NCAA Champ Salutes President Trump After ‘BIGGEST UPSET IN COLLEGE WRESTLING HISTORY’ [WATCH]

Oklahoma State heavyweight wrestler Wyatt Hendrickson pulled off a major upset over Olympic gold medalist and University of Minnesota standout Gable Steveson during the NCAA wrestling championships, then saluted President Donald Trump in front of a cheering crowd.

The moment was captured in a video posted by the official Rapid Response account for the Trump White House.

The footage shows Hendrickson raising his hand in a salute toward President Trump as an announcer refers to him as “Captain America.”

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Hendrickson, a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force, defeated Steveson with a final score of 5-4, according to The Oklahoman.

Hendrickson followed his salute by draping himself in an American flag, placing it over his head and shoulders before walking over to shake President Trump’s hand.

After the handshake, Hendrickson was asked what the former president had said to him.

Hendrickson replied, “He was very proud of me.”

Wyatt Hendrickson — a second lieutenant in the @usairforce — salutes President Donald J. Trump after winning an @NCAAWrestling national championship pic.twitter.com/KK4ngwH7mW

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 23, 2025

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Trump had entered the venue to a strong show of support from the audience.

As he walked into the arena for the NCAA wrestling championship, he was met with loud applause and chants of “USA! USA!”

Hendrickson’s victory over Steveson is being described by many outlets as one of the most significant upsets in NCAA wrestling history.

Steveson, who previously won an Olympic gold medal and had returned to college wrestling after a stint in professional wrestling, was heavily favored to win the championship.

WYATT HENDRICKSON BEATS GABLE STEVESON TO WIN THE NATIONAL TITLE

BIGGEST UPSET IN COLLEGE WRESTLING HISTORY!

pic.twitter.com/l9cZSRaoFO

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) March 23, 2025

According to BVM Sports, Hendrickson credited his faith in God for his victory, stating that he believed God was with him on the mat during the match. “God gifted me,” Hendrickson said.

Speaking to MMA Fighting, Hendrickson expanded on his mindset going into the match. “Today, I took the gold medal, I’m No. 1,” he said.

“I was telling myself I know I can do this. God gifted me. All week I’ve been looking at David and Goliath and no one thought David could take down Goliath but I did.”

Hendrickson’s win secured him the NCAA heavyweight title and drew national attention not only for the upset itself, but also for the public show of respect toward President Trump in front of a large collegiate audience.

The NCAA championships took place in front of a packed arena, and Trump’s appearance added to the significance of the event.

His presence was met with enthusiastic cheers, and his interaction with Hendrickson quickly went viral online.

WATCH: President Trump enters the Wells Fargo Center arena for the Division I NCAA wrestling championships pic.twitter.com/AjfVVLP3A6

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 22, 2025

President Trump and Elon Musk are in attendance at the NCAA wrestling championships in Philadelphia.
pic.twitter.com/Sf7bv1hWfL

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) March 22, 2025

President Trump has attended a number of sporting events throughout his time in office and since leaving the White House.

His appearances often draw large crowds and visible support from both athletes and fans.

Hendrickson now adds an NCAA championship title to his athletic record, furthering his reputation as one of the top competitors in college wrestling and one of the Air Force’s most high-profile athletes.

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