After being distraught at the U20 Championships, Bo Bassett decided that he was not going to stay satisfied with a bronze. It wasn’t long before Bo stepped onto the mat yet again! But this, he was ready to rumble. On September 29th, Bo went head-to-head against an old rival. He fought against two-time California State champion Daniel Zepeda. The last time Bo went against him in 2023, it ended badly for him. Now, with the NCAA decision looming at large, Bo could not afford another loss!
On the day of FloWrestling’s ‘Who’s #1,’ Bo Bassett stepped onto the mats of his hometown. And he wasted no time in showing that he is not the same Bo that left the mat disappointed in 2023. He had an early takedown, which gave him a 3-0 lead and set the tone for the match. Daniel Zepeda, however, has never been one to back down from a fight!
Despite Zepeda’s best efforts, however, Bo had another takedown with a 6-1 lead. By the end, Bo won with a 12-6 score! “I think I controlled everything from tie-ups to the pace. I think I was controlling the center of the mat, forcing him into bad shots. His sides weren’t there this year, and that definitely showed. I felt strong.” But what happened after the match was just as exciting!
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Soon after the loss, Daniel went on to indicate that he wanted a rematch. Bo’s response? “I hope he shows up. I want one more. And I’m going for four Super 32s, so he can be the guy to stop it. So that’s just exciting, and I’m glad he said that because now I’ll be motivated.” Now, that is not just someone who is hoping to win. That is a man who knows he will win. “I had full confidence. I got their score points, and I know he’s a great opponent. Nothing but respect for him, but he doesn’t do what I do,” Bo added.
#Grateful
Interview after WNO #MachineGunMindset pic.twitter.com/fg1stZN6Xf— Bo Bassett WC (@BoBassett06) October 2, 2024
Daniel Zepeda is, no doubt, a fierce competitor, but Bo Bassett might just be fiercer. However, Bo’s performance was not without flaws. He went on to point out, “I think he got in on my legs once instead of a little bit more than that last year. So that was a good positive for me, but I don’t want him to touch them at all. So I’m going to try to limit that, and I think I’ve got to be able to get a turn.” Despite being back on top, Bo is not satisfied.
If anything, Bo wants more. “I think it was great. Again, though, I mean, it’s a big deal after today, but it’s just a building block to that final long-term goal. I’m excited about that,” he added. And now that reclaiming the #1 spot is out of the way. The ultimate question is back on everyone’s lips! Which school will Bo Bassett choose?
With the ‘Machine Gun Mindset’ company, Bo continues his college journey!
Bo Bassett’s journey doesn’t stop here! He is, in fact, embracing his ‘Machine Gun Mindset’ and moving forward. As Bo himself puts it, “This year was the best year of my life as far as getting better on the mat and off the mat. I think a lot goes to 365 days ago, but it doesn’t stop now that we beat him.” With a focus that never falters, Bo is stepping into his 16th week of college decisions with confidence.
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The Power was out, with bad storms in the area but I had my home visit with Coach Bormet and Coach KJ! It was definitely different with not having power but great to hear about the vision of Michigan and the Cliff Keen RTC. #SprintTheMile @umichwrestling @CliffKeenWC pic.twitter.com/qKD1NEVru6
— Bo Bassett WC (@BoBassett06) October 1, 2024
As of October 2, Bo has cut short his list of 80 schools to 16 now. The latest drop from the list? Lehigh Mountain Hawks. The remaining 16, however, are the big names, including Penn State, Ohio State, and Michigan. Despite Who’s Number One keeping Bo busy, he has made time for school visits and boot camps. His last visit? The University of Michigan is headed by coach Sean Bormet. Although David Taylor’s Oklahoma State and Cael Sanderson’s Penn State are still on the list, there is something different about Michigan.
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It seems to be the only college that Bo and his parents have both visited! He even went on to write, “The Power was out, with bad storms in the area, but I had my home visit with Coach Bormet and Coach KJ! It was different with not having power, but great to hear about the vision of Michigan and the Cliff Keen.” It seems like Michigan is making a rather strong case to call Bo a Wolverine!
As the collegiate season unfolds, all eyes are on Bo Bassett. Will he choose a school that matches his drive? Or is it going to join the big names to take their legacy forward? The anticipation is building, and one thing is clear: Bo Bassett is just getting started!