A view of leadership and character development through the eyes and actions of a world-class athlete.
SUMMARY
For NCAA Division I heavyweight wrestling champion and newly commissioned 2nd Lt. Wyatt Hendrickson ’24, what happens on the mat informs how he manages conflict, planning, strategy and tactics, and most importantly, his development as a leader.
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WYATT'S TAKEAWAYS
- Wyatt's journey exemplifies leadership and perseverance.
- The Air Force Academy provided a strong foundation for Wyatt.
A view of leadership and character development through the eyes and actions of a world-class athlete.
SUMMARY
For NCAA Division I heavyweight wrestling champion and newly commissioned 2nd Lt. Wyatt Hendrickson ’24, what happens on the mat informs how he manages conflict, planning, strategy and tactics, and most importantly, his development as a leader.
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LINKEDIN | FACEBOOK
WYATT'S TAKEAWAYS
- Wyatt's journey exemplifies leadership and perseverance.
- The Air Force Academy provided a strong foundation for Wyatt.
- Pivotal moments can change the trajectory of one's life.
- Tattoos can tell a personal story and hold deep meaning.
- Winning the NCAA title was a culmination of hard work and strategy.
- Mindset and planning are crucial in wrestling and leadership.
- Family support plays a significant role in personal success.
- Mastering the basics is essential for excellence in any field.
- Call signs reflect identity and values in the military.
- God's plan often unfolds in unexpected ways. Adversity can lead to personal growth and resilience.
- Mental strength is crucial in competitive sports.
- Reaching out for help is essential for overcoming challenges.
- Building a strong foundation in skills is vital for success.
- Wrestling teaches valuable life lessons about failure and perseverance.
- Enjoying the journey is as important as achieving goals.
- Hard work is the only path to success; there are no shortcuts.
- Self-motivation is key to personal and professional growth.
- Doing little things right builds good habits and character.
- Faith and gratitude play a significant role in success.
CHAPTERS
00:00: Introduction to Leadership and Perseverance
02:07: The Journey to the Air Force Academy
05:56: Defining Moments and Personal Growth
09:57: Tattoos and Their Significance
14:03: The NCAA Championship Experience
18:03: Mindset and Training in Wrestling
22:05: Call Signs and Identity
26:00: Family Background and Support
27:06: Overcoming Adversity in Wrestling
30:40: The Mental Game of Wrestling
35:15: Building a Strong Foundation
38:01: Lessons from Wrestling and Military
40:34: Training for the 2028 Olympics
42:08: Finding Joy in the Journey
44:42: Navigating Sponsorships and NIL
47:03: The Importance of Doing Little Things Right
50:48: Self-Motivation and Purpose
54:02: Closing Thoughts and Gratitude
ABOUT WYATT HENDRICKSON
BIO
2nd Lt. Wyatt Hendrickson ’24 is a wrestler known for his remarkable collegiate career and service in the United States Air Force. He gained national attention in 2025 by winning the NCAA heavyweight championship, defeating Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson in a dramatic upset.
Early Life and High School Career
Hendrickson comes from Newton, Kansas, and is the son of Todd and Lynnette Hendrickson. At Newton High School, he was a standout wrestler, becoming a two-time Kansas state champion and a three-time finalist. He earned All-American honors in freestyle, Greco-Roman, and folkstyle wrestling, and won national titles at the NHSCA Senior Nationals and FloNationals.
Collegiate Wrestling Career
Air Force Academy
Initially hesitant about a military path, Wyatt was persuaded by his father to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. There, he became one of the most dominant heavyweight wrestlers in NCAA history. He was a five-time NCAA qualifier, two-time Big 12 champion, and two-time NCAA All-American, finishing third nationally in both 2023 and 2024. He led the nation in pins for three consecutive seasons and was twice named the NCAA Most Dominant Wrestler. He concluded his Air Force career with a 103–11 record, becoming the program’s all-time leader in pins.
Oklahoma State University
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wyatt had an extra year of eligibility. As a member of the Air Force’s World Class Athlete Program, he was allowed to delay active-duty service to pursue Olympic training. This enabled him to transfer to Oklahoma State University for the 2024–25 season. Fulfilling a childhood dream, he joined the Cowboys and went undefeated (27–0), culminating in his victory over Gable Steveson in the NCAA finals.
Personal Life and Military Service
Wyatt holds the rank of second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and is pursuing an MBA at Oklahoma State University. His unique journey from a small-town Kansas wrestler to NCAA champion and military officer exemplifies dedication and perseverance.
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FULL TRANSCRIPT
SPEAKERS: Guest, 2nd. Lt. Wyatt Hendrickson ’24 | Host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99
KEYWORDS
Leadership, perseverance, Air Force Academy, wrestling, NCAA champion, personal growth, mindset, tattoos, family support, call signs, wrestling, adversity, mental strength, Olympic training, leadership, self-improvement, Air Force Academy, sponsorships, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness), personal growth
GALLERY
The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation
