A careful observation of things and leaving the wrestling camp at midnight—that’s what happened in Wisconsin last night. The camp is already going through several issues. A sizable chunk of them has come chasing the present coach, Chris Bono. But now, the exit of the two-time NCAA DIII National Champion is bound to raise uncomfortable questions. Especially, the entire issue has garnered support for the concerned wrestler from the fans. 

Last year, Warburg men’s wrestling took a moment to celebrate Massoma Endene snagging the national championship in the 197-pound weight bracket. With 28 victories and a clean slate in the loss list, the phenom was touted to be the next big thing in the national circuit. However, in May this year, Endene changed the flag and announced his move to Wisconsin wrestling camp, with two years of eligibility remaining. The wrestling community took up the presence of Chris Bono and Jon Reader as the prime reason for his shifting. But the sweet affair has not gone long. 

In a detailed Instagram post on September 17, Massoma Endene informed, “I’ve decided to return to Wartburg College for my final year of athletic eligibility.” Simultaneously, he showed his gratitude toward coaches Bono and Reader for their help in his brief stay in the Wisconsin club. But things seemed not to be as smooth as the phenom depicted in his post. As per the update, he left Wisconsin at midnight to shift to Wartburg. Meanwhile, Bono wished Massoma well for his upcoming wrestling journey. 

On Instagram, under the phenom’s post, the Wisconsin coach penned down, “You are a wonderful human! Nothing but love! Good luck.” The wish for luck might be the need for the hour for the Dallas native wrestler because of his lofty goal. 

In the same Instagram post, Endene wrote, “In the coming weeks and months, my focus will turn to the upcoming U23 World Championships and my pursuit of a third NCAA Championship.” The route is not new for him. This year, he grabbed the U23 Pan-American Championships in the 92-kg weight category. Throughout the tournament, he maintained his clean slate, giving no loose end to his competitors. In the end, he gathered 28 unanswered points, an enviable feat to be achieved in a global contest!

The fans of Wisconsin Wrestling flaunted their merriment, finding the 22-year-old phenom in the red jersey. But, now it seems that they will have to see him in the opposite camp. But because of his undisputed run at both the NCAA and international level, Massoma Endene has already earned reverence from the wrestling communities, irrespective of his jersey color. That warmth has been seen in the comment section on social media, celebrating his homecoming. 

The Golden Knight of wrestling gets his flowers while returning home 

After spending a brief time in both Madison and Wisconsin wrestling, Massoma Endene is now en route to the Wartburg fold, his old den. Since being transferred from Iowa Lakes Community College, he did not have to look behind while donning the white and orange jersey. In just two years of his tenure, he won back-to-back Concordia (Wis.) Open and the NCAA championship in the 197-pound category. For this phenomenal run, Endene was handed the prestigious Voecks Award in the 2023-24 season.

Wrestling fans remember that accomplishment. So moving to his wrestling home, a fan wished him in the comments, saying, “Good luck man, go succeed in what you love!” Another enthusiast wished for the larger outcome this time as the wrestler eyes to win his third NCAA Championship and the U23 World Championships, scheduled in October. One such comment read, “Let’s go bro!!! 3rd one is the charm.”

In the middle of this repartee, the wrestling community found no wrong in his abrupt move just before his high-level competitions. Rather, a fan penned, “👏👏👏👏do as your heart desires champion.” Ultimately, it would be a loss for Wisconsin Wrestling to fail to keep him in the camp. Remember, the camp is already reeling through issues, despite landing a strong team in the season. Seeing this, a connoisseur pointed out, “Wisconsin has the worst luck.” However, it would be too early to come to any derivation. But now the wish would be for Massoma Endene to end his college years in Wartburg Wrestling.