When you’ve achieved almost everything there is to achieve in college wrestling, the next step becomes all the more crucial. And for Wyatt Hendrickson, the choice to stay grounded instead of chasing the spotlight has resonated with those who know what greatness truly demands. His post-NCAA success after the decision to stay with the Cowboys is celebrated in the wrestling world.

And that moment was celebrated by Olympic gold medalist and Penn State wrestling coach David Taylor, who shared a heartfelt message on his Instagram story on Hendrickson’s new journey. And what stood out wasn’t just what Hendrickson chose to do, but where he chose to do it.

Taylor’s Instagram story may have been brief, but it had its say. The decorated coach and wrestler lauded Hendrickson’s decision to continue training with the Cowboys Regional Training Center (RTC) post his NCAA career. The coach shared a post made by the Cowboys’ official page with the caption “golden,” followed by another story of a post that had the Cowboys highlighting Hendrickson with this caption: “Pan Am Gold for Captain America! 🥇”

Taylor’s post wasn’t just a nod of respect. It was a way to say to the entire wrestling community that Hendrickson’s choice to remain with Oklahoma State’s RTC wasn’t just smart, it was strategic.

Hendrickson, now a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and a member of the Air Force World-Class Athlete Program (WCAP), has hit a new gear since his NCAA days. After clinching the U.S. Open Championship and earning a berth at the Final, he went on to dominate at the Pan-American Wrestling Championships. His gold-medal performance in Monterrey, Mexico, included two pins, one of which came in the finals against Canada’s Richard Deschatelets in a blistering 23 seconds. But that’s not even half of the story.

David Taylor applauds Wyatt Hendrickson’s Cowboys RTC commitment

He didn’t give up a single point throughout the tournament, a feat that showcases just how prepared and focused he is under the Cowboys RTC and WCAP structure. With teammates like Zahid Valencia and Roman Bravo-Young also bringing home gold, and Joey McKenna adding a silver, the training environment Hendrickson has embraced seems to be built for champions.

For a wrestler like Hendrickson, who has the tools and mindset to transition seamlessly into international contention, staying close to familiar mats and coaches might just be the launchpad he needs. And as Taylor applauded, it’s these less glamorous decisions that often define long-term success. By celebrating Hendrickson’s move, Taylor applauds the value of loyalty, work ethic, and long-term planning in a sport where big decisions often make or break careers.

And if there were any doubts about Hendrickson’s trajectory, his dominant run at 125 kg in the Pan-American Championships erased them. From his tech fall win over Venezuela’s Jose Diaz in the semifinals to his pin in under a minute in the quarters, he showed what refined, deliberate training can achieve.

His choice to remain with the Cowboys RTC in an age where instant fame can distract from lasting greatness reflects a maturity that bodes well for Hendrickson’s future. And the torch of American wrestling is steadily passing into hands ready to hold it high and Hendrickson, by all accounts, is proving to be an excellent bearer.