COLLEGE WRESTLING: We LOVETT! ... Former Post Falls High star claims NCAA title in dramatic fashion

PHILADELPHIA — When things get tough, that’s when you find out how good you can be.

On Saturday night, with the nation watching, Nebraska’s Ridge Lovett was great.

Lovett, a fifth-year senior from Post Falls High, held off defending NCAA champion Caleb Henson of Virginia Tech 1-0 to win the 149-pound national championship at the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday.

Henson was credited with a three-point takedown late in the second period, but it was reversed by video replay following a challenge by Nebraska coaches. Lovett scored an escape midway through the third period for the only point of the match.

“I was prepared for that,” Lovett said. “That wasn’t anything different for me. It’s been the same way throughout the entire tournament. I know we’re going to our feet. I know they’re not going to go down. I’d prefer if we went down and it made things a little more exciting for me. The most stressful moments, that’s when you build character. 

"This last week, my trainer (Tyler Weeda) asked if I wanted to come in and get a mental toughness workout. We went in and he put me through it. He kept telling me that nobody could beat me. If you wrestle the way you wrestle, you will be a national champion and have your name on the wall forever. And, you know, being able to attack those moments and not let those moments get too big and letting the crowd drown out of it.”  

As officials were reviewing the takedown, Lovett began to prepare for a frantic final period.

“When they were looking at it, I saw a bunch of Penn State fans throwing up 3s,” Lovett said. “And I thought, maybe I’ll give up a takedown here, but nothing is going to change. I’m going to get out, go get a takedown and no surprises. I knew he was going to be dipping, dodging and weaving, and it was the same thing in Vegas. He’s hard to get a hold of. He’s strong, tough and quick and you’ve got to find a way to get your hand raised.”

Lovett spent the final seconds on Henson’s back to hold on for the win.

“I was just thinking I needed to hold on like hell,” Lovett said immediately following the match. “I was fortunate with that call and I didn’t have to go get one.” 

Lovett became the first champion at Nebraska since 2011, when Jordan Burroughs won at 165 pounds. Nebraska’s Antrell Taylor, one of three Cornhuskers in the finals, won in the next final at 157 pounds.

“I want to give a big thank you to my mom, dad, sister, girlfriend and club coaches — Abel De La Rosa — his sons are here; Alius, A.J., Mathias, my boy Kaz (Coleton Kazmierczak), his dad Henry for getting me to those tournaments when I was little," Lovett said. "Thanks to my high school coaches Pete Reardon, Jeremy Zender, Luke Roberts, Dave Herndon, everyone that contributed what I’ve been able to accomplish through my folkstyle career, high school, and the guys that gave up summers to train for worlds. Wrestling is an individual sport, but I had a fantastic team around me. Great family, fans and teammates. To the University of Nebraska, coach (Mark) Manning took me in. I went out to Lincoln two days after I graduated high school and he greeted me with open arms. I’m extremely grateful and blessed.” 

Lovett is the sixth national champion to be coached by Manning, in his 28th season with the Cornhuskers. 

“It’s a family,” Lovett said. “The coaches mean so much to me. They’ve done so much for me. I see all the negative comments online, but I’ve never been to a practice where it seems that Manning doesn’t want to be there. He’s always bringing the energy and practice plan.” 

Lovett lost 1-0 to Henson in the semifinals of the 2024 NCAAs, and finished sixth. He went 1-2 in his first trip to the NCAAs in 2021, and did not place. He was runner-up in 2022. He redshirted in 2022-23. His first season at Nebraska, 2019-20, the season was canceled before the NCAAs due to COVID-19.

“With wrestling, a lot of people think there’s some animosity there,” Lovett said. “Caleb’s a great kid. Last year, when we were getting ready to go on the podium I was right next to him and we were just chit-chatting. He’s a kid just like me with similar goals and interests. There’s respect that comes with that. I know for a fact he wants it as bad as I do. I was just fortunate to come out on top this time. I want to see him do well, and we’re going to push each other to get better. All respect to Henson, he’s a great competitor. It was an honor to share the mat with him four times.” 

Nebraska finished second with 117 points, the most scored by the program. Penn State won the national title with 177.

“It’s awesome,” Lovett said. “Just seeing my teammates being so happy for me. I know how hard they work every day and they want to accomplish these goals. To see how happy they are for me, it’s so awesome. To see all the guys in Lincoln, and Post Falls. I had an entire state behind me, it’s so awesome to accomplish this goal. Having my guys behind me the entire way the entire way.”
Lovett went 169-0 during his career at Post Falls High, becoming the second at the school to win four state titles.

“Shoutout to Post Falls High, 2025 state champions,” Lovett said. “They created another division this year (moving Post Falls from 5A to 6A), so we had to go get that scoring record too.” 

    MATT ROURKE/Associated Press Virginia Tech's Caleb Henson, right, takes on Nebraska's Ridge Lovett in their 149-pound match in the finals at the NCAA championship on Saturday in Philadelphia. Lovett, the former Post Falls High star, beat defending champion Henson 1-0 for his first national championship.
  

    MATT ROURKE/Associated Press Virginia Tech's Caleb Henson, back, takes on Nebraska's Ridge Lovett in their 149-pound match in the finals at the NCAA championship on Saturday in Philadelphia.