Photo courtesy of GreenichTime.com
In the finals of the division one NCAA wrestling tournament is a match that wrestling fans have been dreaming about. Two heavyweights step onto the mat with more than just victory on the line–legacy, dominance, and the future of heavyweight wrestling is at stake.
Wyatt Hendrickson, the relentless bulldozer for Oklahoma State, has made a name for himself with an unmatched motor, explosive takedowns, and a pace that breaks even the most seasoned opponents. Standing across from him is none other than Gable Steveson–Olympic Gold medalist, NCAA champion, and one of the most dynamic big men the sport has ever seen.
With lightning-quick footwork, effortless mat control, and a flair for the dramatic, Steveson has become a generational icon. This isn’t just a match–it’s a seismic collision of two unstoppable forces, each hungry to prove who truly rules the heavyweight throne.
SAU sophomore and business management major Grant Macke says, “I have a roommate who wrestles and he made me watch the match with him. When Hendrickson won he started freaking out.” Grant continues, “I didn’t know how big of a deal it was until I started seeing it everywhere on my socials. Even the NFL’s biggest stars were posting about it and how even they couldn’t believe it.”
SAU wrestling coach Bo Bettinson says, “I’ve been around wrestling for a very long time. It was by far the biggest upset I have ever seen. I was watching it on TV and the place went dead silent. Even the announcers were at a loss of words.
“What was impressive to me is how Hendrickson stayed in the match and never gave up. He could have easily put his head down and said I quit. He got a takedown on him with twelve seconds left in the match to win. That was the first time Steveson has been scored on in the past two years of his collegiate wrestling career.”
SAU sophomore and sports management major Kameron Bohnsack says, “All my best friends in high school wrestled so I know a lot about the sport and about who is good. Everyone always said Gable Steveson is unbeatable.
“When I saw Hendrickson take him down in the final seconds of the match, it was unbelievable. I immediately texted our group chat from high school. They couldn’t believe it and neither could I.”
SAU sophomore and cyber security major Nick Viren says, “I was watching it with my parents because my Dad loves wrestling. It was by far the biggest upset I have ever seen in any sport. Social media was going crazy about it.” Nick continues, “My brother’s friends all wrestle and they were watching it with us. When Wyatt won the all were screaming at the top of their lungs. Seriously, it might have been one of the biggest upsets in sports in the past 20 years.”
