After the holiday break, the NCAA season is back in action. Indeed, fans have been craving some bouts on the mat, as there are many notable wrestlers to look forward to in the 2024-25 campaign. However, the most anticipated college, OSU, will also be making its comeback on the mat, and fans couldn’t be more hyped to watch David Taylor’s team dominate again.

So where will OSU make its return? After a long holiday break, OSU will serve a group of hungry wrestling fans at their home venue, the Gallagher-Iba Arena. But there’s a twist. Taylor surely has a stacked-up lineup for their home bout, but one of their key players, especially the Olympic champion’s protégé, won’t be available to wrestle. However, the wrestler has sent out an uplifting message in his absence, especially to the fans.

David Taylor’s team to miss out on one of their star players

Who will be unavailable on the field for the Cowboys? It’s Wyatt Hendrickson. Indeed, Wyatt Hendrickson, the second lieutenant who made a significant impact from the beginning of his team’s season, will not participate in the 2025 NCAA comeback. But why? David Taylor’s protégé has always been candid about his feelings on and off the mat. Indeed, he just loves to be a part of OSU, especially serving the fans who are always willing to see him perform at the top level in the program.

But what happened this time? Taking to X, Hendrickson posted an update on his official account, stating, “Happy Thursday, Cowboy Wrestling fans! Tomorrow, Friday at 7 o’clock, we will be wrestling Air Force in Gallagher. I will not be wrestling in that duel. I take a lot of pride still being active duty in the Air Force, but no worries. I will still be there supporting the Cowboys and the young men that support this great country. Um, I will still be around the tailgates, so feel free to come by, get some food, and come get a quick signature.”

Humble as ever, isn’t he? Hendrickson has played a significant role in OSU’s success, and there are numerous instances where he exceeded his own expectations to achieve success for Taylor’s team. Indeed, he’s focused on his NCAA career, but he’s still a second lieutenant. And when duty calls, he won’t be ashamed to serve his country. Respectful? Absolutely! Even though he will be supporting the team from the stands, he gave the fans the heads-up to be able to meet up and even get his autograph. Too kind, he is!

However, how has the season been treating Hendrickson? Domination is the perfect word that can be used for his current campaign with the Cowboys. Taking a look at his last two bouts on the mat, his first one was with Oklahoma Sooners’ Juan Mora, where he destroyed his opponent with a 19-4 in 7:00. In his next bout with Virginia Tech’s Hunter Catka, Hendrickson overcame the wrestler with a fall in just 2:00. Impressive, isn’t it? And as he will be absent in OSU’s first match in 2025, the fans showcased nothing but support for the wrestler.

Fans united to showcase support

Wyatt Hendrickson has been a top performer for the Cowboys, and for the fans, he’s a delight to watch. Indeed, he wasn’t happy to skip the NCAA comeback of OSU, but fans were behind him to shower him with support, as one fan stated, “Understand. Will still be there, but won’t be the same with you not wrestling.” Another fan wrote, “We respect your decision cowboy! Love following your career, keep dominating!” Similarly, another fan conveyed their feelings, stating, “You’ve got our support no matter what, Cowboy!”

There hasn’t been a single time for David Taylor’s protégé that he hasn’t enjoyed wrestling. Growing up, he aspired to receive cheers at the Gallagher-Iba Arena, a feat he accomplished during the season opener. Talking about the Cowboys’ atmosphere, Hendrickson opened up, stating, “It definitely lived up to the hype with a big screen and all of the fans screaming; it was always my mentality to wrestle in a hostile environment, but most of the time I go out there thinking they are cheering for me.”

Stillwater is a special place for the Air Force Academy graduate, and fans love it whenever he’s on or off the mat. One fan stated, “Absolutely Honorable! Much respect!” Another user also mentioned how they will be cheering the Cowboys in their next bout, stating, “I’ll be there with my son in the GA section. Go Pokes.”

Fans are just delighted to have him on the team. Indeed, Hendrickson is a wrestler deserving of a prominent position in the NCAA, and he consistently delivers his best on the mat. Taylor has always been appreciative of the way he has adapted to the scene, and he has more expectations for him, as the 2024-25 season is a long one.