, there’s just certain things where you hate to lose so much that you will do whatever it takes. Most people don’t have that, and he does. I mean, he puts the time in and he does what he thinks he needs to do to be ready mentally and physically Every time he competes, he’s given a great effort.”
Pretty crazy the wrestling world isn’t really talking about PSU scoring 177, I repeat 177, team points. 8 guys top 3, all 10 top 6. A boring amount of domination.
— Bo Nickal (@NoBickal) March 24, 2025
Sanderson emphasized that Starocci is a once-in-a-lifetime talent in the world of college wrestling. He consistently distinguished himself from other wrestlers in multiple aspects. Nonetheless, in the midst of the impressive display by Penn State wrestlers, all eyes were on Wyatt Hendrickson, which was something Bo Nickal pointed out. The Oklahoma State wrestler showcased remarkable dedication, finishing the season with an impressive record of 27-0. This showcases an impressive level of dominance from Hendrickson, yet few anticipated his victory over Steveson. What was the coach’s response to this triumph?
David Taylor is proud of Wyatt Hendrickson
“That was crazy… You just got to believe. You know, Wyatt believed. I mean, it’s easy to get caught up in what you can and what you can’t do. You know, like everyone knew Wyatt for the pinning. He was a great, prolific pinner. But he was pretty sloppy, made a lot of mistakes… and that’s what costs him these tournaments,” remarked David Taylor, summarizing Wyatt Hendrickson’s performance against Gable Steveson.
Taylor had faith in his Cowboy. Since the beginning of the season, the Oklahoma State coach has not only expressed criticism towards his wrestlers but has also placed his complete trust in them to excel on the mat. Taylor consistently sought more than just victory, and the team delivered precisely what their coach required. Though he exhibited strictness at times, Taylor’s unwavering determination ultimately benefited the Cowboys, including Hendrickson.
Facing off against an opponent like Steveson was a formidable challenge, yet he managed to secure a narrow victory of 5-4. Additionally, Taylor highlighted the shortcomings of his wrestler, emphasizing the need for improvement in those specific areas. The coach expresses admiration for Hendrickson’s performance. With this victory, Hendrickson has wrapped up his collegiate wrestling career, having dedicated four years to the Air Force Academy before making the move to Oklahoma State University. But this triumph is one he will carry with him throughout his career.
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