By Kyle Klingman, W.I.N. Writer

Henry Cejudo, two years removed from graduating from high school, did not win an NCAA title this year. But in his mind, he did something far greater at an even-higher level.

            Following a prep career that included four state titles — two in Colorado and two in Arizona — Cejudo was named ASICS National Wrestler of the year in 2006. But instead of attending college, Cejudo, who at the time was 19 years old, opted to train full-time at the Olympic Training Center. He won a Senior U.S. Open title shortly after winning his fourth state title.

            Now, at the age of 21, Cejudo validated his decision to train at the Olympic Training Center by becoming this year’s freestyle Olympian at 121 pounds.

            “This is my NCAA title,” said Cejudo. “My dream is to be a World and Olympic champ and I’m halfway there.”

            Because he was pinned by Matt Azevedo in the finals of this year’s U.S. Open, Cejudo had to work his way through the Challenge tournament to make the Olympic team. After victories over Grant Nakamura and Danny Felix, Cejudo faced in the finals someone who took the traditional path to wrestling stardom: Stephen Abas.

            Abas — a three-time NCAA champion at Fresno State who was named one of college wrestling’s 15 greatest wrestlers in 2005 — was an Olympic silver medalist in 2004. Following an attempt to make the World Team in 2005 at 132 pounds, Abas had not competed in the previous two seasons due to injuries.

            When the two met in the best-of-three finals, it was as though the future was wrestling the past. Both wrestle with quick, aggressive styles that provide fast-paced matches.

            Cejudo opened with an impressive 3-2, 4-0 win over Abas in the first match, but lacked some offense in his 2-0, 6-3 loss to Abas in the second.

            “In Match 2, I really just wanted to make him wrestle,” said Cejudo. “Wear him out. That first match I could just see his head bobbing and swirling. The third match I was a lot smarter.”

            The third and deciding bout proved to be Cejudo’s most dominant. After dropping the first period 1-0, Cejudo was in on Abas’ legs the remainder of match. Cejudo won the remaining two periods 3-0, 3-0 following several lengthy injury timeouts by Abas throughout the match.

            “Henry wrestled well,” said Abas. “He’s very offensive. He’s good. He’s the future.”

            And for Cejudo the victory over Abas made making this year’s Olympic Team special.

            “I beat a great competitor,” said Cejudo. “He’s one of the guys I kind of looked up to growing up. Now that I beat him, it’s like ‘golly’ I feel powerful.”

            Following the third and deciding match it was the past who took the time to recognize the future. Abas — who wrestled in his last competitive match before leaving his shoes at the center of the mat — raised Cejudo’s hand in victory.

            “It meant a lot to me,” said Cejudo. “It’s like he passed the torch. He’s done his part and now he’s passing the torch and he wants to send me off.”