“Ultimately, my heart just was at Minnesota, and I always knew that I wanted to come here.” For Gable Steveson’s teammate, wrestling for the Gophers wasn’t just a choice. It was more like his destiny. But what does it take to survive in a program with championship expectations? How do you follow the footsteps of Steveson who is an Olympic gold medalist?

The four-time Minnesota state high school champion, Max McEnelly, hasn’t left a chance to assert his dominance on the mat. The 2022 U17 World Freestyle Championships bronze winner continues to leave the audience in shock with his stellar performances. Who is the driving force behind this star wrestler? Well, it’s none other than the Gophers sensation, 2x NCAA champion, Gable Steveson. McEnelly’s growth isn’t just about talent but it’s about learning from the very best.

Speaking with the Star Tribune, McEnelly understands that being around greatness is just as valuable as competing against it. “You don’t even have to wrestle with him to learn from him. You can learn so much from him by just watching him every single day in practice and just watching how he goes about his business,” he said. For McEnelly, training alongside a generational talent like Steveson isn’t just an opportunity. It’s a privilege! “It’s been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, being able to compete and be on a team with one of the best wrestlers in the world.” McEnelly is ready to absorb every lesson from his senior, who has also won two Dan Hodge Trophies in 2021 and 2022 respectively. Talk about his dominant performance against Ohio!

McEnelly’s season performance displays unmatched dominance through his 17-0 record. In his most recent victory, he secured a strong 15-5 major win against Ryder Rogotzke from No. 4 Ohio State. With the dual meet hanging in the balance, McEnelly thrived under pressure, securing a crucial 20-17 win for the Gophers. But it wasn’t just his performance that caught attention—it was his attitude. Fired up after the match, he flashed a bold “O” toward the Buckeye crowd, making it clear that his victories come with a message. McEnelly had made his point, and he was not afraid to show it.

The Waconia native’s rise has been nothing short of electrifying, but what makes his journey even more compelling is the backing he has received from none other than the Olympic champion himself!

Gable Steveson backs Max McEnelly as Minnesota’s next wrestling star

Gable Steveson has seen plenty of talent come through Minnesota’s wrestling program, but when he looks at Max McEnelly, he sees potential for true greatness. “Max, I mean, just how impressive is he? Man, he’s getting it done; he’s got a long way to go, but I think if he keeps putting pieces together, he’s going to be what Minnesota needs after me. Someone’s got to step up and be that face, and I think he’s got it in him,” he said. The endorsement from Steveson means more than athletic skill because it includes the leadership duties that accompany representing such a renowned program. For the freshman, the path ahead isn’t just about winning matches but proving he can carry the legacy that Steveson will eventually leave behind. McEnelly’s success was not at all random!

On Friday night, two dominating teams competed against each other in a duel.  The Gophers pulled off a thrilling victory against the Buckeyes. The Indiana native won his match with an overwhelming 13-4 major decision, which started the Gophers off strong. The dominance didn’t stop there. The remaining two Gopher wrestlers, Tommy Askey and Max McEnelly, along with No. 11 Andrew Sparks, put the finishing touches on the dual with his major decisions and tech fall. McEnelly’s undefeated 17-0 record strengthened as he added more victories to his unblemished season.

With momentum on their side and a roster filled with rising stars, what does the future hold for Minnesota wrestling? Can McEnelly position himself as the next face of the program?