Oklahoma State University Athletics
Johny Hendricks Takes His Show to the NCAA Tournament
March 10, 2006 | Cowboy Wrestling
“I just get on the mat and it's one-on-one, it's right here right now.”
A declaration like this from Johny Hendricks should not come as a surprise to Cowboy wrestling fans. This 165-pound junior has become famous for treating his fans to a show when he is on the mat. Determination and a ferocious attitude have led Hendricks to a 24-1 record for the second-ranked Pokes.
Hendricks started this year the way he ended his NCAA title-winning season last year, by dominating. He reeled off seven consecutive victories to start the season before stumbling to seventh-ranked Joey Bracamonte (Oregon). Hendricks, not fazed by the loss, stated, “I've really never thought about that, I just think about going and doing what I need to do at that particular time.”
This is clearly a man focused on the present, but a journey to his past may yield another championship trophy for the Cowboys.
Hendricks attended Edmond Memorial High School, which lies fifteen miles north of Oklahoma City, where this year's NCAA championships will be held. Because of the proximity, much of Hendricks' family will be in attendance this year as he wrestles.
The prospect of a pro-Johny crowd excites the reigning Big 12 champ. “Usually the fans are against me, it will be nice to have some fans with me. We always have our OSU fans, they're awesome, and I'll have a lot more family members and friends coming.”
Despite his wonderful season Johny remains ranked No. 2 in the nation behind Ryan Churella (Michigan), whom Hendricks defeated in the semifinals last year. Hendricks, who is not overtly concerned with a single opponent, said, “I don't know if he's going to be my toughest competition because so many things happen in the NCAAs...one person could step up and knock you off.”
Instead, he remains concerned with the task at hand. “The first person I wrestle is my threat and it's going to carry on through each session like that. Whoever they throw at me I have to wrestle them either way so you might as well throw them all in there.”
The rest of the nation is looking to keep the Pokes from winning their fourth straight national championship. However, a gritty group of Cowboy wrestlers are determined to keep their streak alive. Hendricks said this attitude is obvious to those close to the team.
“If you're in here watching practice, you would be able to see that our No. 1 focus is bringing that team title home.”
Despite having a fourth straight title within their grasp, Hendricks said some days are tougher than others for the Cowboys. “It's hard to get jogging around... it's definitely that first five-minute jog, once you get past that it's all easy sailing from there.”
Johny Hendricks takes his great record and upbeat attitude to the Ford Center next weekend seeking to defend his NCAA crown in the 165-pound weight class. Something tells me that his regular season “show” was just a warm-up to the main event, winning his second NCAA championship and hanging another team banner in Gallagher-Iba Arena.
