Thursday, March 16
Tulsa, OK
10:00 AM
Air Force Academy
vs
NCAA Championships
Photo by: Zack Howard
2023 NCAA Wrestling Championships in Review: A Historic Finish For Air Force
3/19/2023 5:29:00 PM | Wrestling
Air Force finished tied for 18th in the field with the most team points in program history
TULSA, OK – Wyatt Hendrickson will return to the United States Air Force Academy bearing a third-place medal from the 2023 NCAA Wrestling Championships. Air Force finished tied for 18th in the field with the most team points in program history. Hendrickson claimed four major awards for Air Force including his second consecutive NCAA Most Dominant Wrestler Award.
QUICK HITS
Best team finish in program history
28.5 – Tied for 18th (OK State), overtaking the talented 2002 Air Force team (22.5) that boasts a program best three All-Americans
Finished tied for 5th in the Big 12 out of 12 conference teams in attendance.
Finished ahead of Navy (T-50th, 2.5) and Army (T-56th, 0.5)
Wyatt Hendrickson – All-American, third-place finish
-Most Falls (16, season)
- Gorriaran Award (3, most NCAA tournament pins)
-Most Div. I Dominant Wrestler
All-Americans pinned (3 pinned, 8 Accolades)
Falcons pinned three All-Americans boasting a total of eight All-American accolades.
Lucas Davison (Northwestern, two-time AA)
Tony Cassioppi (Iowa, four-time AA)
Chris Cannon (Northwestern, two-time AA)
Pins against Top-20 B1G Wrestlers (total time 14:02; Avg 3:05; fastest 2:02)
Air Force pinned four B1G wrestlers in a total time of 14:02, averaging 3:05 per pin with a fastest pin coming by way of Cody Phippen against three-time NCAA qualifier Dylan Ragusin of Michigan (2:02).
(2) Wyatt Hendrickson (AF) over (9) Lucas Davison (NW) fall, (3:56)
(2) Wyatt Hendrickson (AF) over (4) Tony Cassioppi (IOWA) fall, (4:16)
(22) Cody Phippen (AF) over (11) Dylan Ragusin (MICH), fall (2:02)
(22) Cody Phippen over (12) Chris Cannon (NW), Fall (3:48)
All-Americans beat (10 accolades)
Falcons beat four All-Americans with 10 total AA accolades on the event.
Lucas Davison (Northwestern, two-time AA)
Tony Cassioppi (Iowa, four-time AA)
Chris Cannon (Northwestern, two-time AA)
Zach Elam (Missouri, two-time AA)
THE AFTER-ACTION REPORT
In the consolation semifinals and his first match of the day, Hendrickson met with returning two-time All-American (9) Lucas Davison of Northwestern. Hendrickson was the first to attack with a takedown 50 seconds into the match, but Davison escaped 30 seconds later— it was the last time he was standing up on the mat. Davison took bottom in the next period where Hendrickson rode tough and caught him in a cradle. Hendrickson finished for the pin at the 3:56 mark for his 16th fall of the season, continuing to build his case for the NCAA's Most Dominant Wrestler Award.
In the third-place match, Hendrickson met with four-time All-American (4) Tony Cassioppi of Iowa. Hendrickson continued to push his pace, scoring the fifth-straight first takedown in as many tries at the tournament. Following a Cassioppi escape, Hendrickson followed up with another takedown with a two-point near fall; however, an Iowa brick and challenge suggested there was not enough time to count the points. Hendrickson started the second period on top with a 4-2 lead. Cassioppi put Falcon fans on alert as he reversed Hendrickson's hold and put him in a dangerous position—Hendrickson, the athlete, leveraged the momentum for his own reversal, sticking the four-time All-American to the mat to secure the third-place finish.
(2) Wyatt Hendrickson (AF) over (31) Trevor Tinker (POLY), fall (1:54)
(2) Wyatt Hendrickson (EAF) over (15) Grady Griess (NAVY), 14-1 MD
(2) Wyatt Hendrickson (10) over Zach Elam (MIZZ), 17-8, MD
(3) Greg Kerkvliet (PSU) over Wyatt Hendrickson (AF), 4-2 dec
(2) Wyatt Hendrickson (AF) over (9) Lucas Davison (NW) fall, (3:56)
(2) Wyatt Hendrickson (AF) over (4) Tony Cassioppi (IOWA) fall, (4:16)
WELCOME TO THE CLUB
Hendrickson's major decision over Zach Elam in the quarter finals match guaranteed his All-America status, marking the first All-American for Air Force since 2003. Hendrickson becomes the ninth all-time Air Force All-American for the program's 12th All-American accolade.
FOR THOSE WHO SERVE
Air Force finalized the tournament ahead service academy rivals Army and Navy in the team race. Navy is tied for 50th with two points while Army is tied at 56th with a half point. Air Force went 2-0 in service academy on the tournament.
TEAM SCORES
1 Penn State 137.5
2 Iowa 82.5
3 Cornell 76.5
4 Ohio State 70.5
5 Missouri 64.5
6 Michigan 58.5
7 Arizona State 55.0
8 Nebraska 54.0
9 Virginia Tech 49.0
10 NC State 48.0
11 Iowa State 47.0
12 North Carolina 42.0
13 Princeton 37.5
14 South Dakota State 37.0
15 Minnesota 30.5
16 Northern Iowa 29.0
16 Wisconsin 29.0
18 Air Force 28.5
18 Oklahoma State 28.5
20 Lehigh 28.0
20 Purdue 28.0
22 Pittsburgh 27.0
23 Northern Colorado 26.0
24 North Dakota State 25.5
25 Northwestern 24.5
A LOOK AT THE BIG 12
Of the 12 Big 12 teams in attendance, the Falcons finished tied with Oklahoma State for the fifth-best team in the league. Missouri finished fifth (64.5), Iowa State 11th (47.0), South Dakota State 14th (37.0) and Northern Iowa 16th (29.0). Northern Colorado (26.0), North Dakota State (25.5), West Virginia (8.0), Oklahoma (6.0), Utah Valley (6.0), and Wyoming (2.0) finished behind the Falcons. California Baptist had no tournament qualifiers.
WHEN IT'S ALL SAID AND DONE
Tucker Owens, 125
Tucker Owens checked another box with his first NCAA Tournament win over (32) Tanner Jordan (SDSU), 2-1. In the following round he met with three-time national champ (1) Spencer Lee (Iowa) where he lost by fall. In the first service academy rivalry match of his young career, Owens let it fly and knocked off Army rival (17) Ethan Berginc, 9-7. In the match against (15) Ungar (COR), Owens was gritty to the end but ultimately fell via pin. Owens brings a stellar freshman season to a close with an NCAA qualification, a Big 12 podium, and 26 wins to his credit.
(33) Tucker Owens (AF) over (32) Tanner Jordan (SDSU), 2-1 dec
(1) Spencer Lee (IOWA) over (33) Tucker Owens (AF), fall (0:36)
(33) Tucker Owens (AF) over (17) Ethan Berginc (ARMY), 9-7 dec
(15) Bret Ungar (COR) over (33) Tucker Owens (AF), Fall (5:52)
133: Cody Phippen
IN his first match of the tournament, Cody Phippen let it fly with slick reversal that led to a pin to knock off three-time NCAA qualifier (11) Dylan Ragusin (MICH) at the 2:02 mark. Phippen met with returning All-American (6) Sam Latona of Virginia Tech. The Hokie narrowly escaped Phippen with a 2-1 decision win—a promising showing for the Falcon wrestler. In the session three consis, Phippen shocked the BOK yet again as he stuck two-time retuning All-American (12) Chris Cannon of Northwestern to the mat for his second pin against a higher seed in the tournament. Phippen steamed ahead to meet (14) Zach Redding of Iowa State. Phippen was commanding in the regulation periods, narrowly missing near-fall points for a sure victory. Moments into SV-1, Redding snuck past Phippen to seal the deal. Phippen's exceptional run came to an end, bringing a special Air Force career to a close with an NCAA qualification, three Big 12 podiums, and 50 career wins. Phippen flies off into the Wild Blue Yonder where he will serve as a pilot after graduation.
(22) Cody Phippen (AF) over (11) Dylan Ragusin (MICH), fall (2:02)
(6) Sam Latona (VT) over (22) Cody Phippen (AF), 2-1 dec
(22) Cody Phippen over (12) Chris Cannon (NW), Fall (3:48)
(14) Zach Redding (ISU) over (22) Cody Phippen (AF), 5-3 SV-1 dec
Dylan Martinez, 149
Dylan Martinez took (3) Kyle Parco of Arizona State in his opening bout, dropping the contest by major decision. In the second session, Martinez was first to battle in the consolation bracket, dropping a tight match to (32) Isaiah Delgado (UVU), 5-2. Martinez concludes his time at Air Force with two Big 12 podiums and 55 career wins. He will serve as a Civil Engineering officer upon graduation.
(3) Kyle Parco (ASU) over (30) Dylan Martinez (AF), 18-6 MD
(32) Isaiah Delgado (UVU) over (30) Dylan Martinez (AF), 5-2 dec
Sam Wolf, 174
Sam Wolf took on (17) Donnel Washington of Indiana in his opening bout. Despite nagging injury, Wolf left it all on the mat but ultimately fell to the Hoosier. Wolf met with (33) John Worthing in the consolation bracket. Fighting through the persistent injury, Wolf refused to back down. At the final whistle, Wolf was unable to turn on a scoring offense, falling to Worthing, 12-1. Wolf concludes his 2022-23 campaign with an impressive 14-4 overall record and a perfect 5-0 mark in Big 12 dual action.
(17) Donnel Washington (IND) over (16) Sam Wolf (AF), 17-2 TF
(33) John Worthing (CLAR) over (16) Sam Wolf (33), 12-1 MD
WHAT'S NEXT
Falcon wrestling will bring the season to an official close at the annual awards banquet on Friday, April 14, at the Blue and Silver Club at Falcon Stadium. The ceremony will commence at 5 p.m. Friends and family are encouraged to attend, please RSVP with coach Joe Johnston.
QUICK HITS
Best team finish in program history
28.5 – Tied for 18th (OK State), overtaking the talented 2002 Air Force team (22.5) that boasts a program best three All-Americans
Finished tied for 5th in the Big 12 out of 12 conference teams in attendance.
Finished ahead of Navy (T-50th, 2.5) and Army (T-56th, 0.5)
Wyatt Hendrickson – All-American, third-place finish
-Most Falls (16, season)
- Gorriaran Award (3, most NCAA tournament pins)
-Most Div. I Dominant Wrestler
All-Americans pinned (3 pinned, 8 Accolades)
Falcons pinned three All-Americans boasting a total of eight All-American accolades.
Lucas Davison (Northwestern, two-time AA)
Tony Cassioppi (Iowa, four-time AA)
Chris Cannon (Northwestern, two-time AA)
Pins against Top-20 B1G Wrestlers (total time 14:02; Avg 3:05; fastest 2:02)
Air Force pinned four B1G wrestlers in a total time of 14:02, averaging 3:05 per pin with a fastest pin coming by way of Cody Phippen against three-time NCAA qualifier Dylan Ragusin of Michigan (2:02).
(2) Wyatt Hendrickson (AF) over (9) Lucas Davison (NW) fall, (3:56)
(2) Wyatt Hendrickson (AF) over (4) Tony Cassioppi (IOWA) fall, (4:16)
(22) Cody Phippen (AF) over (11) Dylan Ragusin (MICH), fall (2:02)
(22) Cody Phippen over (12) Chris Cannon (NW), Fall (3:48)
All-Americans beat (10 accolades)
Falcons beat four All-Americans with 10 total AA accolades on the event.
Lucas Davison (Northwestern, two-time AA)
Tony Cassioppi (Iowa, four-time AA)
Chris Cannon (Northwestern, two-time AA)
Zach Elam (Missouri, two-time AA)
THE AFTER-ACTION REPORT
In the consolation semifinals and his first match of the day, Hendrickson met with returning two-time All-American (9) Lucas Davison of Northwestern. Hendrickson was the first to attack with a takedown 50 seconds into the match, but Davison escaped 30 seconds later— it was the last time he was standing up on the mat. Davison took bottom in the next period where Hendrickson rode tough and caught him in a cradle. Hendrickson finished for the pin at the 3:56 mark for his 16th fall of the season, continuing to build his case for the NCAA's Most Dominant Wrestler Award.
In the third-place match, Hendrickson met with four-time All-American (4) Tony Cassioppi of Iowa. Hendrickson continued to push his pace, scoring the fifth-straight first takedown in as many tries at the tournament. Following a Cassioppi escape, Hendrickson followed up with another takedown with a two-point near fall; however, an Iowa brick and challenge suggested there was not enough time to count the points. Hendrickson started the second period on top with a 4-2 lead. Cassioppi put Falcon fans on alert as he reversed Hendrickson's hold and put him in a dangerous position—Hendrickson, the athlete, leveraged the momentum for his own reversal, sticking the four-time All-American to the mat to secure the third-place finish.
(2) Wyatt Hendrickson (AF) over (31) Trevor Tinker (POLY), fall (1:54)
(2) Wyatt Hendrickson (EAF) over (15) Grady Griess (NAVY), 14-1 MD
(2) Wyatt Hendrickson (10) over Zach Elam (MIZZ), 17-8, MD
(3) Greg Kerkvliet (PSU) over Wyatt Hendrickson (AF), 4-2 dec
(2) Wyatt Hendrickson (AF) over (9) Lucas Davison (NW) fall, (3:56)
(2) Wyatt Hendrickson (AF) over (4) Tony Cassioppi (IOWA) fall, (4:16)
WELCOME TO THE CLUB
Hendrickson's major decision over Zach Elam in the quarter finals match guaranteed his All-America status, marking the first All-American for Air Force since 2003. Hendrickson becomes the ninth all-time Air Force All-American for the program's 12th All-American accolade.
FOR THOSE WHO SERVE
Air Force finalized the tournament ahead service academy rivals Army and Navy in the team race. Navy is tied for 50th with two points while Army is tied at 56th with a half point. Air Force went 2-0 in service academy on the tournament.
TEAM SCORES
1 Penn State 137.5
2 Iowa 82.5
3 Cornell 76.5
4 Ohio State 70.5
5 Missouri 64.5
6 Michigan 58.5
7 Arizona State 55.0
8 Nebraska 54.0
9 Virginia Tech 49.0
10 NC State 48.0
11 Iowa State 47.0
12 North Carolina 42.0
13 Princeton 37.5
14 South Dakota State 37.0
15 Minnesota 30.5
16 Northern Iowa 29.0
16 Wisconsin 29.0
18 Air Force 28.5
18 Oklahoma State 28.5
20 Lehigh 28.0
20 Purdue 28.0
22 Pittsburgh 27.0
23 Northern Colorado 26.0
24 North Dakota State 25.5
25 Northwestern 24.5
A LOOK AT THE BIG 12
Of the 12 Big 12 teams in attendance, the Falcons finished tied with Oklahoma State for the fifth-best team in the league. Missouri finished fifth (64.5), Iowa State 11th (47.0), South Dakota State 14th (37.0) and Northern Iowa 16th (29.0). Northern Colorado (26.0), North Dakota State (25.5), West Virginia (8.0), Oklahoma (6.0), Utah Valley (6.0), and Wyoming (2.0) finished behind the Falcons. California Baptist had no tournament qualifiers.
WHEN IT'S ALL SAID AND DONE
Tucker Owens, 125
Tucker Owens checked another box with his first NCAA Tournament win over (32) Tanner Jordan (SDSU), 2-1. In the following round he met with three-time national champ (1) Spencer Lee (Iowa) where he lost by fall. In the first service academy rivalry match of his young career, Owens let it fly and knocked off Army rival (17) Ethan Berginc, 9-7. In the match against (15) Ungar (COR), Owens was gritty to the end but ultimately fell via pin. Owens brings a stellar freshman season to a close with an NCAA qualification, a Big 12 podium, and 26 wins to his credit.
(33) Tucker Owens (AF) over (32) Tanner Jordan (SDSU), 2-1 dec
(1) Spencer Lee (IOWA) over (33) Tucker Owens (AF), fall (0:36)
(33) Tucker Owens (AF) over (17) Ethan Berginc (ARMY), 9-7 dec
(15) Bret Ungar (COR) over (33) Tucker Owens (AF), Fall (5:52)
133: Cody Phippen
IN his first match of the tournament, Cody Phippen let it fly with slick reversal that led to a pin to knock off three-time NCAA qualifier (11) Dylan Ragusin (MICH) at the 2:02 mark. Phippen met with returning All-American (6) Sam Latona of Virginia Tech. The Hokie narrowly escaped Phippen with a 2-1 decision win—a promising showing for the Falcon wrestler. In the session three consis, Phippen shocked the BOK yet again as he stuck two-time retuning All-American (12) Chris Cannon of Northwestern to the mat for his second pin against a higher seed in the tournament. Phippen steamed ahead to meet (14) Zach Redding of Iowa State. Phippen was commanding in the regulation periods, narrowly missing near-fall points for a sure victory. Moments into SV-1, Redding snuck past Phippen to seal the deal. Phippen's exceptional run came to an end, bringing a special Air Force career to a close with an NCAA qualification, three Big 12 podiums, and 50 career wins. Phippen flies off into the Wild Blue Yonder where he will serve as a pilot after graduation.
(22) Cody Phippen (AF) over (11) Dylan Ragusin (MICH), fall (2:02)
(6) Sam Latona (VT) over (22) Cody Phippen (AF), 2-1 dec
(22) Cody Phippen over (12) Chris Cannon (NW), Fall (3:48)
(14) Zach Redding (ISU) over (22) Cody Phippen (AF), 5-3 SV-1 dec
Dylan Martinez, 149
Dylan Martinez took (3) Kyle Parco of Arizona State in his opening bout, dropping the contest by major decision. In the second session, Martinez was first to battle in the consolation bracket, dropping a tight match to (32) Isaiah Delgado (UVU), 5-2. Martinez concludes his time at Air Force with two Big 12 podiums and 55 career wins. He will serve as a Civil Engineering officer upon graduation.
(3) Kyle Parco (ASU) over (30) Dylan Martinez (AF), 18-6 MD
(32) Isaiah Delgado (UVU) over (30) Dylan Martinez (AF), 5-2 dec
Sam Wolf, 174
Sam Wolf took on (17) Donnel Washington of Indiana in his opening bout. Despite nagging injury, Wolf left it all on the mat but ultimately fell to the Hoosier. Wolf met with (33) John Worthing in the consolation bracket. Fighting through the persistent injury, Wolf refused to back down. At the final whistle, Wolf was unable to turn on a scoring offense, falling to Worthing, 12-1. Wolf concludes his 2022-23 campaign with an impressive 14-4 overall record and a perfect 5-0 mark in Big 12 dual action.
(17) Donnel Washington (IND) over (16) Sam Wolf (AF), 17-2 TF
(33) John Worthing (CLAR) over (16) Sam Wolf (33), 12-1 MD
WHAT'S NEXT
Falcon wrestling will bring the season to an official close at the annual awards banquet on Friday, April 14, at the Blue and Silver Club at Falcon Stadium. The ceremony will commence at 5 p.m. Friends and family are encouraged to attend, please RSVP with coach Joe Johnston.
Players Mentioned
HWT
/ Wrestling
149
/ Wrestling
/ Wrestling
125/133
/ Wrestling
174
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