COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State wrestler Sammy Sasso is ready to get back on the mat.
The two-time Big Ten wrestling champion returned to the mat on Thursday evening, more than a year after he was shot near Ohio State's campus.
Police said a call came in around 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 18, 2023, for a shooting in the 1300 block of North High Street near the University District.
Sasso was found in an alley near campus and taken to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in serious condition.
According to the incident report, two witnesses told officers that Sasso stopped his vehicle and was approached by two suspects. One of the suspects pulled out a gun and demanded Sasso's vehicle.
Sasso was shot before both suspects drove off in his vehicle, according to the witnesses.
Later that month, Columbus police arrested 15-year-old Casia Mayfield and 16-year-old Elijah Lee.
After the shooting, Sasso went through multiple surgeries and spent 41 days in the hospital.
"I got out of surgery and I was all smiles. I was happy to be alive," Sasso said.
Once he was released from the hospital, it was months of physical therapy and wondering if he would ever take the mat again.
"I probably thought there was less than a 2% chance that he would be able to compete again," said Ohio State wrestling coach Tom Ryan.
"Wrestling is obviously a huge part of my life. I never thought that this was the end of my career," Sasso said.
Now 454 days later, Sasso made his big return.
"I've put so much time and effort into this sport. I'm ready to go get my hands on somebody," Sasso said.
In Thursday's match, the Buckeyes secured a victory over the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Sasso won his match 12-6 in his return to action.
Sasso last competed at the 2023 NCAA Championships where he finished second at 149. He will compete this year at 165.