Wrestler Wyatt Hendrickson Salutes Trump Following NCAA Championship Victory
Oklahoma State wrestler Wyatt Hendrickson performed a salute to former President Donald Trump following his unexpected victory at the NCAA championship on Saturday evening.
Patriotic Salute at Championship Match
Hendrickson, an ex-Air Force wrestler and currently a second lieutenant, marked the patriotic occasion with the former commander in chief, who was seated ringside. This occurred after Hendrickson overcame Minnesota’s Gable Steveson 5-3 to secure the Heavyweight title.
He delivered the salute as the full house inside Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center echoed with chants of “USA, USA”.
Adorned with an American flag, Hendrickson exchanged handshakes and a brief embrace with the 45th president.
Reaction and Praise from Trump
“He expressed that he was very proud of me,” the 24-year-old stated during his post-match interview with ESPN.
“He came to support the military, I put on a performance for him; I desired that national title,” the 24-year-old further commented. The former president’s arrival was met with enthusiastic cheers as he entered the arena.
He was joined by DOGE head Elon Musk and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio).
“The former commander in chief was right there. I was truly thrilled to have him present,” Hendrickson remarked at his post-match press conference.
Hendrickson’s Wrestling Journey and Future
Hendrickson has competed with the moniker “Captain America” following his successful four years at the Air Force Academy, where he earned All-American honors.
Being unable to utilize his fifth year of eligibility at the Air Force Academy, he sought approval from the institution to transfer for his “COVID year” and subsequently enrolled in Oklahoma State’s wrestling program.
His concluding collegiate match matched him against Steveson, a two-time national champion and the 2020 Olympic gold medalist in the men’s freestyle 125kg division.
Match Details and Victory
An Indiana native, Steveson controlled the bout—leading 3-2 with 25 seconds remaining—when Hendrickson shifted the momentum. Hendrickson secured Steveson’s right leg, climbed on top, and propelled them towards the edge of the mat. Hendrickson was granted a 3-point takedown, maintaining dominance for the final moments.
Hendrickson, an active-duty second lieutenant in the Air Force, is not immediately required to enter military service.
The Air Force’s authorization enabled Hendrickson to stay in Stillwater, OK following graduation and train with Cowboy RTC to vie for a place in the 2028 Olympics, as reported by the Oklahoma State athletics blog Pistols Firing.
Upon his retirement from wrestling, Hendrickson will commence his five-year mandatory commitment to the Air Force.
“I intend to pursue a career in the military regardless,” Hendrickson stated. “This is simply a part of my overall journey.”