Wyatt Hendrickson, a wrestler for the Oklahoma State Cowboys and a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, made headlines after his historic upset of Minnesota’s Gable Steveson in the 285-pound division at the NCAA Wrestling Championships. Following his victory, Hendrickson saluted President Donald Trump and was handed the American flag, receiving a handshake and hug from the president. The win was considered one of the biggest upsets in NCAA wrestling history as Steveson was aiming for his third national title and had a 70-match winning streak.
Hendrickson spoke about the role his faith played in his victory, thanking his family and Jesus Christ for blessing him. He referenced a sermon he heard about David and Goliath, using the story to motivate himself as he faced the favorite to win, Gable Steveson. Hendrickson emphasized the importance of having a champion’s mindset and vision of victory, which helped him stay focused and patient throughout the match. Despite Steveson taking him down, Hendrickson scored a crucial takedown which secured his win in the last few seconds of the match.
Having plans to serve in the Air Force for the next 20 years, Hendrickson is currently an acquisitions officer and a part of the World Class Athlete Program, which allowed him to compete in wrestling this year. He shared his decision to make the military his career, stating that his time at the Air Force Academy was about more than just wrestling, but also achieving his career and life goals. Hendrickson expressed his commitment to continuing his wrestling career for the next three years before transitioning into his required duties in the Air Force.
Penn State wrestlers also weighed in on President Trump’s attendance at the NCAA Championships, providing their perspectives on the event. The presence of the President added a notable element to the tournament, with Wyatt Hendrickson’s victory and salute becoming a standout moment. Wrestlers from various teams shared their experiences and reactions to the historic upset, highlighting the impact of such a significant match on the wrestling community. The attention brought by President Trump’s involvement in the event elevated the overall excitement and anticipation surrounding the championships.
As the wrestling world continues to reflect on Wyatt Hendrickson’s stunning upset and salute to President Trump, the significance of his victory and the role of faith in his journey are topics of discussion. Hendrickson’s perseverance and determination to achieve success in both wrestling and his military career exemplify his dedication to serving his country and achieving his goals. The unexpected nature of his victory and the connection to the story of David and Goliath add depth to the narrative surrounding his historic win. The impact of such a momentous event on the wrestling community and the broader sports world is sure to leave a lasting impression for years to come.
