It seems Bo Bassett’s high school career will indeed end on a high note. Why, you ask? Well, he just won the PIAA State Championship. It was a welcome win for the prodigy as he failed to avenge last year’s loss to FCA. But while he might be celebrating this win, it was also a solemn moment for Bassett. After all, this was the last time he had with The Crushers. Yes, you heard that right. Bassett’s time with Bishop McCort has finally come to an end. And the number 1 high school wrestler was in for some emotional adieus.

Wrestling has always been more than a sport for Bassett—it has been a way of life since his early years. Bassett’s high school record speaks volumes: an 11-time Pennsylvania State Champion with various titles through his junior year, including two PIAA titles. Now that he is ending his high school wrestling career, Bishop McCort’s high school wrestler has penned down his feelings as he starts his next chapter.

Reflecting on his journey, Bassett expressed his gratitude; he posted a carousel on Instagram saying, “2X PIAA State Champion ☑️ Blessed to have the opportunity to compete with my brothers & teammates.” All the pictures show quite a journey, from winning wrestling matches to dominating his opponent on the mat to standing on the podium as a PIAA title holder in the 145 lbs weight category. And ended the carousel with a Hawkeyes wrestling t-shirt and “It’s in god’s hands” quote.

Bassett continues to make it apparent that beyond the wins and the accolades, the best moments of his mat career were his teammates. After all, it was with them that he pursued the sport. Quite ironic when you consider how wrestling is an individual sport. Yet, the Bishop McCort Junior is constantly trying to push his mates to further highs.

Be it training sessions, practice matches, or sharing friendships with other wrestlers like Jax Forrest, Bo is sure to miss it. But above all, there is one name he will miss. And that is his childhood friend and Crusher teammate, Owen McMullen. Back in February, McMullen announced via the Iowa-based IAwrestle, “We’ve been best friends since 2nd grade, and now we’re going to be teammates through 16th grade.” 

But it is not just friends and family that Bassett has paid homage to in his thanks. He consistently credits God for his success, and his farewell message echoes this sentiment: “All glory to God. God, you’ll have every victory & defeat.” Bassett also references 1 Corinthians 9:25, a verse that speaks about striving for an eternal crown rather than just worldly accolades. Now, as he moves to the next chapter, it is to be seen how he will showcase his resilience there.

Bo Bassett’s next ride

Bo Bassett, one of the nation’s top wrestling prospects, announced his commitment to the University of Iowa, but it was not at all easy for him to decide. His decision came after shortlisting colleges from a list of a total of 80 colleges. Yep, you read it right. He tried his best to understand all the aspects, negatives, and positives, and as he once said, he was not only looking for a college but a family.

Bassett explored top programs like Penn State, Oklahoma State, and Virginia Tech and even got gifts from them. Well, yes, one example—he got a gift of flight tickets from Oklahoma, including 40 other members, just to impress Bassett. But his admiration for Iowa legend Spencer Lee played a pivotal role in his choice, and over these tactics, he chose Iowa.

Bassett just ended his Bishop McCort Catholic Academy journey and is expected to join Iowa in the fall of 2026. His commitment is anticipated to be transformative for Iowa’s wrestling program, with expectations that he will compete for national titles from the onset of his collegiate career. As 17-year-old Bassett prepares for this new chapter, the wrestling world eagerly anticipates his contributions to the University of Iowa and the broader wrestling landscape.

Given his impressive high school record of 110-0, anticipation is high for his debut season; his participation in major collegiate championships is highly anticipated. As fans and followers eagerly wait to see where Bo Bassett’s wrestling career takes him next, one thing remains clear—his high school farewell is not an ending but the beginning of a new and exciting ride.