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A Hero’s Welcome in Philadelphia
President Donald Trump stepped into the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on March 22 for the NCAA wrestling championship and was met with thunderous applause and chants of 'USA! USA!' from the crowd. A video posted to X by the White House Rapid Response account captured the moment, showing Trump waving and shaking hands as the arena roared. This marked his second NCAA wrestling championship visit in three years, following a 2023 appearance in Tulsa. His arrival underscored a deep connection with sports fans, a bond he’s nurtured through frequent event appearances.
Wrestling Stars Embrace the Spotlight
The anticipation built days before when Penn State’s Carter Starocci and Minnesota’s Gable Steveson said they were eager for Trump’s presence. Starocci, a 184-pound standout aiming to be the first five-time NCAA champion, recalled Trump’s 2023 visit as 'really cool,' noting his love for combat sports. Steveson, an Olympic and collegiate heavyweight legend, called it 'great' for wrestling. Their excitement proved warranted as Trump watched Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Hendrickson upset Steveson 5-4, a victory Hendrickson capped by saluting the president.
A Night of Upsets and Honors
Hendrickson’s win, dubbed the 'biggest upset in NCAA wrestling history', stole the show. A second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, he draped an American flag over his shoulders and shook Trump’s hand, later telling reporters Trump said he was 'very proud' of him, per The Oklahoman. The crowd’s energy peaked as Trump stood near the mat, congratulating winners, including Hendrickson, dubbed 'Captain America' by an announcer. Trump pumped his fists amid the 'U-S-A!' chants, a scene reflecting his knack for commanding attention.
A Sports-Focused Presidency
Trump’s Philadelphia trip fits a pattern. He’s hit the Daytona 500 in February, the Army-Navy game in December 2024, and UFC 309 post-election. He rode 'The Beast' for a Daytona lap and attended WrestleMania events in the 1980s. Accompanied by Elon Musk, Senator Dave McCormick, and Representative Jim Jordan, his NCAA visit blended sport with politics. The NCAA’s recent ban on transgender women in women’s sports, aligning with Trump’s policy, added context, though he focused on the matches, not the rule.
Beyond the Arena
The president left to cheers, shaking hands as he exited. His sports outings contrast with limited policy travel early in his term—he spent the prior night at his Bedminster club, 70 miles away. Wrestling’s gritty ethos resonates with his image, a link reinforced when he invited the 2024 Penn State champs onstage during his campaign.
A Boost for Wrestling’s Profile
The NCAA event, co-hosted by Penn, Drexel, and PHL Sports, ran March 20-22, with finals drawing national eyes. Trump’s presence amplified this. Starocci said it’s 'good for our sport,' a view echoed by Hendrickson’s post-win salute. A 2023 GAO report notes collegiate sports generate $1.1 billion annually, and Trump’s attendance—backed by wrestling icons—lifts its cultural cachet. As he told reporters outside the White House, 'I’ve always supported the wrestlers,' a commitment clear in Philadelphia’s electric response.