On today’s show I was joined by wrestler Wyatt Hendrickson, who was raised in Newton, Kansas, before becoming a Big 12 champion, NCAA national champion, and Real American Freestyle competitor.
After placing third at NCAAs as a junior and senior with the Air Force Academy, Hendrickson transferred to Oklahoma State University and memorably secured one of the biggest upsets in college wrestling history at the 2025 NCAA championships. Trailing late in the third period of the heavyweight championship match, he took down Minnesota’s Gable Steveson – a 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist and two-time national champion – to win in dramatic fashion, 5-4. The stunning victory led to Hendrickson winning the Dan Hodge Trophy as college wrestling’s most outstanding wrestler.
Currently competing in Real American Freestyle Wrestling, Hendrickson is prepared for a high-stakes, main-event heavyweight match against Lawrenceburg, Indiana native Mason Parris during RAF 04 on Saturday, Dec. 20 at the Fishers Event Center.
The discussion covers Hendrickson’s early life in Kansas, his decision to attend the Air Force Academy, and his eventual transfer to Oklahoma State University under Coach David Taylor. He also gives advice to young wrestlers and talks through his training routines.
If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.
You are going to learn about:
Wyatt Hendrickson’s Wrestling Journey from Kansas to the NCAAs and Real American Freestyle
How Wyatt Pulled Off the Biggest Upset in College Wrestling History
Real American Freestyle and the Post-College Opportunities It Provides to High-Level Wrestlers
Check out these great clips from the show:
00:00 Guest Introduction: Wyatt Hendrickson
01:10 Early Life and Wrestling in Kansas
03:45 Choosing the Air Force Academy
04:56 Transition to Oklahoma State
06:16 The Championship Match Against Gable Steveson
10:53 Post-Championship Reflections
12:01 Upcoming RAF 04 Match vs. Mason Parris and Training Insights
18:32 Advice for Young Wrestlers
21:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
