Hokie Nation Shines: Virginia Tech Wrestling’s Powerhouse Performance at the 2025 NCAA Championships
Virginia Tech Wrestling made a powerful statement at the 2025 NCAA National Championships in Philadelphia, with a remarkable performance that solidified Hokie Nation’s status as a dominant force in collegiate wrestling. With nine grapplers, the most in program history, competing at the prestigious event, the Hokies were poised to build on the momentum of their recent victory at the ACC team championship, their first since 2018. After an impressive season, including four individual ACC titles, the team was hungry to improve on their 7th place finish from the previous year’s championship in Kansas City.
The excitement built over three thrilling days of competition, culminating in a captivating finals showdown at the Wells Fargo Center this past Saturday. As the tournament progressed, it became clear that Virginia Tech’s wrestling program was a true powerhouse, with several athletes delivering unforgettable performances.
One of the standout performances came from Eddie Ventresca. The 125-pounder battled his way through a tough bracket, earning a 5th place finish and securing All-America honors for the second time in his career. Ventresca’s resilience and skill were on full display, solidifying his place as one of the top wrestlers in the nation.
Another Hokie who made waves was Caleb Henson, who continued his incredible journey in the 149-pound bracket. Henson, who remained undefeated throughout the tournament, made it to the finals for the second consecutive season—an incredible feat that made him the first Hokie in history to achieve such a milestone. In a nail-biting final match against Nebraska’s Ridge Lovett, Henson fought hard but came up just short of claiming his second national title. Despite a controversial call where a takedown was wiped off the board by the officials, Henson’s determination and skill earned him All-American honors for the third time.
The Hokies’ exceptional showing at the NCAA Championships reflects not only the individual talent of their athletes but also the strength and cohesion of the team as a whole. Head coach Tony Robie’s squad continues to build on its success, creating a legacy of excellence in the world of college wrestling. As the Hokie Nation celebrates these remarkable achievements, the future looks incredibly bright for Virginia Tech Wrestling.