The NCAA Wrestling Championships in Philadelphia delivered an electrifying atmosphere that rivaled, if not surpassed, the madness of the NCAA basketball tournament. March typically belongs to basketball, but this year’s wrestling finals brought unmatched intensity, drama, and historic performances that fans will never forget. Read More: WVU Wrestling: A Force in “Mat Madness”
Collegiate wrestling has surged in popularity. Last Saturday night, ESPN aired it in primetime. Competing with March Madness and holding its own proved the sport’s growing appeal. Mixed martial arts, especially the UFC, has fueled this rise. Many collegiate and Olympic wrestlers transition to MMA, attracting new fans. ESPN’s lead analyst, Daniel Cormier, also serves as a UFC commentator. The former Oklahoma State All-American and ex-UFC Heavyweight Champion adds credibility to the event.
RELATED: HALL PLACES THIRD TO FINISH WVU CAREER AT NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS
West Virginia fans celebrated Peyton Hall’s remarkable third-place finish at 165 pounds. The day before, he earned his third career All-America honor. He then dominated with a 13-5 major decision to secure third place. Hall battled through a grueling bracket to achieve WVU’s best individual finish since 2015.
“Everyone was telling me up until I got up on the mat to not focus on winning, don’t focus on the semis, don’t focus on losing. Focus on the match I want to wrestle,” Hall said before the semifinal. “The match I want to wrestle is a hard pace for 7 minutes.”
His success reinforced WVU’s growing national presence. The team finished in the top 20 for the second straight year, a feat last accomplished in 2005.
Wrestling’s Rise
Beyond WVU’s success, the tournament featured dominant and captivating performances. Penn State’s Carter Starocci secured his fifth national title at 174 pounds, joining an exclusive club of five-time NCAA champions. His dominance and ability to perform under pressure redefined elite collegiate wrestling. His legacy will endure for generations.
Air Force’s Wyatt Hendrickson delivered the tournament’s most exhilarating moment. In the heavyweight division, he pulled off what may be the biggest upset in college wrestling history with a last-minute win over the heavy favorite, Dan Gable. A sold-out crowd, including the President of the United States, erupted in celebration. The raw emotion on his coaches’ faces made the moment unforgettable.
“I was looking at the clock and I’m squeezing him… I have made it this far, and I knew I was going to win this match,” said Hendrickson after the upset. “I made up my mind. If he did stand up, I didn’t want to lock my hands… I was, like, ‘I have made it this far,’ and I knew I was going to win this match.”
Philadelphia’s atmosphere was electric from start to finish. Passionate fans packed the Wells Fargo Center, generating an energy that rivaled any major sporting event. Every takedown, escape, and pin triggered deafening roars, proving wrestling’s place as a premier collegiate spectacle. While basketball dominates March, NCAA wrestling delivers unmatched intensity and emotion.
As another historic tournament ends, one thing is clear: NCAA wrestling continues to rise in popularity and prestige. With stars like Peyton Hall, Carter Starocci, and Wyatt Hendrickson paving the way, the sport’s future looks bright. If this past weekend was any indication, wrestling fans can expect even more unforgettable moments ahead.
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