It was an emotional decision for Noah Surtin to process. In an official statement from the University of Missouri, it was informed that their redshirt senior, Surtin, is medically retiring from wrestling. While this was a hard one for the wrestler to process, Surtin ultimately decided to prioritize his physical health in the long run. Such a decision meant that the 22-year-old’s last official fight was at the Cougar Clash on December 7, 2024. 

Playing for the Mizzou Nation, Surtin concluded his career with an overall record of 64-28. He qualified four times for the national tournament and appeared in the championship every season from 2020-21 to 2023-24. Competing in four national tournaments, the 125-pound wrestler won a total of five games. His career-best achievement was to advance to the round of 12 back in 2021-22. 

Apart from his incredible form on the mat, the 22-year-old has also been awarded some impressive accolades. Surtin received the NWCA Scholar All-American award on four different occasions. He is also a 3x First Team Academic All-Big 12 and a 2x CSC Academic All-District. 

Meanwhile, coming back to his sudden retirement, Surtin’s official announcement stated, “After some long talks and plenty of tears shed, I have decided to prioritize my long-term health and medically retire from the sport of wrestling… It’s been one of the more difficult decisions and situations I’ve ever been through, and I’m genuinely appreciative of all the support and love that’s been offered and given to me throughout the process.” He also mentioned how the sport of wrestling has shaped his character and helped him become the person he is at present. 

While this was indeed a sad moment, Surtin has no regrets. He mentioned that during his playing days, the 22-year-old remained fully focused on the sports. Having given his 100%, Surtin was happy to accept whatever plans the Almighty had for him. The redshirt further concluded by saying that he wanted to stay with his team and continue to support them till the end of the season.

Noah Surtin wrote, “No regrets. I gave it absolutely everything I could have, and sometimes God has alternative plans. I look forward to continue supporting the team the remainder of my time in Columbia, and I want to do anything possible to help them get a team trophy at the end of the year. Love you, Mizzou Nation. MIZ!” Hearing the news of the sudden retirement, fans quickly took to the comment section to express their opinions. 

Fans give ‘Neck Brace’ Noah Surtin his flowers

When Noah Surtin announced his medical retirement, fans didn’t hesitate to flood the comment section with heartfelt reactions. One fan perfectly captured the bittersweet moment, saying, “There comes a time in everyone’s life that they know a certain path has come to an end…” It’s a gut-punch realization that even the most passionate journeys must sometimes pause for the sake of health. And for Surtin—64 wins, four NCAA Tournament qualifications, and countless hours of blood, sweat, and tears—that time is now.

Wrestling star Matt Ramos chimed in with his trademark respect and camaraderie, writing, “Hell of a career brother! Always a great time scrapping with you.” Ramos’ words celebrated Surtin’s fierce reputation in the 125-pound weight class while hinting at their fiery matchups on the mat. More than that, it showcased the mutual respect wrestlers share—even among rivals. Surtin’s résumé, including his highest-ever No. 13 seed at the 2023-24 NCAA Championship and five wins at nationals, speaks to his relentless drive.

Through his time at Mizzou, the 22-year-old health sciences graduate not only racked up an impressive 64-28 record but also made it to the Round of 12 in the 2021-22 NCAA Championship and was twice a conference tournament finalist. Whether at the MAC or Big 12 tournaments, Surtin’s performances delivered plenty of jaw-dropping moments and bonus-point victories. One coach brought it all home, remembering Surtin’s “Neck Brace Noah,” a nod to his resilience in overcoming injuries.

“Praying for you Noah, Great career. You carried the legacy of the neck brace well,” they commented, tipping their hat to his toughness. After all, it’s not every day you see a wrestler power through setbacks with such grit. Those neck braces? They aren’t just for show—they’re there to prevent and treat injuries like burners, which happen when the neck takes a hyperextended hit. And Surtin embodied that “Tiger Style” toughness like no other.

Mizzou Athletics added their voice to the mix with a touching tribute: “The definition of a Tiger and a True Son of Missouri. Thank you for everything, Noah ❤️.” It’s a fitting way to honor a student-athlete who gave everything to the program. Fans echoed the sentiment, with one user simply dropping a “🙌❤️… Respect!!!” Sometimes, a few emojis say it all.

Even as Noah steps away from the mat, Tigers coach Brian Smith sees this as just another chapter. “It’s never easy to give up something you love to do, especially when it’s out of your control.” He continued, “Noah will use his pain and frustration to grow and become the best version of himself in his next phase of life, whether it’s studying/practicing medicine or being a great husband and father. Noah will keep living it, and I look forward to seeing all he accomplishes as he moves into the next phase of life.” Whether it’s medicine, family, or something entirely new, you can bet Noah Surtin is taking his legendary grit into whatever comes next.