For Bo Bassett, his day begins before the sun is even up, with the kind of workouts that are not for the faint of heart. “Every 5am & hard workout brings me closer to the next championship or closer to reaching my goals. 1% better every day, every workout,” wrote the class of 2026 recruit on his X page. From skiers to endless ropes to the Versaclimber, Bassett’s workout is the clearest demonstration of his will to keep improving and his dedication to his craft. The wrestling phenom is known for his powerhouse performances, clearly fueled by his workouts in the dark hours of the morning, while he gears up for NCAA greatness.

Now with Bassett committed to joining the Iowa Hawkeyes, he’s added something extra to his spartan daily routine. And that includes getting a head start by enlisting the help of Max Murin, the two-time All-American for the Hawkeyes and one of their current coaches. If the 5am workouts weren’t indication enough, it’s clear that he’s stopping at nothing to be the most complete wrestler he can possibly be.

Bo Bassett let the news drop on Easter Sunday with a photo of himself and Murin standing in what appeared to be the weight room of a wrestling club. “Thanks for rolling @mad_max814. Two hawks 🐤,” read the caption! He posted the same image onto his X account, writing, “Grateful for the opportunity to get in a pre-Easter training session with Max Murin. Wishing everyone a Happy Easter!”

But this isn’t just NCAA prep between Hawkeyes; it’s also important training with the 2025 US Wrestling Open in mind. On April 23, Bassett, along with some of the country’s most exciting wrestling talents, will descend on Las Vegas for some exciting competition at The Expo at World Market Center. For those who are new to the sport, it’s not just any ordinary tournament; it represents a chance for freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers to make the world team.

Returning to Bo Bassett, his potential international prep is underway, and he’s leaning on some elite experience to sharpen his own edge. And for Murin? The thank you wasn’t just gratitude but respect for his hard-built legacy that inspires young wrestlers like Bassett.

Bo Bassett’s heartfelt words echoed the legacy of Max Murin!

814: not just a number shared by Max Murin but a connection. With Bo Bassett sending his heartfelt thanks to his coach, Murin echoed the sentiment by resharing the post on his Instagram stories. And with a caption, “814 Hawks.”  So, what exactly do these words mean? To put it simply, it’s a nod to Bassett and Murin’s shared roots.

The number 814 represents the area code for Pennsylvania – the state that the two former and future Hawkeyes hail from.  And with Murrin tagging the code alongside Hawks, it not only underscores the pride of two different generations carrying their hometown legacy but also reflects the continuing Pennsylvania representation on the team!

Now, getting mat time with someone of Murin’s caliber indeed adds serious depth to Bassett’s upcoming NCAA debut. After all, with Murin being a coach, Bassett has a direct link to the program even before he joins and will be able to benefit from Murin’s guidance.